Integrated Faraday Cage for Electromagnetic Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electromagnetic testing devices require large anechoic chambers with significant construction costs, complex installation processes, and high-quality electromagnetic absorbers, which can be costly and limit mobility, while also being prone to measurement errors due to external disturbances and equipment reflections.

Innovation Solution

An integrated Faraday cage system that incorporates electromagnetic absorbers within the measurement device itself, reducing chamber size, installation time, and costs, while maintaining a controlled electromagnetic environment for consistent measurement quality, and allowing for easy mobility and reduced equipment reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a large anechoic chamber is used for electromagnetic testing, then measurement quality is improved by reducing external disturbances and reflections, but construction costs and installation time increase significantly

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the anechoic chamber and measurement equipment into a single integrated device. The electromagnetic testing system includes probes mounted on a support structure that forms an enclosed space with electromagnetic absorbers, eliminating the need for a separate large anechoic chamber while maintaining measurement quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated device can be segmented into modular components including the support structure, probes, and electromagnetic absorbers. This allows the system to be transported and assembled in sections, reducing construction complexity compared to a traditional large chamber

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If traditional separate anechoic chamber and measurement system are used, then electromagnetic environment is controlled, but mobility and ease of deployment are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic environment controlVSAvoidmobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the anechoic chamber functionality into the measurement device itself, the system becomes a self-contained unit that can be easily moved and deployed. The support structure with integrated absorbers and probes creates a portable electromagnetic testing system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure can be configured in different positions and orientations, allowing the device to adapt to various testing scenarios and locations. The movable support enables dynamic positioning of probes relative to the object under test while maintaining electromagnetic shielding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If high-performance electromagnetic absorbers and severe shielding are used, then measurement quality is improved, but costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement qualityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Electromagnetic absorbers are placed locally at strategic positions within the integrated device rather than covering large chamber surfaces. This targeted placement of absorbers on the support structure maintains measurement quality while reducing the total quantity of absorptive material required

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The integration of shielding and absorption functions into the compact measurement device reduces the overall quantity of electromagnetic shielding materials needed compared to a large separate chamber, thereby reducing costs while maintaining measurement quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integrated Faraday cage system provides a compact, cost-effective, and high-quality electromagnetic testing solution that minimizes external disturbances and equipment reflections, ensuring consistent measurement quality and increased mobility without the need for large anechoic chambers.

Implementation Method 1

the support structure (3) includes at least one wall (31) extending in all three dimensions around the support (4) of the object under test when the object under test is placed on the support (4), forming a completely enclosed Faraday cage around the object under test

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFaraday cage: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

On its inner side facing the object under test and the support (4), the support structure (3) has anechoic electromagnetic absorbers (5) located in the gaps between the probes (2)... The electromagnetic absorbers (5) prevent the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the probes (2) and/or the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the object under test from reaching the wall(s) (31) and the uprights (30), or attenuate them significantly, in order to prevent or significantly reduce reflections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2625534B1Device for the electromagnetic testing of an object
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 MVG IND
  • EP2625534B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2625534B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2625534B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for the electromagnetic testing of an object, comprising an array of electromagnetic probes (2), a structure (3) for supporting the probe array (2), and a stand (4) for the object undergoing testing. According to the invention, the structure (3) is closed completely around the stand (4) for the object undergoing testing in the three dimensions of space by means of at least one conductive wall (31) forming a Faraday cage that is provided, on the inner side thereof, with anechoic electromagnetic absorbers (5) in the gaps between the probes (2).