Inductive Coil Calibration Using Current Pulses for Precise Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices face challenges in achieving precise measurements due to interference influences such as temperature effects and noise, which affect the accuracy of the measurement results.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device equipped with a calibration device that initiates a power pulse into the receiver's coil to generate a calibration signal, allowing for measurement correction and reduction of disruptive influences. The calibration device can also interrupt the measurement to determine interference influences during the measurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a measurement signal is transmitted using a coil in an inductive measuring device, then measurement results can be obtained, but interference influences such as temperature effects and noise affect the accuracy of the measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing calibration measurements before actual measurements to determine interference characteristics. The calibration device introduces current pulses into the coil to measure its impedance and temperature coefficients in advance, storing these characteristics for later compensation during actual measurements. This preliminary characterization of the coil's interference behavior enables subsequent correction of measurement results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the coil's temperature and impedance characteristics during operation. The measuring device measures the coil's response to test signals, determines temperature drift and interference influences in real-time, and uses this feedback information to compensate and correct the measurement results. This closed-loop feedback mechanism dynamically adjusts for interference effects throughout the measurement process.
2Measurement precision
If calibration measurements are performed to reduce interference influences, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of the measuring device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the calibration device to perform multiple functions using a single integrated system. The calibration device can introduce current pulses, measure coil impedance, determine temperature coefficients, and store calibration data all through one device that also serves as part of the measurement system. The signal processing device handles both calibration and measurement tasks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated calibration equipment and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the measuring device to perform its own calibration without requiring external calibration equipment. The calibration device uses the measuring device's own components (signal processing device, coil, temperature sensor) to conduct self-calibration. The system automatically introduces test currents, measures its own coil characteristics, determines interference influences, and applies corrections, making the calibration process self-contained and eliminating the need for separate calibration instruments.
3Measurement precision
If the measuring device continuously monitors and corrects for interference, then measurement precision is maintained, but the measurement time increases due to calibration interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by performing calibration measurements at regular intervals during the measurement process rather than continuously. The signal processing device periodically interrupts measurements to conduct quick calibration checks, determining interference influences at scheduled moments. This periodic calibration approach maintains measurement precision by regularly updating interference compensation while minimizing time loss compared to continuous calibration. The system can adjust the calibration frequency based on environmental stability and measurement requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing comprehensive calibration measurements once at the beginning of a measurement session to establish baseline interference characteristics. These preliminary calibration data are stored and used for extended measurement periods without requiring frequent recalibration. The system can perform quick validation checks periodically, but the main calibration burden is done in advance, reducing the time impact during actual measurements while maintaining precision for stable environmental conditions.
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 enables the determination of measurement results that are not influenced by interference, resulting in more precise measurements with minimal technical effort.
Implementation Method 1
A transmitter coil of the transmitter generates a time-varying magnetic field as a measurement signal. This can generate an eddy current in a ferromagnetic munition and, with it, a secondary field as a response.
Implementation Method 2
The calibration device is set up such that a current pulse can be introduced into the coil of the receiver from a current source. Alternatively or additionally, the calibration device is set up so that a current pulse can be introduced into the coil of the transmitter from a current source.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring apparatus having a transmitter (1, 2, 3) for transmitting a measurement signal, a receiver (4) for receiving a response to the transmitted measurement signal and a signal processing device (7, 8, 9; 18) for determining a measurement result from the response, wherein the transmitter and/or the receiver has/have a coil (3; 4; 16), having a calibration device for reducing an interfering influence on the measurement result, characterized in that the calibration device is configured in such a manner that a current pulse can be introduced into the coil (3; 4; 16) from a current source (DC) and the signal processing device (7, 8, 9; 18) can carry out a measured value correction with the aid of the calibration signal generated by the current pulse and can determine a measurement result from the response and the measured value correction. The invention also relates to a measuring method.