Force Measurement Current Control Using H-Bridge Inductor Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing force measuring devices face challenges in achieving accurate measurements due to rapid magnetic compensation and temperature variations, often requiring complex arrangements and additional coils to maintain precision.

Innovation Solution

A force measuring device with a current control circuit that dynamically switches between two conduction directions of a single inductor, using a H-bridge circuit and MOSFET switches to control current flow, allowing for fixed current magnitude and reduced temperature sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If rapid magnetic compensation is used to achieve quick equilibrium, then measurement speed is improved, but temperature variations increase causing measurement inaccuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidtemperature variations
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing a switching circuit that alternates current flow through the inductor in discrete time intervals (first time interval and second time interval within each cycle). This periodic switching allows the system to achieve rapid equilibrium while controlling temperature variations through duty cycle adjustment, resolving the contradiction between measurement speed and temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If complex arrangements with multiple coils are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidcircuit arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the current control function into two distinct time intervals within each switching cycle: a first time interval where current flows in one direction, and a second time interval where current flows in the opposite direction. This temporal segmentation allows precise control of the magnetic field using a single inductor, achieving measurement accuracy without requiring multiple coils or complex spatial arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control by varying the duty cycle (ratio of first time interval to total cycle time) based on the measured force. The control unit dynamically adjusts the switching parameters to maintain equilibrium, enabling accurate measurements with a single inductor instead of requiring static complex multi-coil arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides accurate force measurements with simplified circuitry, reduced temperature variations, and improved energy efficiency, enabling high resolution and stability in weighing systems.

Implementation Method 1

operates based on the principle of electromagnetic force compensation (also referred to as electromagnetic force restoration)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

controlling the current flowing through the inductor... involving a H-bridge circuit and MOSFET switches to control current flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectField effect transistor conduction:

Data Source

PatentUS20260049859A1Force measuring device with current control circuit
Publication Date: 2026.02.19 METTLER TOLEDO GMBH
  • US20260049859A1 patent drawing
  • US20260049859A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A force measuring device based on the principle of electromagnetic force-compensation is disclosed. The device includes an electronic circuit driven by direct current, which includes an inductor. A control unit of the device controls the current flowing through the inductor and thereby also the compensation force, where the controlling is responsive to the force to be measured. The device also includes a means for providing a measurement output indicative of the force to be measured. Controlling the current includes dynamic switching between two switch states associated with the two conduction directions of the inductor.