Ferromagnetic Window Marking for Partial Failure Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring assemblies with dielectric windows, such as those made of glass or ceramic, are prone to partial failures that can result in undetectable splinters, posing a risk of unnoticed damage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a ferromagnetic marker, such as ferromagnetic marking particles or a coating, into the dielectric window to release detectable fragments upon failure, combined with a detector to identify these fragments using a sensitive magnetic detection system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dielectric window is used in a measuring assembly, then the window provides good electrical insulation and transparency, but partial failures can result in undetectable splinters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetectability of partial failureVSAvoidundetectable splinters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of visual/magnetic marking by incorporating ferromagnetic particles into the dielectric window material. These particles create a detectable magnetic signature that changes or becomes visible when the window fails, allowing partial failures to be detected through magnetic field interaction rather than visual inspection alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The ferromagnetic particles act as an intermediary between the dielectric window and the detection system. When the window fails and produces splinters, these particles serve as a mediator that carries the failure information to the detector, enabling indirect detection of the partial failure through magnetic field interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If ferromagnetic marking particles are added to the dielectric window, then partial failures become detectable, but the marking particles may interfere with the dielectric material properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetectability of partial failureVSAvoiddielectric material properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the concentration and size distribution of ferromagnetic particles within the dielectric window. By optimizing these parameters, the patent achieves sufficient detectability while minimizing interference with the dielectric material's electrical and mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material by combining dielectric material with ferromagnetic particles. This composite structure allows the window to maintain its primary dielectric function while incorporating the ferromagnetic marking capability, achieving both electrical insulation and failure detectability through a unified material system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If a high concentration of marking particles is used, then detectability is improved, but the marking particles cause more interference with the dielectric material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetectability sensitivityVSAvoiddielectric material uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the concentration range of ferromagnetic particles. By maintaining the concentration within a specific range, the patent achieves adequate detectability sensitivity while preventing excessive interference with the dielectric material's uniformity and electrical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 early detection of partial failures by ensuring a significant proportion of splinters are ferromagnetically marked, allowing for timely warnings and minimizing interference with the dielectric material.

Implementation Method 1

the window has a ferromagnetic marker, so that the window is adapted to release ferromagnetically marked fragments upon partial failure of the window

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 2

a detector for detecting ferromagnetic materials is provided which is configured to check for the presence of marker particles in the medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4381255B1Window with ferromagnetic marking for a measurement arrangement and measurement arrangement with such a window
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4381255B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring arrangement (1) comprising a receptacle (2) for a medium and a measuring instrument (3) for recording a medium property, wherein the receptacle and/or the measuring instrument each have at least one device (4), which device has a window to a lumen of the receptacle, which window comprises a dielectric material such as for example a glass or a ceramic, characterized in that the device has a ferromagnetic marker (5) designed to deliver fragments to the medium in the event of partial failure of the window, there being provision for a detector (6) for identifying ferromagnetic materials that is designed to check the presence of marker particles in the medium.