Magnetic Sensor Coil Orientation for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic measuring apparatuses, such as magnetoencephalography systems, face challenges in accurately determining the position of a marker coil due to magnetic field noise from insulated interconnects, which limits the accuracy of estimating the coil's position relative to the magnetic sensor.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic measuring apparatus configuration featuring a coil with conductors coated in insulating material, where the current vector is parallel to the magnetic detection sensitivity direction of the sensor, reducing external magnetic field noise and enhancing position estimation accuracy by using a computing device to solve the inverse problem of the magnetic field waveform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two insulated interconnects are used to supply current to the marker coil, then the magnetic field generation from interconnects is reduced, but the magnetic sensor may still sense the magnetic field from interconnects when distances differ, limiting error reduction effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the current supply function from the traditional interconnect configuration and relocates it to a conductor integrated within the coil structure itself. The coil is designed with a conductor that serves dual purposes: as the magnetic field generating element and as the current supply path, thereby eliminating the need for separate insulated interconnects that generate harmful magnetic noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the current supply conductor with the coil structure, making them an integrated single component. The conductor is wound together with the coil turns, so that the current path is embedded within the magnetic field generating structure, eliminating the separation between power delivery and field generation that causes interference.
2Ease of operation
If conventional marker coil configuration with separate interconnects is used, then current can be supplied to the coil, but magnetic field noise from interconnects interferes with magnetic sensor measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate interconnect components that generate harmful magnetic noise and extracts their current supply function into the coil's own conductor structure. This eliminates the source of interference while preserving the current delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful magnetic field generation from interconnects into a beneficial configuration where the current path itself becomes part of the magnetic field generating structure. The conductor that once caused noise is now integrated into the coil, so its current flow contributes to the desired magnetic field rather than creating interference.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration significantly reduces the estimated error of the coil's position, allowing for more accurate biomagnetic field measurements and neural activity assessment by minimizing noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor having a magnetic detection sensitivity in a particular direction... to detect a magnetic field generated when a current flows through the coil
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic measuring apparatus includes at least one magnetic sensor, a coil, a driving circuit configured to supply a current to the coil, a conductor electrically connecting the coil and the driving circuit, and a computing device which estimates relative positions of the magnetic sensor and the coil based on a magnetic field generated by the current supplied to the coil and detected by the magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor has a magnetic detection sensitivity in a particular direction, and the particular direction of the magnetic sensor and a current vector of the current flowing through the conductor are parallel.