Rigid Holder for Hall Element Alignment in Current Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensors face challenges in achieving high measurement accuracy due to variations in gap width and Hall element alignment, which affect the magnetic field strength, and existing solutions are complex and prone to misalignment issues.

Innovation Solution

A rigid holder is used to define the gap width between magnetic core parts and fix the Hall element perpendicularly to the magnetic field lines, ensuring precise alignment and minimal tolerances, with the holder being made of a non-magnetic material like hard plastic or synthetic glass, and featuring a receptacle and groove design for easy assembly and precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a rigid holder is used to define gap width and fix Hall element alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder serves multiple functions simultaneously: it defines the gap width between magnetic core parts, positions the Hall element with correct alignment, and provides mechanical support. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving high measurement precision through a single integrated component rather than multiple separate adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The holder is pre-designed with built-in positioning features and recesses that automatically ensure correct gap width and Hall element alignment during assembly. This preliminary preparation of positioning features eliminates the need for complex post-assembly adjustments, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If tight tolerances are maintained for gap width, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap width consistencyVSAvoidtolerance control
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the magnetic core parts. Instead of requiring the magnetic core parts themselves to be manufactured with tight tolerances, the holder provides the precise gap definition through its own structure, thereby reducing the manufacturing precision requirements for the magnetic core while maintaining consistent gap width for accurate measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tolerance requirements are shifted from the magnetic core parts to the holder component. By concentrating the precision requirements on a single holder component rather than multiple magnetic core parts, the overall manufacturing precision burden is reduced while still achieving the required gap width consistency for measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple Hall sensors are used for signal compensation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal accuracyVSAvoidsensor assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder provides a standardized recess design that accommodates multiple Hall sensors in a systematic arrangement. This multi-functional positioning structure enables the use of multiple sensors for signal compensation and error reduction while maintaining organized assembly, thereby improving reliability without excessively increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution achieves high measurement accuracy with minimal effort, reduces the risk of misalignment, and allows for automatic signal compensation using multiple Hall sensors, ensuring the current sensor reacts less sensitively to eccentric busbar arrangements, while maintaining precision over time.

Implementation Method 1

A current flowing through the current-carrying element creates a magnetic field, which is concentrated in the magnetic core. The magnetic core is provided with at least one gap, in which a Hall element is arranged, with which the strength of the magnetic field in the gap between the two opposing end faces of the magnetic core can be measured.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3362801B1Sensor assembly for a current sensor, and method for assembling a sensor assembly
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 HARTING ELECTRIC GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3362801B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3362801B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4c
  • EP3362801B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor assembly for a current sensor (10), comprising a Hall element (30) and a holder (20) for the Hall element (30). The holder (20) is rigid and has a receiving area (24) for the Hall element (30), which is received in the receiving area with low tolerances. The sensor assembly also comprises two support surfaces (22) for a magnetic core (16). The invention also relates to a current sensor (10) comprising such a sensor assembly and a magnetic core (16) that has at least one gap (S) in which the holder (20) is arranged such that the Hall element (30) extends perpendicularly to a direction in which the magnetic field lines run through the gap (S). The invention further relates to a holder (20) for such a current sensor (10), said holder being characterized in that the holder consists of a mechanically hard non-magnetic material, preferably hard plastic or acrylic glass. The invention lastly relates to a method for assembling a current sensor (10).