Actuator Position Detection via Magnetic Field Substitution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing actuators for process engineering systems lack protection against injury and mechanical susceptibility, particularly when levers or gear mechanisms are connected to drive rods for position measurement, and they lack flexibility in combining different travels for position measurement close to the actuator.

Innovation Solution

An actuator design featuring a spring body with homogeneous elastic behavior, used to urge the actuator into a predetermined safety position, combined with a position detection device that measures the distance between fixed and moving reference points on the spring body, allowing precise position control without external interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If levers or gear mechanisms are connected to drive rods for position measurement, then position measurement is enabled, but protection against injury and mechanical susceptibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition measurementVSAvoidinjury and mechanical susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical levers and gear mechanisms with a magnetic field-based measurement system. A magnet is attached to the drive rod, and a magnetic sensor detects its position, eliminating exposed mechanical components that are susceptible to damage while maintaining precise position measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the drive rod and the measurement system. The magnet on the drive rod creates a magnetic field that the magnetic sensor detects, allowing position measurement without direct mechanical contact or exposed moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If position measurement is implemented close to the actuator, then measurement accuracy is improved, but flexibility in combining different travels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidflexibility in combining different travels

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables adaptability to different travel distances by making the measurement system parameter-adjustable. The magnetic sensor can be repositioned or recalibrated to accommodate various actuator travels, and the evaluation unit can be configured with different measurement ranges, maintaining high accuracy across different application scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal position measurement system that can be applied to actuators with different travel distances. The magnetic field-based system with adjustable sensor positioning and configurable evaluation parameters serves multiple functions across different actuator types and travel requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If structural complexity is increased to protect position measurement structure, then protection against injury is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against injuryVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for complex protective mechanical structures by replacing the mechanical measurement system with a magnetic field-based system. The magnet and magnetic sensor can be positioned within existing actuator components without requiring additional protective housings or complex mechanical shielding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides protection against injury and mechanical damage while enabling precise position measurement and control, allowing for flexible use across different actuator travels without increasing structural complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The spring element has the property that it behaves essentially homogeneously along its entire length during elastic deformation. The compressed spring element stores and releases elastic restoring forces to the actuator via the drive unit from any initial position, in order to force the actuator into a predetermined target position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2375085B1Actuating device for adjusting an actuator and method for determining the position of the actuator

Publication Date: 2019.08.28 SAMSON AG

Figure 1
Figure 2a~3

AI summary

The actuating device (3) has a driving section for operating an actuator, where spring body is formed with a predetermined elasticity modulus. The elastic restoring force of the spring body pushes the actuator from an initial position to a target position on the driving section. A position detecting device is equipped with a sensor for determining a distance between a fixed reference point (53) and another reference point (55). An independent claim is also included for a method for determining the position of an actuator, particularly valve member of a pneumatic field device in a process plant.