Magnetic Field Sensor Phase Detection for Boundary Crossing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for detecting when an object crosses a boundary marked by a magnetic field are inefficient, particularly in scenarios where a DC component or specific signal forms are required, limiting their applicability and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing two magnetic field sensors with different main sensitivity directions to detect phase relationships between magnetic field components, allowing for reliable detection of boundary crossings without the need for a DC component or specific signal forms, and incorporating a reference signal generator and rotation detector to enhance accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a DC component or specific signal form is used to detect boundary crossings, then the detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and signal generation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidsignal generation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from signal amplitude or presence to phase relationship between two magnetic field components. By using phase difference detection instead of relying on DC components or specific signal forms, the system achieves reliable boundary crossing detection without complex signal generation requirements. The phase relationship provides a robust indicator that remains effective across various signal types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device using two magnetic field sensors with different sensitivity directions can detect boundary crossings across multiple signal types (modulated, unmodulated, symmetrical, asymmetrical carriers) without requiring specific signal generation equipment. This universal detection approach eliminates the need for DC components or specialized signal forms while maintaining detection reliability across different magnetic field generation methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple magnetic field sensors with different sensitivity directions are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase relationship detection precisionVSAvoidsensor configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a second dimension of detection by using two magnetic field sensors with different main sensitivity directions. This dimensional approach allows the system to measure the phase relationship between orthogonal magnetic field components, providing precise boundary crossing detection. The additional sensor dimension enables phase-based detection without requiring complex signal processing or multiple sensors in the same direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetry in sensor orientation rather than symmetry in signal form. By configuring sensors with different sensitivity directions (orthogonal or at different angles), the system achieves precise phase relationship measurement. This asymmetric sensor arrangement provides robust detection capability while maintaining simple signal generation requirements, avoiding the need for symmetrical signal forms or complex sensor arrays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Adaptability or versatility

If a second buried line or mobile device is used to deactivate the wheel lock, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity and operational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeactivation method versatilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device can identify boundary crossings and trigger wheel lock deactivation across multiple scenarios (single buried line, second buried line, or mobile device) using the same phase relationship detection mechanism. This universal detection approach maintains system versatility while avoiding the need for complex additional equipment or configuration changes in each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The phase relationship detection system automatically identifies boundary crossings and can autonomously trigger wheel lock deactivation without requiring additional buried lines or mobile devices. The system serves itself by using the same detection mechanism for both boundary identification and deactivation triggering, eliminating the need for separate deactivation infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables precise and cost-effective detection of boundary crossings with low interference, allowing for automatic recognition of entering and leaving a marked area, and reduces the complexity of generating the magnetic field, making it suitable for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a first magnetic field sensor (110), which is designed to detect a first magnetic field component of an alternating magnetic field in order to supply an associated magnetic field sensor signal (112)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a second magnetic field sensor (120), which is designed to detect a second magnetic field component of the alternating magnetic field in order to supply an associated magnetic field sensor signal (122)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

an evaluator (130), which is designed, in response to a change in a phase relationship between the magnetic field sensor signal (112) supplied by the first magnetic field sensor (110) and a reference signal (132), to provide information (134)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase relationship detection:

Implementation Method 4

detecting when an object or a person crosses a boundary marked by an alternating magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlternating magnetic field generation: Alternating Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP2212869B1Device, method, computer programme and system for recognising when an object or a person crosses a threshold that is marked by a magnetic field
Publication Date: 2015.01.14 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP2212869B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2212869B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2212869B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for recognising when an object or a person crosses a threshold that is marked by a magnetic field, comprising a first magnetic field sensor that is designed to detect a first magnetic field component of the magnetic alternating field and to deliver an associated magnetic field sensor signal. The device comprises a second magnetic field sensor that is designed to detect a second magnetic field component of the alternating magnetic field. The device also comprises an evaluator that is designed to deliver information in response to a change in a phase relationship between the magnetic field sensor signal delivered by the first magnetic field sensor and a reference signal based on the detection of the second magnetic field component by the second magnetic field sensor, said information indicating that the object or person has crossed the marked threshold.