Electromagnetic Chip Detector for Engine Fluids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic chip detectors in aircraft engines rely on permanent magnets, which can be fragile and susceptible to demagnetization, requiring frequent maintenance and lacking precision in magnetic strength, thereby compromising the effectiveness of chip detection in engine fluids.

Innovation Solution

The use of an electromagnetic chip detector with coils generating magnetic fields of opposite polarities, allowing for customizable magnetic strength and reducing the need for periodic maintenance, by using electromagnetism to attract and retain metallic chips in the lubricating fluid.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent magnets are used in chip detectors, then the magnetic field is stable, but the magnets are fragile and susceptible to demagnetization requiring frequent maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field stabilityVSAvoidmaintenance frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces permanent magnets with an electromagnetic system consisting of a coil and core. This substitution eliminates the fragility and demagnetization issues of permanent magnets while maintaining stable magnetic field generation through controlled electrical current, thereby reducing maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic field generation method from passive permanent magnets to active electromagnetic fields. By controlling electrical parameters (current, voltage) to the coil, the magnetic field strength and stability can be precisely adjusted, improving reliability while reducing maintenance through electronic control rather than mechanical replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If permanent magnets are used in chip detectors, then the magnetic field is stable, but the magnetic strength lacks precision and customization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field stabilityVSAvoidmagnetic strength precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables precise control of magnetic field strength by adjusting electrical parameters (current, voltage, frequency) supplied to the electromagnetic coil. This provides customizable and precise magnetic strength adjustment that permanent magnets cannot achieve, while maintaining field stability through regulated power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from static magnetic fields of permanent magnets to dynamic electromagnetic fields that can be adjusted in real-time. The magnetic strength can be precisely controlled and modified according to detection requirements, enabling customization for different application scenarios while maintaining stability through active control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of repair

If electromagnetic chip detectors are used, then maintenance needs are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance frequencyVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into unified circuits. The magnetizing circuit and detection circuit share common components and pathways, allowing the system to perform both magnetic field generation and chip detection tasks. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while eliminating maintenance issues associated with permanent magnets.

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

This solution provides a more reliable and precise detection of metallic chips in engine fluids, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing the durability and customization of chip detectors for various applications, while ensuring consistent magnetic strength.

Implementation Method 1

a first coil inductively coupled to the first electrically conductive terminal to generate a first generated magnetic field of a first polarity; and a second coil inductively coupled to the second electrically conductive terminal to generate a second generated magnetic field of a second polarity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

using electromagnetism to attract and retain metallic chips in the lubricating fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11906504B2Electromagnetic chip detector

Publication Date: 2024.02.20 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

AI summary

Electromagnetic chip detectors and associated methods of detecting a metallic chip in engine fluid of an engine are provided. The method comprises supplying an electric current to a circuit extending between a first node and a second node to magnetize both a first electrically conductive terminal and a second electrically conductive terminal spaced apart from each other to define a chip-receiving gap therebetween, and detecting a change in resistance across the first node and the second node. The change in resistance is indicative of a capture of the chip by the electromagnetic chip detector. The chip electrically connects the first electrically conductive terminal to the second electrically conductive terminal. The first electrically conductive terminal is electrically connected to the first node. The second electrically conductive terminal is electrically connected to the second node.