Segmented Current Sensor with Dynamic Magnetic Field Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors with wide measuring ranges face challenges in accuracy due to increased distance from the conductor, leading to noise issues and decreased sensitivity in detecting minute currents, and existing designs that widen the measuring range compromise on accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The current sensor employs magnetic sensors disposed on a conductor with separated current-carrying areas of different magnitudes, along with a controller to switch outputs, allowing for a miniaturized design that maintains high accuracy by minimizing noise and expanding the measuring range without reducing sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distance from the conductor is increased to achieve a wide measuring range, then the current measuring range is widened, but the sensitivity in detecting minute currents decreases and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor is divided into multiple current-carrying areas with different current magnitudes, and magnetic sensors are disposed at different locations to detect magnetic fields in each area. This segmentation allows the sensor to measure both minute currents and large currents by selecting the appropriate sensor output based on the current magnitude range.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic sensors are disposed far from the conductor to measure large currents, then the measuring range is widened, but noise from the environment increases and measurement accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different magnetic sensor outputs based on the detected current magnitude. For large currents, sensors farther from the conductor are used, while for minute currents, sensors closer to the conductor are used. This dynamic switching allows the system to adapt to different current ranges while maintaining measurement accuracy and minimizing noise interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If current shunting is used to widen the measuring range, then the measuring range is widened, but accuracy in detecting minute electric currents decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using current shunting, the invention segments the conductor into multiple current-carrying areas and places magnetic sensors at different locations. This allows direct measurement of minute currents without shunting, maintaining accuracy while enabling measurement of large currents through appropriate sensor selection.
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 measurement of currents across various ranges with improved sensitivity and noise cancellation, effectively addressing the limitations of existing current sensors by allowing for precise detection of both small and large currents.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor which includes a electromagnetic conversion element detecting currents, targets of detection, flowing through a conductor through the change of magnetic field around the conductor
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a current sensor including magnetic sensors disposed on a conductor having at least two separated current-carrying areas with different current magnitudes and detecting a magnetic field generated according to currents flowing through the conductor and a controller controlling outputs of the magnetic sensors, wherein the magnetic sensors are disposed in at least two respective areas having different current magnitudes and the controller switches outputs of the magnetic sensors.