Magnet Device Mechanical Locking for Vibration Sensor Assembly

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnet devices in vibration-type measuring transducers face challenges in assembly complexity and fatigue strength, especially under extreme temperatures and mechanical loads, due to material connections between permanent magnets and magnetic cups, which are costly and difficult to align precisely.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic device featuring a permanent magnet with a holding device that uses force and/or form locking, a collet-style holding head, and a magnetic cup with a frictional connection, allowing for secure attachment without deforming the magnetic field, and optionally using a spring element or thermally shrinking the cup for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If material connections (soldering, welding, adhesive bonding) are used to attach the permanent magnet to the magnetic cup, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to precise alignment requirements and costly processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces material connections (soldering, welding, adhesive bonding) with a mechanical locking system consisting of a holding device with holding bolts and holding heads that engage with corresponding structures in the magnetic cup. This mechanical system achieves secure attachment without requiring precise material alignment or complex joining processes, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device is divided into separate components (holding bolts, holding heads, spring elements) that can be independently assembled and adjusted. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing of individual parts and easier assembly compared to monolithic material connections, while the combined mechanical structure provides the necessary connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If material connections are used to attach the permanent magnet to the magnetic cup, then the connection strength is improved, but the production cost increases due to costly materials and difficult precise alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive material connection processes (soldering, welding, adhesive bonding requiring precise alignment) with a mechanical locking system using standard holding bolts and holding heads. This mechanical approach uses conventional, cost-effective components and assembly methods, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining adequate connection strength for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device uses standard, easily replaceable mechanical components (holding bolts, holding heads) that are simpler and cheaper to manufacture than permanent material bonds. These components can be produced using conventional machining processes and assembled without specialized equipment, reducing overall production costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the permanent magnet is firmly attached to the magnetic cup, then the structural stability is improved, but the magnetic field may be deformed by the attachment method

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidmagnetic field deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces material connections that may introduce magnetic interference (soldering, welding, adhesive bonding) with a mechanical locking system using non-magnetic or minimally magnetic holding components. This mechanical system provides firm structural attachment while minimizing distortion of the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, as the holding device can be made from materials that do not significantly interact with the magnetic field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional magnet devices are used, then the assembly is straightforward, but the fatigue strength is insufficient under extreme temperatures and mechanical loads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidfatigue strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates spring elements into the holding device that provide dynamic compensation for thermal expansion and contraction, as well as mechanical vibrations and loads. The spring elements allow the holding structure to flex and adapt to changing conditions, maintaining secure attachment and reducing stress concentrations that would lead to fatigue failure, while the overall assembly remains relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding device includes pre-designed stress-distributing features and cushioning elements (such as spring elements and distributed contact surfaces) that anticipate and mitigate the effects of extreme temperatures and mechanical loads before fatigue damage can occur. This proactive design approach enhances reliability under harsh conditions while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 design simplifies assembly, enhances fatigue strength, and extends the operating temperature range, enabling reliable operation in extreme conditions such as temperatures above 200°C or below -50°C, while reducing production costs and minimizing interference from external fields.

Implementation Method 1

at least one coil (52) arranged to be movable relative to the permanent magnet (51a) during vibrations and to generate an electrical sensor signal in response to the movement of the coil (52) relative to the permanent magnet (51a)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an outer contact surface (C) of the holding head (51c') and an inner contact surface (B) of the bushing (51#) touch each other to form a frictional connection between the magnetic cup (51b) and the holding device (51c)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2350577B1Magnet device and vibration-type measuring sensor having such a magnet device
Publication Date: 2019.04.24 ENDRESS HAUSER FLOWTEC AG
  • EP2350577B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP2350577B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP2350577B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a magnet device comprising a particularly rod-shaped permanent magnet (51 a) providing a magnetic field, a holding device (51 c) that is firmly connected to the permanent magnet and that has a holding head (51 c') facing the permanent magnet for holding the permanent magnet and a holding bolt (51 c") fixed on the holding head, and a magnet cup (51 b) having a cup bottom (51 b') and a cup wall (51 b") extending out from the cup bottom. The holding head of the holding device is held at least partially by a bushing (51 #) provided in the cup bottom so that an outer contact surface of the holding head (C) and an inner contact surface of the bushing (B) contact each other to form a force closure between the magnet cup and holding device. The magnet device is intended particularly for use as a vibration transducer and/or for use in a vibration-type measuring sensor.