Magnetic Sensors With Orthogonal Permanent Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic sensors with movable permanent magnets face challenges in measuring changes in multiple directions effectively, as existing technologies require magnets to be magnetized in specific directions, limiting their versatility and accuracy in detecting orientation changes relative to the Earth's magnetic field.
Innovation Solution
The use of first and second permanent magnets with alternating ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic layers, where the first magnet is magnetized in a specific direction and the second magnet is magnetized orthogonally, with the blocking temperature of the antiferromagnetic layer of the first magnet being higher than that of the second, allowing for stable magnetic orientation in multiple directions despite exposure to external fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If permanent magnets are magnetized in specific directions to measure changes in one direction, then measurement precision in that direction is improved, but the ability to measure changes in multiple directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensor is divided into multiple permanent magnets, with each magnet responsible for measuring changes in a specific direction. This segmentation allows the sensor to achieve high measurement precision in multiple directions simultaneously by distributing the measurement function across separate magnetic elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to the measurement capability by magnetizing permanent magnets in different directions (e.g., X-axis and Y-axis directions). This dimensional approach enables the sensor to measure orientation changes in multiple directions concurrently, transforming a single-direction measurement system into a multi-directional measurement system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If permanent magnets are magnetized in different directions to measure changes in multiple directions, then adaptability is improved, but the stability of magnetic orientation in the presence of external fields deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different permanent magnets within the sensor are assigned different magnetization directions and properties tailored to their specific measurement requirements. Each magnet's local characteristics (magnetization direction, strength) are optimized for its designated measurement axis, allowing stable orientation in that specific direction while maintaining the ability to detect changes in that direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple permanent magnets with different magnetization directions are used, then measurement capability in multiple directions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple permanent magnets with different magnetization directions are integrated into a single sensor device structure, merging their individual measurement capabilities into one unified system. This combining approach allows the sensor to measure changes in multiple directions simultaneously while sharing common structural and operational components, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to separate single-direction sensors.
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 accurate and stable measurement of changes in both x and y axes by maintaining the magnetic orientation of the first magnet despite external fields, while allowing the second magnet to be oriented in a different direction, enhancing the sensor's ability to detect magnetic field changes in multiple directions.
Implementation Method 1
The first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet have at least one alternating ferromagnetic (FM) layer and antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer
Implementation Method 2
The blocking temperature of the AFM layer of the first permanent magnet is higher than the blocking temperature of the AFM layer of the second permanent magnet
Implementation Method 3
Magnetic sensors with movable permanent magnets embedded in a device may be configured to measure change in the orientation of the device, based on the change in the position of the movable permanent magnet with reference to the earth's magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for a device with a magnetic sensor includes a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet. The first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet of the magnetic sensor have at least one alternating ferromagnetic (FM) layer and antiferromagnetic (AFM) layer. The first permanent magnet is magnetized in a first direction and the second permanent magnet is magnetized in a second direction which is substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The blocking temperature of the AFM layer of the first permanent magnet is higher than the blocking temperature of the AFM layer of the second permanent magnet.