Active Shielding Modules for Intrusive Electromagnetic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for shielding structures from electromagnetic fields, such as those generated by electrified railroads, are either impractical for large areas due to weight and cost issues with passive shielding or inefficient in actively canceling time-variant and spatially variant magnetic fields with existing active systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising multiple shielding modules with sensors and shielding coils mounted on a structure's exterior, connected to a central control unit that continuously measures and counteracts intrusive electromagnetic fields, generating a counteracting field to prevent their passage into the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If passive shielding systems using ferromagnetic layers are used to shield large buildings, then magnetic field diversion is achieved, but the shielding layer becomes exceedingly heavy, impractical, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical passive shielding system (ferromagnetic layers) with an active electromagnetic field cancellation system using coils and sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy physical shielding materials while achieving the same protective function through electromagnetic field manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from static passive shielding to dynamic active shielding by continuously adjusting the coil currents based on real-time sensor measurements. This allows the system to adapt to varying magnetic field conditions without requiring excessive shielding material.
2Ease of operation
If a single active magnetic field cancellation system is used, then easy implementation is achieved, but the shielding efficiency is limited and field homogeneity is poor across large spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shielding system into multiple independent coil-sensor units distributed across the structure. Each unit operates semi-independently, allowing the system to cover large areas while maintaining field homogeneity. The segmented approach enables better spatial distribution of the canceling field compared to a single centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point cancellation approach to a distributed multi-dimensional array of coil-sensor units. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables comprehensive coverage of large structures and improves field homogeneity throughout the protected volume.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ferromagnetic shielding layers are used, then magnetic field diversion is achieved, but the shielding effect is field strength-dependent and does not shield well when the field is too strong or too weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously measure the intrusive magnetic field and the control system adjusts the coil currents accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables the system to adapt to varying field strengths and maintain effective shielding across a wide range of conditions, unlike static ferromagnetic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic active shielding that continuously adjusts its parameters based on real-time conditions, replacing the static nature of ferromagnetic shielding. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance across varying field strengths and temporal variations.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If passive shielding systems are used, then magnetic field diversion is achieved, but transparency of glass surfaces is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical ferromagnetic shielding layers with an active electromagnetic field cancellation system. This substitution eliminates the need for opaque shielding materials on glass surfaces, allowing the structure to maintain its aesthetic transparency while achieving the same protective function through invisible electromagnetic field manipulation.
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 system provides effective and uniform shielding across large structures by continuously measuring and responding to changing electromagnetic fields, ensuring substantial attenuation and homogeneity, even in the presence of time-variant and spatially variant interference.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to measure the intrusive electromagnetic field and generate a signal based on the measured intrusive electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the shielding coil radiates a counteracting electromagnetic field that at least partially prevents passage of the intrusive electromagnetic field into the internal volume of the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A system for at least partially preventing passage an intrusive electromagnetic field into an internal volume of a structure is provided. The system includes a plurality of shielding modules positionable adjacent one another on an exterior surface of the structure for covering at least a portion of the exterior surface. Each of the shielding modules including a sensor and a shielding coil positioned around the sensor. The sensor is configured to measure the intrusive electromagnetic field and generate a signal based on the measured field. The system further includes a control unit in communication with each of the shielding modules, the control unit controls supply of response currents to the coil based on the signal such that the coil radiates a counteracting electromagnetic field that at least partially prevents passage of the intrusive field into the internal volume of the structure.