Redundant Magnetic Angle Sensor with Integrated Auxiliary Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic angle sensors face challenges in achieving redundancy and reliability due to spatial separation of primary and auxiliary sensing elements, which results in different magnetic field conditions and reduced accuracy, especially when primary sensing elements are not centered on the axis of rotation, affecting signal validation and functional safety goals.
Innovation Solution
An integrated angle sensor is proposed, where primary and auxiliary sensing elements are positioned on a single substrate, with auxiliary sensing elements spatially separated such that primary sensing elements are between them, allowing for improved accuracy and reduced error even when excentrically positioned, enhancing redundancy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If primary and auxiliary sensing elements are spatially separated to achieve redundancy, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to different magnetic field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions sensing elements in a specific two-dimensional arrangement on the substrate, with primary sensing elements at first and second positions and auxiliary sensing elements at third and fourth positions, creating a geometric configuration that ensures both spatial separation for redundancy and equivalent magnetic field exposure for accuracy matching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different local positions for sensing elements on the substrate, where primary and auxiliary sensing elements are placed at specific locations that are symmetrically equivalent with respect to the magnet's axis of rotation, ensuring they experience identical magnetic field conditions while maintaining spatial separation
2Device complexity
If primary sensing elements are not centered on the axis of rotation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to excentricity errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deliberately uses asymmetric positioning of sensing elements relative to the magnet, where elements are placed at specific non-centered locations that are nevertheless symmetrically equivalent to each other, allowing the system to function accurately without requiring precise centering on the rotation axis
3Reliability
If auxiliary sensing elements are positioned to match primary sensor accuracy, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to precise positioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular local positions for auxiliary sensing elements that are symmetrically equivalent to primary sensing element positions, ensuring they experience the same magnetic field conditions without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, achieving accuracy matching through geometric symmetry
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 improves angle accuracy and reliability of signal validation, ensuring that the auxiliary sensor's accuracy matches the primary sensor's, thereby achieving the desired redundancy and functional safety goals, such as detecting angle deviations within a threshold time.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic angle sensor may be a Hall-effect sensor
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic angle sensor may be a Hall-effect sensor, a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor
Implementation Method 3
The magnetic angle sensor may be a Hall-effect sensor, a magnetoresistive (MR) sensor, a variable reluctance sensor (VRS)
Data Source
AI summary
An angle sensor may comprise a first primary sensing element and a second primary sensing element. The first primary sensing element may be positioned adjacent to the second primary sensing element in a plane substantially parallel with respect to a face of a magnet. The angle sensor may comprise a first auxiliary sensing element and a second auxiliary sensing element. The first primary sensing element and the second primary sensing element may be positioned between the first auxiliary sensing element and the second auxiliary sensing element in the plane substantially parallel with respect to the face of the magnet.