Magnetic Levitation Balance Automated Calibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic levitation scales face challenges in achieving precise control without damaging the sample, requiring trained specialists and being prone to errors due to their complex and demanding physical measuring principle.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic levitation balance with a control/regulating unit that includes a holding device, a magnetic element, an electromagnet, and a position sensor, allowing for automated calibration and monitoring, ensuring stable operation and error mitigation by readjusting or safely setting down the sample in case of errors, and enabling operation by normal laboratory personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnetic levitation is used to measure samples, then smooth bearing operation is achieved, but precise control becomes difficult and sample damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using a position sensor (sensor coil and sensor sleeve) to continuously monitor the vertical position of the magnetic element. The control unit processes position information and adjusts the electromagnet current accordingly to maintain stable levitation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise control and automatic correction of position deviations, resolving the contradiction between smooth operation and control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration before measurement by automatically moving the holding device to extreme positions (upper limit defined by housing and lower limit where magnetic force is just sufficient for stable levitation) to determine calibration positions. This preliminary action establishes safe operating boundaries and calibration parameters, preventing sample damage during subsequent measurements while maintaining smooth bearing operation.
2Measurement precision
If complex physical measuring principles are used, then measurement capability is enhanced, but setup becomes demanding and requires trained specialists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated calibration and operation where the control unit independently performs calibration procedures by moving the holding device to extreme positions, determining calibration positions, and establishing measurement parameters without human intervention. The system also includes automatic monitoring and error handling that performs readjustment or controlled lowering without operator input. This self-service capability eliminates the need for trained specialists while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent automatically adjusts operational parameters including electromagnet current, position sensor thresholds, and calibration positions based on real-time feedback and pre-established calibration data. The control unit modifies these parameters dynamically during operation and calibration to optimize measurement precision while simplifying the setup process through automation.
3Ease of operation
If automated calibration and monitoring are implemented, then operation is simplified for normal laboratory personnel, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (calibration, monitoring, error handling, and measurement control) into a single integrated control unit that manages all operations automatically. The position sensor system is merged with the electromagnet control to form a unified feedback loop. This functional integration simplifies the user interface and operation for laboratory personnel while consolidating complexity within the automated control system rather than requiring complex manual procedures.
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 provides precise control and safe operation of the magnetic levitation balance, reducing the risk of sample damage and simplifying setup, allowing normal laboratory personnel to operate the device effectively while ensuring reliable measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnet (4) is configured to exert a magnetic force on the magnetic element (3)
Implementation Method 2
The position sensor consists of a sensor coil (5) and a sensor sleeve (12) mounted on the holding device (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a magnetic levitation balance and a method for calibrating and operating the magnetic levitation balance. The magnetic levitation balance comprises a holding device (1) for receiving a sample (14) to be measured, a magnetic element (3) arranged on the holding device (1), an electromagnet (4) for exerting a magnetic force on the magnetic element (3), and a position sensor for determining the position of the magnetic element (3). A control unit (6) is configured to calibrate the holding device (1) with respect to the magnetic element (3) arranged thereon with respect to a defined or predetermined position of the holding device (1) and to monitor this during a measurement process.