Magnetic Sensor for Multi-Degree Freedom State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems require multiple sensor systems to detect an object's state with respect to multiple degrees of freedom, leading to increased complexity and cost, while also being prone to wear and less robust against environmental factors.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic sensor system utilizing a single magnetic sensor and a single magnet, where the magnet is asymmetrically connected to the object, allowing the sensor to detect the object's state with respect to four degrees of freedom (tilt, position, and rotation) by sensing components of the magnetic field generated, thereby reducing complexity and enhancing reliability and robustness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensor systems are used to detect object state with respect to multiple degrees of freedom, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject state detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor systems into a single magnetic sensor that detects all three spatial components (x, y, z) of the magnetic field generated by the magnet. This single sensor simultaneously measures multiple degrees of freedom (tilt in x and y directions, rotation), thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability through vector component analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic sensor serves multiple functions by detecting different components of the magnetic field vector to determine various object states including tilt angles and rotational position. The same sensor system handles multiple measurement tasks that would traditionally require separate sensor systems, achieving multi-functionality through magnetic field component analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensor systems are used to detect object state, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject state detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem manufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensor systems into a single magnetic sensor unit, directly reducing the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and calibrated. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the capability to detect all degrees of freedom through magnetic field vector measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensor systems are used, then measurement capability is improved, but reliability decreases due to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject state detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sensor systems with a magnetic sensing system that detects magnetic field components without mechanical contact. This substitution eliminates wear-related reliability issues while maintaining the ability to measure multiple degrees of freedom through non-contact magnetic field detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If multiple sensor systems are used, then measurement capability is improved, but robustness against environmental factors decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject state detection accuracyVSAvoidenvironmental factor sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical sensing with magnetic field-based sensing, which is inherently more robust against environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and temperature variations. The magnetic sensor detects field components without mechanical exposure, providing improved robustness while maintaining measurement precision across varying environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic sensor system achieves reduced complexity and cost, provides absolute encoding of the object's state, and offers increased lifetime and robustness due to contact-free operation, potential for miniaturization, and resistance to temperature variations and dirt.

Implementation Method 1

A magnetic sensor may be capable of sensing multiple (e.g., perpendicular) components of a magnetic field applied to the magnetic sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10048091B1Magnetic multimedia control element

Publication Date: 2018.08.14 INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG

AI summary

A magnetic sensor may include a set of elements to detect a set of magnetic field strengths of a magnetic field generated by a magnet, and determine, based on the set of magnetic field strengths, a state of an object with respect to multiple degrees of freedom of object movement. The magnet may be connected to the object such that a center of the magnet is offset from an axis of rotation of the object and such that the magnet is angled with respect to a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation when the object is in an un-tilted position. The magnetic sensor may be substantially centered on the axis of rotation of the object when the object is in the un-tilted position.