Multi-Pole Magnet Sensor for Multi-Dimensional Position Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic position sensors lack the capability to sense position in multiple dimensions and are often inaccurate, requiring complex mathematical calculations that are difficult to implement with limited silicon area.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic position sensor system utilizing two multi-pole magnet strips with different numbers of magnet poles or pole pairs arranged on perpendicular surfaces, combined with magnetic field sensor elements to measure perpendicular directional components, allowing for accurate position determination through a processor module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single multi-pole magnet strip is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and multi-dimensional sensing capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second multi-pole magnet strip arranged perpendicular to the first strip, adding a second dimension to the magnetic field generation. This orthogonal arrangement enables the sensor to detect position in multiple dimensions simultaneously, transforming a one-dimensional sensing system into a multi-dimensional sensing system without requiring complex mathematical calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the magnetic field generation function into two separate multi-pole magnet strips, each responsible for generating magnetic field components in different directions. This segmentation allows each strip to be optimized independently while collectively providing comprehensive position sensing capability across multiple dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If complex mathematical calculations are used to improve accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and silicon area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mathematical calculation systems with a physically optimized magnetic field configuration. By arranging two multi-pole magnet strips in perpendicular orientations with specific pole counts, the system generates magnetic field components that can be directly measured by sensor elements without requiring complex algorithms for position determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific parameters of the magnetic field source, including the number of poles in each strip and their orthogonal arrangement, to create a magnetic field structure that naturally provides measurable components for accurate position determination. This parameter optimization reduces the need for complex post-processing calculations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single multi-pole magnet strip is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but multi-dimensional position sensing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a second dimension to the magnetic field generation by introducing an orthogonal multi-pole magnet strip. This enables the sensor to detect position changes in multiple dimensions simultaneously, providing versatile multi-dimensional sensing capability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through straightforward orthogonal arrangement.
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 and reliable measurement of linear and rotary motion and position in multiple dimensions, simplifying calculations and improving sensor accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A multi-pole magnet strip provides alternating north and south poles across the length of the strip. A resulting alternating magnetic field across the length of the strip may enable a sensor to read and identify its position along the magnetic strip.
Implementation Method 2
a first magnetic field sensor element sensitive to a first directional component of a magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source including the first and the second multi-pole strip
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a magnetic position sensor (100; 200). The magnetic position sensor (100; 200) includes a magnetic field source (110; 210) with at least a first multi-pole magnet strip (120-1; 220-1) arranged on a first surface and with at least a second multi-pole magnet strip (120-2; 220-2) arranged on a second surface perpendicular to the first surface. The first and the second multi-pole magnet strips are arranged in a fixed relative position to each other and comprise different numbers of magnet poles (130; 132; 230; 232) along a common length.