Single Magnet Accelerometer Eliminates Minor Loop Imbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accelerometers using dual magnets can suffer from imbalances due to differing minor loop slopes, leading to reduced accuracy in measuring acceleration.
Innovation Solution
The use of a single magnet located on both sides of the proof mass, ensuring that all portions of the magnet have the same minor loop slope, thereby eliminating imbalances and increasing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate magnets are used on either side of the proof mass, then the accelerometer can generate Lorentz forces to maintain the proof mass in null position, but the magnets may have differing minor loop slopes causing imbalance and reduced measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate magnets into a single magnet that spans both sides of the proof mass. This single magnet has uniform magnetic properties throughout, ensuring identical minor loop slopes on both sides of the proof mass. The magnet is positioned with its first end near the first side of the proof mass and its second end near the second side, creating a unified magnetic field source that eliminates the imbalance problem caused by using two separate magnets with potentially different characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If two magnets are used with separate magnetic pathways, then force rebalancing can be achieved, but manufacturing precision must be maintained to ensure identical minor loop slopes
Solution Approach 1:
By combining two separate magnets into one continuous magnet, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture and match two separate magnetic components. The single magnet inherently has uniform properties throughout its structure, so identical minor loop slopes are guaranteed by the manufacturing process itself rather than requiring post-manufacturing matching or precise alignment of two separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single magnet provides locally uniform magnetic properties at both sides of the proof mass. Each portion of the magnet (first portion near first side, second portion near second side) has the same magnetic characteristics because it is part of the same continuous magnetic structure, ensuring consistent local field quality on both sides.
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 enhances the accuracy of the accelerometer by maintaining identical minor loop slopes on both sides of the proof mass, reducing imbalances and improving the system's ability to accurately measure acceleration.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, wherein the magnet is configured to generate a magnetic flux that flows through the magnet from the second end of the magnet to the first end of the magnet
Implementation Method 2
A first force corresponding to the magnetic flux and the first current and a second force corresponding to the magnetic flux and the second current maintain the proof mass in a null position
Implementation Method 3
receive a signal corresponding to a capacitance of an interface between the magnet and the proof mass
Data Source
AI summary
An accelerometer system includes a magnet having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The magnet is configured to generate a magnetic flux that flows through the magnet from the second end of the magnet to the first end of the magnet a proof mass extending through the magnet. The accelerometer system also includes a first coil disposed around a first portion of the magnet, a second coil disposed around a second portion of the magnet, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive a signal corresponding to a capacitance of an interface between the magnet and the proof mass, cause a first current to flow through the first coil, and cause a second current to flow through the second coil. A first Lorentz force and a second Lorentz force maintain the proof mass in a null position.