Multi-Axis Magnetic Sensor Arrangement for Compact Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional magnetic sensors with excitation and signal coils face challenges in detecting magnetic fields in multiple directions simultaneously, as the sensitivity is reduced and the detection positions become separated, making it difficult to bring detection points closer without compromising sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic detection device comprising multiple magnetic sensors with excitation and signal coils, arranged in first, second, and third axis sensor units, where the first axis sensor unit is formed by two sensors aligned in one direction, the second axis sensor unit by one sensor in a perpendicular direction, and the third axis sensor unit by one sensor intersecting the plane of the first and second axes, allowing for closer detection positions while maintaining sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the receiving coil is divided into four parts to detect magnetic fields in two orthogonal directions, then magnetic fields in multiple directions can be detected, but the winding number of the receiving coil for each direction is reduced, causing sensitivity to decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability in multiple directionsVSAvoidsensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the sensor system into multiple single-axis TFG sensor elements arranged in specific orientations. Each sensor element detects magnetic fields in one direction with high sensitivity, while the combination of multiple segmented sensors provides comprehensive multi-directional detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration by stacking multiple sensor elements at different heights and orientations. This allows detection positions to be brought closer together in the XY plane while maintaining adequate separation in the Z direction, resolving the sensitivity conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If single-axis TFG sensor elements are arranged side by side to detect magnetic fields in multiple directions, then multiple directions can be detected, but the center positions of the sensors are separated, making it difficult to bring detection positions closer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability in multiple directionsVSAvoiddetection position separation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention utilizes the Z-direction (vertical axis) to arrange sensor elements that are closely positioned in the XY plane. By stacking sensor elements at different heights, the system achieves multi-directional detection with minimal lateral separation, effectively using the third dimension to resolve the position conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention nests multiple sensor elements in a compact configuration where sensors are positioned at different vertical levels around a central region. This nested arrangement allows all sensor centers to be clustered closely together while maintaining their individual detection orientations through vertical stacking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 effective detection of magnetic fields in multiple directions with reduced sensitivity loss and closer detection positions, improving the device's ability to detect magnetic fields in multiple directions efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

a driving circuit configured to output an AC current to the excitation coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a detection circuit configured to acquire a detection signal from the signal coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a magnetic core layer being arranged on the board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4421509A1Magnetic detection device
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 SHIMADZU CORP
  • EP4421509A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4421509A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4421509A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This magnetic detection device (100) is provided with a plurality of magnetic sensors (10a to 10f) each including an excitation coil (12), a signal coil (13), and magnetic core layer (11), a driving circuit (20), and a detection circuit (30). A first axis sensor unit (1) is constituted by at least two magnetic sensors (10a and 10b) out of the plurality of magnetic sensors (10a to 10f), the at least two magnetic sensors being each arranged such that a detection direction thereof is aligned with a first axial direction. A second axis sensor unit (2) is constituted by at least one magnetic sensor (10c and 10d) out of the plurality of magnetic sensors (10a to 10f), the at least one magnetic sensor being arranged such that a detection direction thereof is aligned with a second axial direction intersecting with the first axial direction.