Hysteresis Compensated Force Sensor Using Dual-Frequency Excitation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic field-based force sensing technologies face significant challenges in accurately measuring forces due to hysteresis effects, which can result in signal deviations exceeding ±2.5%, making it difficult to obtain reliable measurements, especially in applications requiring high precision.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device that employs alternating current signals of different frequencies and amplitudes to generate magnetic fields, allowing for the evaluation of sensing signals and determination of correction values to compensate for hysteresis-related deviations, thereby eliminating hysteresis effects from measured signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic field-based force sensing is used to measure forces applied to ferromagnetic objects, then force measurement capability is provided, but hysteresis effects cause signal deviations exceeding ±2.5% that reduce measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforce measurement precisionVSAvoidhysteresis effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic alternating current signals at two different frequencies to the magnetic field generating element. By using periodic excitation signals with different frequencies (first frequency and second frequency), the system can distinguish between hysteresis-related signals and true force signals through frequency-based separation, thereby eliminating hysteresis effects from the measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of the driving signal to resolve the hysteresis problem. By measuring at two different frequencies and comparing the results, the system can identify and compensate for hysteresis effects, which manifest differently at different frequencies, thus improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If alternating current signals of different frequencies are used to generate magnetic fields for hysteresis compensation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional driving and evaluation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehysteresis compensated measurement precisionVSAvoiddriving and evaluation unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generating element serves multiple functions: it generates magnetic fields at the first frequency for hysteresis compensation measurement and at the second frequency for true force measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate excitation sources, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If hysteresis compensation is implemented using multiple frequency signals, then signal accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases due to multiple signal cycles required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement at the first frequency to capture hysteresis effects before the actual force measurement at the second frequency. By preparing the magnetic field state in advance and using the first frequency measurement to characterize hysteresis, the system can then compensate for these effects in the second measurement, achieving accurate results without excessive time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 approach enables real-time compensation for unwanted signal hysteresis, providing more accurate force measurements by distinguishing between hysteresis-induced signals and true force signals, even in ferromagnetic materials with significant hysteresis, thus improving the precision and reliability of force sensing.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generating element (50) being adapted for generating a magnetic field in order to generate a magnetic flux in an object (2) to be sensed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first magnetic field sensing element (10) being adapted to sense a magnetic field depending on a variation of the generated magnetic flux in said object (2) to be sensed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

Hysteresis is a known phenomenon in ferromagnetic materials like iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) and their alloys. It is the inability of the material to return back to its original state when an external force or magnetic field previously applied to it is removed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic hysteresis: Magnetic Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentEP3359935B1Hysteresis compensated force sensing device and method
Publication Date: 2020.03.11 TORQUE & MORE TAM
  • EP3359935B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3359935B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3359935B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Sensor device for measuring forces applied to an object to be sensed with the sensor (1) having a magnetic field generating element (50), a magnetic field sensing element (10), a driving unit (200) being adapted to drive the magnetic field generating element (50) with a first and second driving signal having a first and second frequency, and an evaluation unit (300), the sensor being able of compensating a hysteresis of the object to be sensed.