Inductive Position Sensor for Vibration Armature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibration test apparatuses face challenges in accurately detecting the displacement and position of an armature due to issues such as target obscuration by dirt or the need for fine adjustments in optical sensing mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An inductive position sensor assembly is employed, comprising a first member attached to the armature and a second member attached to the shaker frame, which generates control signals based on displacement-dependent electromagnetic coupling, utilizing a magnetic or electromagnetic field generator and passive electromagnetic resonators to detect axial position and movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical armature position sensing mechanisms are used, then position detection capability is provided, but the target may be obscured by dirt or damaged requiring fine adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsensing system robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical sensing mechanisms with electromagnetic induction-based sensing. The inductive position sensor uses a first member attached to the armature and a second member attached to the shaker frame, generating control signals based on displacement-dependent electromagnetic coupling between the members, eliminating the need for optical targets that can be obscured or damaged

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the moving armature and the sensing system. The inductive position sensor assembly uses electromagnetic coupling through displacement-dependent interaction between the first and second members, providing a robust measurement mechanism that does not require direct line-of-sight or fragile optical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If optical sensing mechanisms are used, then position detection is achieved, but fine adjustment is required to ensure correct operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem setup and adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inductive position sensor assembly automatically generates control signals based on the electromagnetic coupling between the first and second members during normal operation. The system self-adjusts to maintain accurate position detection without requiring manual fine-tuning of alignment or calibration, as the electromagnetic coupling naturally varies with armature displacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides a robust and accurate method for detecting axial displacement, reducing the need for fine adjustments and minimizing interference, while maintaining operational efficiency across varying displacement ranges.

Implementation Method 1

the inductive position sensor assembly is configured to generate at least one control signal indicative of an axial position of the armature based on a displacement dependent electromagnetic coupling between the first member and the second member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11150160B2Vibration test apparatus comprising inductive position sensing

Publication Date: 2021.10.19 BRUEL & KJAER VTS LTD

AI summary

A vibration test apparatus for vibrating a payload. The vibration test apparatus includes an inductive position sensor assembly which has a first member attached to a displaceable armature and a second member attached to a shaker frame. The inductive position sensor assembly is configured to generate at least one control signal indicative of an axial position of the armature based on a displacement dependent electromagnetic coupling between the first member and the second member.