Magnetic Sensor Terminal Arrangement for Torque Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque sensing devices face challenges in reducing size and installation space requirements, particularly when integrated into vehicles, due to the increased length of magnetic sensors perpendicular to the inserting direction, which complicates installation and increases noise interference.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic sensor design featuring a sensor housing with a receiving recess, a circuit board, and pair of magnetic flux guide members made of soft magnetic material, where the magnetic sensing device is positioned between the guide members, and terminals are arranged to limit the increase in length perpendicular to the inserting direction, reducing the size of the installation hole and installation space, and optimizing the magnetic flux radiation range to minimize noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the magnetic sensor is designed with traditional terminal arrangement, then the terminals can be easily connected, but the length of the sensor perpendicular to the inserting direction increases, requiring larger installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional reorganization by arranging terminals not only in the planar direction but also utilizing the thickness dimension of the circuit board. Terminals are distributed across both surfaces of the circuit board, transforming a 2D terminal layout into a 3D configuration that projects outward from opposite sides of the magnetic sensing device. This dimensional change allows compact sensor design without compromising terminal accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested arrangement where terminals are integrated within the compact structure of the magnetic sensing device. The terminals project outward from the side walls of the magnetic sensing device main body, which is itself mounted on the circuit board. This nested configuration allows terminals to be positioned within the sensor's footprint rather than extending beyond it, reducing the required installation space.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor housing is designed with larger size, then all components can be easily accommodated, but the installation hole size and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the thickness dimension of the circuit board to accommodate terminals and components. By arranging terminals to project outward from both surfaces of the circuit board, the design efficiently uses the available 3D space within the sensor housing, eliminating the need for a larger housing to accommodate all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality optimization by positioning terminals at specific locations on the circuit board surfaces. The terminals are strategically placed to project outward from side walls of the magnetic sensing device, creating localized connection points that minimize the overall footprint of the sensor while ensuring proper electrical connections.
3Device complexity
If the magnetic sensing device is positioned with terminals on one side only, then the structure is simpler, but the magnetic flux radiation range increases causing more noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetric terminal arrangement where terminals project outward from opposite sides of the magnetic sensing device rather than being symmetrically arranged on one side. This asymmetric configuration, with terminals distributed across both surfaces of the circuit board, helps balance the magnetic flux radiation pattern and reduces noise interference while maintaining structural efficiency.
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 design effectively reduces the size of the torque sensing device, improves signal-to-noise ratio, and enhances installability by limiting the increase in sensor length and noise interference, while maintaining magnetic flux density and guide member efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of magnetic flux guide members configured to guide the magnetic flux to the magnetic sensing device
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic sensing device installed to the circuit board and configured to output the electrical signal which corresponds to the magnetic flux
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor housing has a receiving recess at one end portion of the sensor housing located at one end of the sensor housing. The one end portion of the sensor housing faces first and second magnetic circuit portions. A circuit board is received in the receiving recess and has an opening, a front-side region and a rear-side region. The front-side region is located on a side of the opening where the one end of the sensor housing is placed. The rear-side region is located on an opposite side of the opening. A main body of a magnetic sensing device overlaps the opening such that terminals projecting from one of a pair of side walls of the main body are located at the front-side region, and terminals projecting from another one of the pair of side walls is located at the rear-side region.