Liquid magnet sensor
AssigneeFlorida Atlantic University Board of Trustees
InventorErik D. ENGEBERG
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Abstract
A novel sensor, intended for use in applications for robots, prosthetics, biomedical devices, or the internet of things, using a ferrous magnetic fluid is presented here. The sensor includes a deformable member containing the magnetic fluid therein and an array of Hall effect sensors to measure the changing magnetic field in the fluid as the deformable member is deformed. The sensor was found to be sensitive to varying applied pressure and is capable of resolving both the location and amplitude of externally applied forces. The range of applications for this novel pressure sensor are broad, ranging from robotics to biomedical devices and the Internet of things. The novel sensor can also be used as an orientation sensor or an accelerometer, torque detector and linear shear forces detector.
Claims22
A pressure sensor, said pressure sensor comprising:
- a first element comprising a deformable material having a ferrous magnetic fluid therein, said ferrous magnetic fluid exhibiting a magnetic field;
- a second element positioned adjacent said first element and comprising an array of Hall effect sensors;
- and
- said Hall effect sensors detecting changes in the magnetic field when pressure is applied against said first element, said Hall effect sensors generating output signals corresponding to a location and amplitude of at least one applied pressure on said first element.
A method for distinctly detecting the amplitude and location of an applied pressure with high resolution, said method comprising:
- providing a first element comprising a deformable material having a ferrous magnetic fluid therein, said ferrous magnetic fluid exhibiting a magnetic field;
- positioning a second element adjacent said first element and wherein said second element comprises an array of Hall effect sensors;
- applying a pressure against said first element causing said Hall effect sensors to detect changes in the magnetic field;
- and
- generating output signals, by said Hall effect sensors, corresponding to a location and amplitude of at least one applied pressure on said first element.
A situational sensor for detecting orientation or acceleration, said sensor comprising:
- a first element comprising a ferrous magnetic fluid therein, said ferrous magnetic fluid exhibiting a magnetic field;
- a second element positioned underneath said first element and comprising an array of Hall effect sensors;
- and
- said Hall effect sensors detecting changes in the magnetic field as said ferrous magnetic fluid redistributes within said first element, corresponding to situational sensor orientation or acceleration, and generating output signals corresponding to said situational sensor orientation or situational sensor acceleration.
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Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.