Load Measurement Device Using Active Magnetization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load measurement methods for ferromagnetic objects face challenges in differentiating between mechanical stresses and magnetization effects, leading to difficulties in determining load direction and predicting service life, especially under harsh industrial conditions, with limitations in signal quality and noise interference.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that apply a magnetic field to a test object using multiple magnetic field detection devices to generate measurement signals, which are then processed to improve signal-to-noise ratio and determine mechanical loads, incorporating alternating magnetic fields and various sensor arrangements to distinguish between stress and magnetization effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic field detection devices are used to measure mechanical loads on ferromagnetic objects, then measurement capability is provided, but differentiation between mechanical stresses and magnetization effects becomes difficult leading to poor signal quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload measurement precisionVSAvoidsignal noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement task by using multiple magnetic field detection devices (at least two) to detect different components of the magnetic field. By dividing the detection function across multiple sensors and processing their signals separately and in combination, the system can differentiate between magnetization effects and mechanical stress effects, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing signal noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by using alternating magnetic fields at different frequencies (including kHz range) to actively magnetize the test object. By changing the frequency and temporal characteristics of the applied magnetic field, the system can distinguish between static magnetization effects and dynamic mechanical stress effects, improving the ability to extract accurate load measurements from the combined signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If alternating magnetic field is used to actively magnetize the test object, then measurement capability under harsh conditions is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliability under harsh conditionsVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by using the same magnetic field detection devices for multiple purposes: detecting both the actively applied alternating magnetic field and the field changes caused by mechanical loads. This universal approach allows the system to maintain measurement reliability under harsh conditions without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the magnetic field signals and using this information to adjust and interpret load measurements in real-time. The system processes the signals from multiple detection devices to compensate for environmental variations and maintain reliable measurements under harsh industrial conditions, effectively managing system complexity through intelligent signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enhances signal quality and allows for precise determination of load direction and magnitude, reducing noise interference and improving the ability to measure mechanical loads in harsh environments, achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio and improved accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

applying a magnetic field to the test object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The ferromagnetic materials used change their permeability under the influence of tensile or compressive stresses (also called Vilari effect)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVillari effect: Villari Effect

Implementation Method 3

detecting a magnetic field changed by the test object as a result of a mechanical load on the test object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11585708B2Load measuring method, load measuring device and load measuring arrangement
Publication Date: 2023.02.21 TRAFAG AG
  • US11585708B2 patent drawing
  • US11585708B2 patent drawing
  • US11585708B2 patent drawing

AI summary

To improve the output signal quality of a load measurement by means of active magnetization, the invention provides a load measurement method for measuring a mechanical load on a test object (14), comprising:a) generating and applying a magnetic field to the test object (14);b) detecting a magnetic field changed by the test object (14) as a result of a mechanical load on the test object (14) by means of a first magnetic field detection device (20) to generate a first measurement signal (U1, UAB),c) detecting a magnetic field changed by the test object (14) as a result of a mechanical load on the test object (14) by means of a second magnetic field detection device (22) to generate a second measurement signal (U1, UAB),d) computationally determining a third measurement signal (UBT) from the first measurement signal (U1, UAB) and the second measurement signal (U2, UAT), and preferably comprising the steps ofe) forming a difference from one (U2, UAT) of the first and the second measurement signals and the computationally determined third measurement signal (UBT) to produce an output signal,f) determining the mechanical load applied to the test object (14) based on the output signal.The invention also provides a corresponding load measurement device for carrying out the load measurement method.