Inductive Sensor Segmentation for Robust High-Resolution Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement devices, particularly weighing devices, face challenges in achieving high sensitivity and wide dynamic range while maintaining mechanical and electronic robustness, leading to reduced reliability and limited lifetime due to sensitivity to mechanical shocks and temperature dependency.
Innovation Solution
An inductive sensor design utilizing a movable or deformable proof body with a magnetic coupling element, where the relative magnetic permeability varies in response to pulsed stimulation or voltage ramp signals, allowing contactless measurement and minimizing temperature dependency, thus enhancing stability and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement electronics are implemented on the proof body to achieve high sensitivity, then sensitivity is improved, but robustness deteriorates due to exposure to mechanical forces
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into two separate parts: the proof body that undergoes mechanical deformation and the measurement electronics that remain isolated. The magnetic coupling element is attached to the proof body while the inductive pickup coil remains stationary, creating a non-contact interface that separates the mechanical measurement zone from the electronic measurement zone, thereby protecting electronics from mechanical forces while maintaining high sensitivity through magnetic field coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling element serves as an intermediary between the proof body and the measurement electronics. This magnetic intermediary transfers mechanical displacement information to the stationary inductive pickup coil without requiring direct physical contact between the moving proof body and the fragile electronics, thus achieving both high sensitivity and robustness.
2Measurement precision
If measurement electronics are implemented on the proof body to achieve high sensitivity, then sensitivity is improved, but dynamic range deteriorates due to risk of damaging electronics
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the proof body from the measurement electronics, the system allows the proof body to undergo large deformations across a wide dynamic range without exposing the electronics to damaging mechanical forces. The magnetic coupling interface maintains sensitive measurement capability while the stationary electronics remain protected from extreme conditions.
3Measurement precision
If piezoresistive deformation gauges are used to measure deformation, then sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to physical connection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system of piezoresistive gauges with a magnetic field-based inductive coupling system. Instead of physically sticking gauges to the proof body and establishing electrical connections, the system uses a magnetic coupling element that translates mechanical displacement into magnetic field variations detected by a stationary inductive pickup coil, eliminating complex physical connections while maintaining sensitivity.
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 inductive sensor achieves improved sensitivity, dynamic range, and robustness, with reduced temperature dependency, enabling accurate and reliable measurements across a wide range of weights and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a coil transformer (12) comprising an emission inductance (L1) mounted in parallel with the generator and a reception inductance (L2)... the magnetic coupling element being placed with respect to the coil transformer so as to magnetically couple the emission inductance and the reception inductance
Implementation Method 2
the relative magnetic permeability of which varies in response to a deformation or a movement of the proof body
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive sensor includes a fixed part and a movable part. The movable part comprising a movable or deformable proof body, and a magnetic coupling element mechanically secured to the proof body. The fixed part comprising: a voltage generator and a coil transformer comprising an emission inductance mounted in parallel with the generator and a reception inductance. The magnetic coupling element being separated from an end of the emission inductance by a separation distance. The fixed part comprises an acquisition chain connected to the reception inductance and configured to generate a distance variation measurement signal. The measurement signal corresponding to a measurement of the variation of the frequency or of the amplitude of the voltage at the terminals of the reception inductance.