Magnetic Sensor With Soft Magnetic Body for Orthogonal Field Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic sensors face challenges in accurately detecting the position of a magnet in multiple directions due to interference from magnetic field components orthogonal to the detection direction, leading to detection errors.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor design featuring two magnetic sensor elements with a soft magnetic body and a bridge circuit configuration, where the magnetic sensor elements have fixed and free magnetic layers, and are positioned to saturate with magnetic flux from the magnet, allowing for accurate detection by converting the magnetic field in the Z-axis direction to the Y-axis direction, thereby minimizing detection errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic sensor elements are used to detect magnet position in multiple directions, then detection coverage is improved, but detection precision deteriorates due to interference from magnetic field components orthogonal to the detection direction
Solution Approach 1:
A soft magnetic body is introduced as an intermediary component between the magnet and the magnetic sensor elements. This soft magnetic body converts magnetic field components in the Z-axis direction (orthogonal to detection direction) into magnetic field components in the Y-axis direction (parallel to detection direction), thereby eliminating interference from orthogonal magnetic field components while preserving detection coverage in multiple directions
Solution Approach 2:
The soft magnetic body converts harmful magnetic field components (Z-axis components that cause detection errors) into beneficial magnetic field components (Y-axis components that can be properly detected). By transforming the orthogonal magnetic field components through the soft magnetic body, the system turns what would be interference into useful detection signals
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic field components in orthogonal directions are allowed to act on sensor elements, then detection coverage in multiple directions is maintained, but detection errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The soft magnetic body serves as a mediator that selectively processes magnetic field components. It allows magnetic field components in the Y-axis direction to reach the sensor elements while converting and blocking Z-axis components, thereby maintaining detection coverage while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The soft magnetic body is strategically positioned only in specific regions where Z-axis magnetic field components cause detection errors. This localized application of magnetic field conversion creates different magnetic field characteristics in different spatial regions, improving detection accuracy without affecting overall detection coverage
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 enables precise detection of the magnet's position in the intended direction while suppressing errors from movements in other directions, improving accuracy and design flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a soft magnetic body which converts magnetic flux in a Z-axis direction to magnetic flux in a Y-axis direction
Implementation Method 2
two magnetic sensor elements... each having a fixed magnetic layer in which magnetization is fixed and a free magnetic layer in which magnetization changes due to an external magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensor for detecting the position of a magnet in an X direction includes two magnetic sensor elements which are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a Y direction and are disposed to face the magnet in a Z direction, in which a soft magnetic body is provided to be located between the magnet and the two magnetic sensor elements and to be located between the two magnetic sensor elements, the two magnetic sensor elements are provided in a range in which magnetic flux which is generated from the magnet saturates magnetization of free magnetic layers of the two magnetic sensor elements, magnetization directions of fixed magnetic layers of the two magnetic sensor elements are the same as each other, and a bridge circuit is configured with the two magnetic sensor elements.