Magnet Keeper Assembly Radial Alignment Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnet keeper attachment methods in vibrating sensors, such as Coriolis flowmeters, result in alignment inaccuracies due to fastener tolerances, which can lead to reduced accuracy in mass flow rate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving threaded regions and mating surfaces on magnet keepers and brackets to achieve precise radial and axial alignment within predefined tolerance ranges, using complementary diameters and thread reliefs to ensure accurate attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If magnet keepers are attached to brackets using conventional fastening methods, then the attachment process is simple and quick, but alignment inaccuracies occur due to fastener tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
A precision-machined interface comprising complementary mating surfaces is introduced as an intermediary between the magnet keeper and bracket. This interface includes a first surface on the magnet keeper and a second surface on the bracket that mate together with precise geometric correspondence, serving as a mediator that eliminates alignment errors that would otherwise propagate through the fastening system.
Solution Approach 2:
The mating surfaces are pre-configured with precise geometric relationships before assembly. The first surface on the magnet keeper and the second surface on the bracket are machined to complementary specifications that predetermine the exact radial alignment position, eliminating the need for post-assembly alignment adjustments and ensuring accuracy before the fastening operation occurs.
2Manufacturing precision
If brazing is used to attach magnet keepers directly to brackets, then alignment precision is improved, but heat causes magnets to lose field strength
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into three distinct functional components: the magnet keeper with its first surface, the bracket with its second surface, and the fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows the precision alignment function to be separated from the heating/brazing function, enabling precise mechanical alignment without subjecting the magnet to damaging temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The precision-machined mating surfaces act as an intermediary that transfers the alignment function away from the thermal bonding process. By establishing precise geometric correspondence between the first and second surfaces before any thermal processing, the system eliminates the need to use heat as the primary alignment method, thereby preserving magnetic field strength.
3Loss of energy
If post-magnetizing of the entire flowmeter assembly is performed to restore field strength, then magnetic field strength is recovered, but the process becomes impractical and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment of the magnet keeper to the bracket is performed preliminarily and precisely through the mating surfaces configuration, before any thermal processing or assembly operations. This preliminary precision alignment eliminates the need for subsequent post-magnetizing operations to correct alignment-induced field strength losses, making the process both practical and efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnet assembly (200) is provided that comprises a magnet keeper (204) configured to hold at least one magnet (202). The bracket (208) is configured to receive the magnet keeper (204) and also configured to be attachable to a flowmeter (5) sensor assembly (10). A first surface (216) is formed on the magnet keeper (204), and a second surface (218) is formed on the bracket (208), wherein the first and second surfaces (216, 218) are configured to mate so to provide a radial alignment of the magnet keeper (204) that is within a predefined radial tolerance range.