Magnetic Sensor Tapered Connecting Portion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic sensors with sensitive elements connected in series face variability in sensitivity due to the shape of connecting portions, particularly when these portions are rectangular, which affects their ability to effectively sense magnetic fields.
Innovation Solution
The magnetic sensor employs soft magnetic elements with uniaxial anisotropy, arranged with gaps in the transverse direction and connected by tapered and extended portions that narrow as they approach the elements, enhancing magnetic field gathering and reducing resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If connecting portions are made rectangular to simplify structure, then ease of manufacture is improved, but sensitivity of the magnetic sensor deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion is designed with non-uniform width, being wider at the extended portion and narrower at the tapered portion near the sensitive elements. This local variation in geometry optimizes magnetic field gathering at the sensitive elements while maintaining manufacturability through standard fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion extends in the transverse direction beyond the sensitive elements, adding a dimensional element that allows magnetic field lines to be gathered more effectively from a broader area before entering the sensitive elements, thereby improving sensitivity without complicating the overall structure.
2Measurement precision
If connecting portions are extended in transverse direction to gather magnetic field lines, then sensitivity is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion extends only partially in the transverse direction, just enough to effectively gather magnetic field lines from the adjacent sensitive elements. This partial extension achieves the necessary magnetic field concentration without unnecessarily increasing the overall device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion has an asymmetric tapered shape that narrows toward the sensitive elements, concentrating magnetic field lines efficiently at the critical interface while minimizing the overall transverse dimension occupied by the connecting structure.
3Area of stationary object
If connecting portions have narrow width to reduce size, then device size is reduced, but resistance at connecting portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting portion has different widths at different locations: the extended portion has a larger width to provide low resistance and good current carrying capacity, while the tapered portion near the sensitive elements is narrower to minimize device size and effectively guide magnetic field lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting portion utilizes the transverse direction for extension, allowing the current path to be lengthened in a direction that does not significantly increase the overall device footprint, thereby reducing resistance without proportionally increasing device size.
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 improves the sensitivity and magnetic flux density of the sensor while reducing its size, achieving uniform magnetic field distribution across the sensitive elements and higher impedance changes for accurate magnetic field measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sensitive elements are configured to sense a magnetic field by a magnetic impedance effect
Implementation Method 2
This facilitates the gathering of magnetic lines force at the sensitive elements as compared to when the extended portion of the connecting portion does not protrude in the transverse direction relative to the sensitive elements
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic sensor 1 includes a plurality of sensitive elements 31 made of a soft magnetic material. The sensitive elements 31 have a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and have a uniaxial magnetic anisotropy in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction. The sensitive elements 31 are configured to sense a magnetic field by a magnetic impedance effect. The sensitive elements 31 are arranged with a gap in between in the transverse direction. The magnetic sensor 1 includes a connecting portion 32 configured to connect longitudinal ends of transversely adjacent ones of the sensitive elements 31. The connecting portion 32 has a width in the transverse direction that narrows as the connecting portion 32 approaches the ones of the sensitive elements 31 along the longitudinal direction.