3D Whisker Sensor Using Hall Effect for Accurate Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing whisker sensors in China lack the capability for accurate three-dimensional positioning of objects, relying on complex mechanical structures and time-consuming scanning methods, which are not only inefficient but also difficult to assemble and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional whisker sensor system utilizing Hall sensors to detect magnetic field changes and contact sensors to measure pressure, allowing for precise determination of whisker displacement in X, Y, and Z directions, integrated with a compact and easy-to-assemble circuit board design, enabling quick and accurate object localization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional mechanical scanning methods are used for object detection, then obstacle detection capability is achieved, but positioning accuracy is insufficient and the process is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical scanning system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Hall sensors detect the position of a magnet attached to the whisker tip, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning while providing direct, accurate three-dimensional positioning information in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnet as an intermediary element attached to the whisker tip. This magnet serves as a mediator between the physical contact point and the Hall sensors, enabling non-contact detection of the whisker's three-dimensional position through magnetic field interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If complex mechanical structures are used for precise positioning, then positioning accuracy can be improved, but device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning structures with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using精密 mechanical linkages and scanning mechanisms, the system uses Hall sensors to detect the magnet's position, dramatically simplifying the overall structure while maintaining high positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional integrated sensor assembly where the whisker structure simultaneously serves as the detection element and the magnet serves as both the target marker and the interaction medium. This universal design eliminates the need for separate mechanical positioning components.

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

3Measurement precision

If traditional tactile sensors are used for object contact detection, then basic contact information is obtained, but three-dimensional positioning capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional positioning capabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the whisker structure with a magnet and integrates multiple Hall sensors into a single compact assembly. This combination creates a unified three-dimensional positioning sensor that provides full spatial information without requiring separate sensors for each dimension, thus avoiding increased system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional tactile sensing to three-dimensional positioning by incorporating Hall sensors that detect the magnet's position in three spatial dimensions. This dimensional enhancement is achieved through magnetic field detection rather than adding complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 combination of Hall and contact sensors enhances sensitivity and accuracy in measuring three-dimensional displacement, facilitating precise object positioning with improved sensitivity and ease of assembly, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The change in magnetic field is detected by means of a voltage difference between two Hall sensors in the X-axis or Y-axis direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

the change in pressure in the Z direction is detected by means of a voltage value output by a contact sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11454560B2Three-dimensional whisker sensor for accurate positioning of end location
Publication Date: 2022.09.27 SOUTHEAST UNIV
  • US11454560B2 patent drawing
  • US11454560B2 patent drawing
  • US11454560B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A whisker sensor includes an upper circuit board, a lower circuit board, a flexible whisker, and a magnet. The magnet is fixed to the flexible whisker through a central through hole, and the location of the magnet changes with the swinging of the whisker; the upper and lower circuit boards are identical in shape and size, and are connected through an upright column. A circular hole is formed at the center of the upper circuit board, four Hall sensors are symmetrically distributed on the edge of the circular hole, and the displacement of the whisker in X and Y directions can be obtained by detecting the change in magnetic field generated by the change in location of the magnet; a contact sensor is mounted on the lower circuit board, and is connected to the whisker through a connecting piece, to detect displacement of the whisker in the Z direction.