Magnetoresistive Sensor Adjustable Positioning for Current Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetoresistive sensors have limitations in accurately sensing a wide range of electric current due to their restricted magnetic flux intensity range, leading to inadequate precision in applications with varying current levels, where the sensor may be too close or too far from the conductor.
Innovation Solution
A system with adjustable positioning of magnetoresistive sensors relative to the electrical conductor, using a frame and retainer to constrain movement and include control circuits that adjust control currents to maintain optimal magnetic flux cancellation, allowing precise current sensing across a broader range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the magnetoresistive sensor is positioned close to the electrical conductor, then the magnetic flux sensing capability is improved for large currents, but the sensor cannot accurately sense small currents due to excessive magnetic flux intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable positioning system that allows the magnetoresistive sensor to be dynamically repositioned relative to the electrical conductor. The sensor can be moved closer to the conductor for large current measurements and farther away for small current measurements, enabling the system to adapt to a wide range of current magnitudes while maintaining sensing accuracy across different operating conditions
2Measurement precision
If the magnetoresistive sensor is positioned far from the electrical conductor, then the sensor can sense small currents with adequate precision, but the sensor cannot accurately sense large currents due to insufficient magnetic flux intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable positioning system enables the sensor to be moved farther from the conductor when measuring small currents, allowing sufficient magnetic flux to reach the sensor for accurate measurement. Conversely, for large currents, the sensor can be positioned closer to maximize flux detection capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed positioning system is used for the magnetoresistive sensor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot adapt to different current ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable positioning system with minimal complexity that allows manual or automated repositioning of the sensor. This dynamic capability enables adaptation to different current ranges without requiring a completely complex reconfiguration system, striking a balance between adaptability and simplicity
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
Enables accurate sensing of a wide range of electric currents by adjusting sensor positions and control currents to maintain sensor operation within reliable ranges, improving precision and adaptability to different current levels.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetoresistive sensor that senses the magnetic flux produced by the electric current and produces an output signal related to the magnitude of the magnetic flux
Implementation Method 2
electrical systems utilizing magnetoresistive sensing
Implementation Method 3
controls the magnitude of the control current in the second electrical conductor in such a manner that magnetic flux from the control current substantially cancels magnetic flux from the unknown current at the magnetoresistive sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sensing current in one or more first electrical conductors includes a frame and a retainer configured to receive the one or more first electrical conductors and constrain relative movement between the one or more first electrical conductors and the frame. The system may also include a first magnetoresistive sensor configured to sense magnetic flux and generate an output signal relating to the sensed magnetic flux. Additionally, the system may include an adjustable positioning system configured to enable supporting the first magnetoresistive sensor from the frame in any of a plurality of possible positions with respect to the retainer.