Magnetic Sensor Layout for Precise Position Sensing Under Mechanical Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic sensor systems face challenges in accurately determining the position or orientation of a movable object relative to a magnetic source while balancing requirements such as simplicity, robustness, cost, and resistance to external disturbances, often necessitating trade-offs between conflicting performance criteria.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor system comprising a magnetic source with a through-opening and a magnetic sensor located at a fixed position, configured to provide signals indicative of the object's presence, position, or orientation, using a processing circuit to determine values like axial distance, lateral displacement, and rotation angle, with reduced sensitivity to temperature and external magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor device is placed close to the magnetic source for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the risk of mechanical damage to the sensor device increases
Solution Approach 1:
A non-magnetic spacer or housing structure is introduced as an intermediary between the magnetic source and the sensor device. This intermediary maintains a safe mechanical distance while allowing the magnetic field to pass through, thus protecting the sensor from mechanical damage while preserving measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct contact or close proximity arrangement to a spatially separated configuration where the magnetic source, sensor device, and movable object are arranged in specific three-dimensional positions. This dimensional arrangement allows accurate measurement without mechanical stress on the sensor.
2Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic sensors are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding more sensors, the system improves measurement precision by optimizing the magnetic field parameters and the spatial arrangement of the single sensor. The processing circuit analyzes the magnetic field characteristics at different positions and orientations to achieve accurate determination of the movable object's state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a multi-sensor mechanical arrangement with a single sensor combined with sophisticated signal processing. The processing circuit performs computational analysis to extract position and orientation information, substituting hardware complexity with software/intelligence-based solutions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor device is positioned to measure over a large range, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the processing circuit's analysis based on the detected position of the movable object. As the object moves across different ranges, the processing algorithm adapts to maintain measurement precision by selecting appropriate reference points and calculation methods for each positional regime.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensor system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various measurement ranges and object positions using a single sensor configuration. The processing circuit implements universal algorithms that can determine position and orientation accuracy across the entire measurement range, making the system adaptable without sacrificing precision.
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
The system provides a compact, robust, and convenient method for measuring movements of a movable object with reduced mechanical stress on the sensor device, using simple arithmetic and a low number of sensors, while maintaining accuracy and resilience to external disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic sensor located at a fixed (e.g. predefined) position and/or a fixed orientation relative to the magnetic source, and configured for providing a sensor signal
Implementation Method 2
an object (also referred to as 'target') capable of influencing a magnetic field generated by the magnetic source, the object being movable relative to the magnetic source
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 2A~3
AI summary
A sensor system (100) comprising: a magnetic source with a through-opening; a magnetic sensor located at a fixed position relative to the magnetic source; an object capable of influencing a magnetic field generated by the magnetic source, the object being movable relative to the magnetic source and being located completely outside of the through-opening; a processing circuit configured for providing a signal indicative of a presence, a position or an orientation of the movable object, or a value derived therefrom; wherein a smallest distance (sd1) between the movable object and the magnetic source is smaller than a smallest distance (sd2) between the movable object and the magnetic sensor, or wherein the magnetic source is located between the magnetic sensor and the movable object. A method (1700) of determining a position of a movable object. A sensor module (140; 141). A sensor device (1820; 1920). A sensor assembly.