Magnetic Position Sensors Using Field Component Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic position sensors lack the capability to sense position in multiple dimensions, are inaccurate, and require complex mathematical calculations, making them difficult to implement with limited silicon area.
Innovation Solution
A position sensing system comprising a magnetic field source and a sensor module that determines the position of the magnetic field source relative to the sensor module using a nonlinear function of the ratio of magnetic field components, allowing for accurate multi-dimensional position sensing without complex calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional magnetic position sensors are used, then position sensing is possible, but they lack the capability to sense position in multiple dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional single-dimensional position sensing to multi-dimensional position sensing by utilizing multiple sensor elements arranged in specific spatial configurations. The system measures magnetic field components along multiple axes (x, y, z directions) simultaneously, enabling determination of position in three-dimensional space rather than along a single line.
2Measurement precision
If conventional magnetic position sensors are used, then position sensing is possible, but they require mathematically complex calculations that are difficult to carry out with limited silicon area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from requiring complex mathematical calculations to utilizing direct ratio relationships between magnetic field components. By measuring the ratio of magnetic field components (e.g., Bx/Bz, By/Bz) and using pre-calibrated lookup tables or simplified nonlinear functions, the system achieves accurate position determination without complex real-time computations, reducing the computational burden on limited silicon area.
3Productivity
If conventional magnetic position sensors are used, then position sensing is possible, but they are not accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing system into multiple independent sensor elements, each measuring specific magnetic field components in different directions. By segmenting the measurement function across multiple elements (e.g., separate elements for Bx, By, Bz components), the system achieves higher accuracy through multi-dimensional data collection while maintaining manageable complexity through modular sensor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring magnetic field components along different axes, determining position in multiple dimensions, and operating with various magnet configurations. This multi-functional approach allows a single sensor module to replace multiple conventional sensors, improving accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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 solution enables robust and accurate position sensing in multiple dimensions, independent of substrate orientation and assembly tolerances, with reduced computational complexity and improved precision across various magnetic configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field source; and a sensor module spaced apart from the magnetic field source... the sensor module configured to determine a position of the magnetic field source relative to the sensor module from a nonlinear function of a ratio of a first component of a magnetic field of the magnetic field source to a second component of the magnetic field of the magnetic field source
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic position sensors, systems and methods are disclosed. In an embodiment, a position sensing system includes a magnetic field source; and a sensor module spaced apart from the magnetic field source, at least one of the magnetic field source or the sensor module configured to move relative to the other along a path, the sensor module configured to determine a position of the magnetic field source relative to the sensor module from a nonlinear function of a ratio of a first component of a magnetic field of the magnetic field source to a second component of the magnetic field of the magnetic field source.