V-Shape Magnetic Field Sensor Arrangement for Compact Current Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sensors are not adaptable to different conductor sizes, lack sensitivity to external magnetic fields, require significant space, and are difficult to install, making them inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A current sensor design featuring a support element with multiple magnetic field sensors arranged in a V-shape on both faces of a current transferring conductor, allowing for angular and vertical orientation adjustments to enhance sensitivity and reduce space requirements, utilizing sensors like Hall effect, flux gate, or magneto-resistive sensors to detect the magnetic field generated by the current.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional current sensor designs are used, then the sensor structure is simple, but the sensor cannot be adapted to different conductor sizes and requires significant space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different conductor sizesVSAvoidbuilding space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor divides the measurement function into multiple magnetic field sensors (first and second sensors) positioned at different locations and orientations. Each sensor contributes to the overall measurement, allowing the system to adapt to different conductor geometries while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs magnetic field sensors with different angular orientations (e.g., 45 degrees and 135 degrees relative to the conductor axis) and positions them on opposite sides of the conductor. This multi-dimensional arrangement enables the sensor to measure magnetic fields from conductors of various sizes and shapes without requiring additional space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If conventional current sensor designs are used, then the sensor is easy to manufacture, but the sensor lacks sensitivity to external magnetic fields

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity to external magnetic fieldsVSAvoidsensor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each magnetic field sensor is specifically oriented to detect magnetic field components in particular directions. The first sensor is oriented at a first angle (e.g., 45 degrees) and the second sensor at a second angle (e.g., 135 degrees), creating local measurement specialties that collectively provide comprehensive magnetic field sensitivity and external field rejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses asymmetric angular orientations of the magnetic field sensors relative to the conductor axis. This asymmetric arrangement (45 and 135 degrees rather than symmetric 0 and 180 degrees) enables the sensor system to differentiate between magnetic fields generated by the conductor and external magnetic fields, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If conventional current sensor designs are used, then the sensor uses standard components, but the sensor is difficult to install and requires significant space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidbuilding space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple magnetic field sensors and their support structures into a single integrated sensor unit. This merged design consolidates the first and second magnetic field sensors, their respective supports, and signal processing elements into one compact assembly that can be easily installed around conductors of various sizes without requiring separate mounting operations or significant space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The design provides a sensitive, compact, and cost-effective current sensor that can be easily installed on various conductor sizes, offering improved magnetic field detection and reduced space usage while maintaining accurate current measurement.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing sensors like Hall effect, flux gate, or magneto-resistive sensors to detect the magnetic field generated by the current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

utilizing sensors like Hall effect, flux gate, or magneto-resistive sensors to detect the magnetic field generated by the current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlux gate:

Implementation Method 3

utilizing sensors like Hall effect, flux gate, or magneto-resistive sensors to detect the magnetic field generated by the current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagneto-resistive effect: Magnetoresistance

Data Source

PatentUS12105121B2Current sensor comprising a magnetic field sensor in a V-shaped arrangement

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 METHODE ELECTRONICS MALTA LTD

AI summary

A current sensor includes a current transferring conductor to conduct current and four magnetic field sensors with the magnetic field sensors being divided into two pairs of magnetic field sensors. The two magnetic field sensors are arranged in a V-shaped manner on one face of the current transferring conductor. Two magnetic field sensors are arranged in a V-shaped manner on the other face of the current transferring conductor. Of the magnetic field sensors arranged in a V-shaped manner, the ones of each side running parallel to each other form one pair.