Electromagnet Position Detection via Coil Voltage Pulse

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the position of an object relative to an electromagnet require significant design effort, additional space, and increased costs due to the need for additional sensors or complex sensor systems.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize a controllable switching element to temporarily disconnect the magnetic coil from the supply voltage, generating a voltage pulse whose time profile depends on the object's position, which is then evaluated to determine the object's position without requiring additional sensors or a double-coil system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional sensors (Hall sensors, single-coil displacement sensors) are used to detect armature position, then position detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coil serves dual functions: generating the magnetic field necessary for electromagnet operation and simultaneously acting as a sensor coil for position detection. By measuring the voltage curve and current characteristics of the same coil used for actuation, the system obtains position information without requiring separate sensor components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnet's own magnetic coil provides the sensing function that would otherwise require external sensors. The coil's electrical characteristics (voltage curve, current) inherently contain position information, allowing the system to self-diagnose armature position without additional measurement devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If additional sensors are integrated into the electromagnet, then position detection capability is improved, but the space required on the electromagnet increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection capabilityVSAvoidspace on electromagnet
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coil serves dual functions: generating the magnetic field necessary for electromagnet operation and simultaneously acting as a sensor coil for position detection. By measuring the voltage curve and current characteristics of the same coil used for actuation, the system obtains position information without requiring separate sensor components.

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

3Measurement precision

If a double-coil system is implemented for sensorless position detection, then position detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coil serves dual functions: generating the magnetic field necessary for electromagnet operation and simultaneously acting as a sensor coil for position detection. By measuring the voltage curve and current characteristics of the same coil used for actuation, the system obtains position information without requiring separate sensor components.

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

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

Enables accurate and cost-effective position determination of an object relative to the electromagnet, using the magnetic coil's inductance change to generate a voltage pulse that can be evaluated remotely, reducing implementation complexity and energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet has a magnetic coil through which electric current can flow and the magnetic field generated by the current-carrying magnetic coil acts on the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic coil generates a voltage pulse, the time profile of which depends on the position of the object in relation to the magnetic coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2511918B1Device and method for determining the position of an object on an electromagnet
Publication Date: 2016.04.20 SVM SCHULTZ VERWALTUNGS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2511918B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP2511918B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The method involves allowing current to flow through a magnetic coil (2), where the current creates a magnetic field in the magnetic coil. A controllable switching element (S-1) is arranged in a discharge line (4) of the magnetic coil. The switching element allows separation of the magnetic coil by a supply voltage during a time period. A voltage pulse (U-I) is generated in the magnetic coil, and time course of the pulse corresponds to a location of an object. The voltage pulse is transmitted to an evaluation unit (5) for determination of position of the object. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device for determining position of an object with respect to a magnetic coil of an electromagnet (2) an electromagnet.