Flexible Coil Core for Magnetic Flowmeter Geometry Adaptation

Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic circuit devices for magnetic-inductive flowmeters have limited applications due to their fixed geometrical design and inability to be adapted variably, restricting their use in different dimensions and increasing the risk of damage during transport.

Innovation Solution

A flexible coil core made of a bendable material, such as a nickel-iron alloy, allows the coil arrangement to be bent from one shape into another, enabling adaptation to various geometries and simplifying assembly by using a soft material that can be bent multiple times without damage, along with an orthocyclic winding and partial insulation melting to enhance flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the coil core is made rigid to prevent damage during transport, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage prevention during transportVSAvoidadaptability to different flowmeter geometries

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coil core is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be flexible during assembly and transport but maintain structural integrity during operation. The coil core can be bent into different shapes during assembly to adapt to various flowmeter geometries, yet remains stable during transport when properly positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The material properties of the coil core are selected to allow for parameter changes in flexibility. By choosing materials with appropriate mechanical properties, the coil core can be bent during assembly and then maintain its shape during operation, effectively changing from a flexible state during assembly to a stable state during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the coil core is made flexible to adapt to different geometries, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different flowmeter geometriesVSAvoidrisk of damage during transport

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coil core is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to be flexible during assembly and transport but maintain structural integrity during operation. The coil core can be bent into different shapes during assembly to adapt to various flowmeter geometries, yet remains stable during transport when properly positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The material properties of the coil core are selected to allow for parameter changes in flexibility. By choosing materials with appropriate mechanical properties, the coil core can be bent during assembly and then maintain its shape during operation, effectively changing from a flexible state during assembly to a stable state during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the coil core is made of hard material to maintain shape, then stability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape stability after manufacturingVSAvoidease of bending during assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The material properties of the coil core are selected to allow for parameter changes in flexibility. By choosing materials with appropriate mechanical properties, the coil core can be bent during assembly and then maintain its shape during operation, effectively changing from a flexible state during assembly to a stable state during use.

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

The flexible coil core increases the range of applications and simplifies assembly by allowing the magnetic circuit device to be adapted to different flowmeter geometries, reducing energy losses from stray fields and minimizing the need for shielding measures.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic circuit devices have at least one coil that generates the magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the coil core is made of a bendable material. Bendable here means that the material is selected both in terms of its thickness and its dimensions and also in terms of its material properties in such a way that it can be bent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMaterial flexibility: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11988533B2Magnetic circuit device for a magnetic-inductive flowmeter and method for manufacturing a magnetic circuit device

Publication Date: 2024.05.21 KROHNE AG

AI summary

A magnetic circuit device (1) for a magnetic-inductive flowmeter, having a coil (2) that has a coil core (3). The magnetic circuit device (1) enables an increased range of application, in that it can be flexibly adapted to the geometries of the respective magnetic flow meter due to the fact that the coil core (3) is designed to be flexible in such a way that the coil (2) can be bent from a first shape into a second shape. In addition, a method (100) for manufacturing such a magnetic circuit device (1) involves the steps of provisioning, winding, heating, connecting, bending and fixing of the coil.