Flexible Magnetic Circuit Coil Core for Flow Meter Geometries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic circuit devices for magneto-inductive flowmeters are limited in their applications due to fixed geometric configurations and material properties that prevent flexible adaptation to different geometries, making them non-variable and prone to damage during transport.

Innovation Solution

A flexible coil core made of a bendable material, such as a nickel-iron alloy, is used, allowing the coil arrangement to be bent into various shapes, with a long coil design and orthocyclic winding for improved magnetic field homogeneity and reduced stray fields, and partial insulation melting to enhance flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the coil core is made rigid to prevent damage during transport, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage prevention during transportVSAvoidadaptation to different geometries
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coil core is designed with a flexible structure that can dynamically change its shape. The flexible coil core can be bent and deformed to adapt to different geometric configurations of flowmeters while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic capability allows the same component to serve multiple applications without requiring rigid fixation or multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the coil core is made flexible to adapt to different geometries, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to different geometriesVSAvoidprone to damage during transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coil core is constructed using flexible materials and thin-film structures that inherently provide both flexibility and durability. The flexible coil core can be bent into various shapes to match different flowmeter geometries while the material properties ensure it withstands handling and transport without damage. This approach eliminates the need for rigid protective casings while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If sheet metal elements are bent into shape and fixed to prevent damage, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stability after manufacturingVSAvoidvariable dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of bending sheet metal into fixed shapes, the invention uses a flexible coil core that maintains its flexibility throughout its service life. The coil core can be repeatedly bent and reshaped to adapt to different flowmeter dimensions without permanent deformation or loss of structural integrity. This dynamic flexibility enables the same component to be used across multiple applications with varying geometric requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 flexible coil core enables the magnetic circuit device to be adapted to different geometries, simplifying assembly and reducing the risk of damage during transport, while maintaining a homogeneous magnetic field with minimized stray fields and energy losses.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic circuit devices have at least one coil that generates the magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the coil core is designed to be flexible, such that the coil arrangement can be bent from a first shape into a second shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

A flexible magnetic circuit device consisting of a flexible coil core and coil turns wound around the coil core is wrapped around the veins or organs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3916364B1Magnetic circuit device for a magnetic-inductive flow meter and method for manufacturing a magnetic circuit device
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 KROHNE AG
  • EP3916364B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2b
  • EP3916364B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3916364B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a magnetic circuit device (1) for a magnetic-inductive flow meter, comprising a coil (2) wherein the coil (2) has a coil core (3). The objective of providing a magnetic circuit device (1) that enables a wider range of applications, in particular one that can be flexibly adapted to the geometries of the respective magnetic-inductive flow meter, is achieved by designing the coil core (3) to be flexible, such that the coil (2) can be bent from a first shape to a second shape. Furthermore, the invention includes a method (100) for manufacturing such a magnetic circuit device (1).