Current Injection Circuit for Stable Magnetometric Signal Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing current generators for magnetometric detection are imprecise, unstable, and unable to adjust frequency or voltage according to structural dimensions or environmental conditions, leading to unusable sensor measurements and manual, labor-intensive testing.

Innovation Solution

A current injection device with a filtering stage using capacitors to stabilize the power supply and a conversion stage with a microcontroller to generate precise, adjustable frequencies, integrated with a vector for real-time parameter modification based on sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standard current generators are used for current injection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to imprecise and unstable current characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current injection device is divided into distinct functional modules: a microcontroller unit for frequency generation and control, a voltage conversion stage for power transformation, and a filtering stage for signal purification. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently for precision while maintaining manageable overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates feedback mechanisms where the microcontroller monitors and adjusts current injection parameters based on sensor responses and environmental conditions. This closed-loop control ensures precise and stable current characteristics, directly improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If standard current generators are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to insufficient and unstable injected current

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The current injection system employs dynamic control through the microcontroller, which continuously adjusts injection parameters including frequency and voltage levels. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable current injection across varying operational conditions while automating what would otherwise require manual adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically modifies current injection parameters such as frequency (up to 150 V at precise and adjustable frequencies) and voltage based on structural characteristics and environmental feedback, ensuring reliable operation without requiring manual reconfiguration for different conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard current generators are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as voltage cannot be modified according to different parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The current injection device is designed as a universal system capable of adapting to various pipeline dimensions, soil conditions, and sensor configurations. The microcontroller coordinates voltage conversion and filtering stages to provide optimized current injection for diverse detection scenarios, replacing multiple specialized devices with one adaptable system

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts current injection parameters including frequency and voltage levels based on real-time feedback from sensor measurements and environmental conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to optimize performance across different pipeline configurations without requiring manual reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If manual tests with current generators are performed, then the loss of time is reduced, but the productivity deteriorates due to numerous tests required for insufficient quality results

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates real-time feedback from magnetometric sensors to automatically adjust current injection parameters, eliminating the need for numerous manual trial tests. The microcontroller processes sensor data and optimizes injection frequency and voltage dynamically, achieving high-quality results in a single or minimal number of measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting current injection parameters based on real-time sensor feedback and environmental conditions. The microcontroller autonomously determines optimal operating parameters without requiring operator intervention or iterative manual testing, significantly improving productivity while reducing time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures stable current injection for accurate magnetometric measurements, optimizing structural localization and condition assessment by providing precise and adjustable frequencies up to 150 V, suitable for various terrain conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a filtering stage for controlling the envelope of the current injected at the level of the structure allowing to obtain a response of the structure measurable by magnetometric sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a voltage conversion stage supplied by the power supply comprising an inverter and processing means for generating a DC output voltage according to at least one determined frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

Device for injecting a current into a magnetic and/or metallic structure to generate a signal measurable by magnetometric sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4707874A1Device for injecting a current into a magnetic and/or metal structure to generate a signal measurable by magnetometric sensors
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SKIPPER NDT
  • EP4707874A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4707874A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4707874A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for injecting a current into a magnetic and/or metallic structure to generate a signal measurable by magnetometric sensors, as well as an associated mapping device, the injection device comprising: input connection means to a power supply, output connection means to electrical connection points of said structure, a voltage conversion stage supplied by the power supply including an inverter and processing means for generating a DC output voltage at least at a determined frequency, a filtering stage for controlling the envelope of the current injected into the structure allowing to obtain a response of the structure measurable by magnetometric sensors.