Triaxial Magnetic Sensor with Crank-Shaped Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current triaxial magnetic sensors face challenges in reducing size and thickness while maintaining high sensitivity, low noise, and wide measurement range, particularly for applications like smartphones and wearable devices, due to the need for multiple magnetic field detecting elements that increase the device's height and thickness.
Innovation Solution
The use of three magnetic field detecting elements, with two elements positioned point-symmetrically for the x-axial direction and one for the y-axial direction, combined with soft magnetic bodies forming magnetic circuits in a crank shape, allows for reduced size and thickness by optimizing the arrangement and sensitivity of GSR elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three magnetic sensor elements are assembled to measure magnetic fields in x, y, and z directions, then the measurement capability is improved, but the sensor height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate magnetic sensor elements (x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis elements) into a single integrated sensor assembly. The x-axis and y-axis elements are mounted on the substrate surface, while the z-axis element is positioned vertically using a support structure, merging multiple detection functions into one compact unit that maintains low profile height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar arrangement to three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning the z-axis magnetic sensor element vertically above the substrate plane using a support structure. This dimensional change allows the z-axis detection capability without increasing the lateral footprint or significantly increasing the overall height.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple magnetic sensor elements are assembled to achieve triaxial detection, then the detection function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal sensor assembly structure that can detect magnetic fields in all three spatial directions (x, y, and z axes) using a standardized configuration. The support structure and substrate arrangement provide a multi-functional platform that integrates three different detection orientations without requiring separate complex assemblies for each axis.
3Ease of operation
If smartphone thickness is reduced, then the portability is improved, but the azimuth sensor height must be reduced by 40% or more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic sensor assembly into distinct functional components: x-axis and y-axis elements mounted on the substrate surface, and a z-axis element positioned vertically with the support structure. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific detection direction while maintaining a compact overall height suitable for thin smartphones.
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 results in a three-dimensional magnetic field detection device with reduced size and thickness, maintaining high sensitivity, low noise, and a wide measurement range, suitable for applications such as smartphones and medical catheters, while also reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
use is made of Hall elements detecting a magnetic field in the direction perpendicular to a device face, the z-axial element needs to be positioned on the device face while the x-axial and y-axial elements need to be mounted upright on the sensor substrate. In the case of MR elements, MI elements and the like detecting a magnetic field parallel to a device face
Implementation Method 2
detects the magnetic field in the z-axial direction by deflecting the magnetic field in the z-axial direction with the permalloy core rod to generate a deflected component in a plane direction
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] There is a demand for further reductions in the size and thickness of three-dimensional magnetic field detection elements, as well as for improvements in the magnetic field detection capability thereof, in order to expand usefulness into, e.g., a wearable computer having a direction sensor or the distal end of a wire guide of a medical catheter. [Solution] The present invention comprises three soft-magnetic bodies and a magnetic field detection element comprising three GSR elements. For three axial directions that are orthogonal to each other at an origin point that is the center point of measurement, the present invention measures, for a first axial direction, a first-axial-direction magnetic field using two elements sandwiching the origin point, measures, for a second axial direction, a second-axial-direction magnetic field through disposing one element at the position of the origin point, and measures, for a third axial direction, a third-axial-direction magnetic field through combining the two elements for the first axial direction and the three soft-magnetic bodies and forming two crank-shaped magnetic circuits having point symmetry.