Magnetic Material Concentration Measurement via Phase Difference Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for measuring the concentration of magnetic material in fluid, such as lubricant or drain oil, face challenges in accuracy due to manual sampling issues, noise interference, and difficulty in continuous measurement, especially when dealing with minute concentrations and varying flow rates.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing an exciting coil and an output coil to measure phase differences in voltages, combined with a lock-in amplifier for noise removal and signal processing, allows for continuous and accurate measurement of magnetic material concentration by converting AC voltage signals into DC voltage signals, enabling precise detection even in the presence of noise and solid matters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional chemical technique or magnetic field detection is used to measure magnetic material concentration, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision is insufficient due to noise interference and inability to detect minute concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic material concentration measurement accuracyVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (magnetic material with high saturation magnetization) into the fluid sample to amplify the magnetic signal. This intermediary acts as a mediator that enhances the weak magnetic signal from the target magnetic materials, making them detectable above the noise floor while maintaining measurement accuracy through calibration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by applying alternating magnetic fields at specific frequencies and measuring the magnetic response at harmonics. By transforming the measurement from direct static field detection to dynamic harmonic response measurement, the system achieves higher sensitivity and noise rejection capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual sampling is performed to measure magnetic material concentration, then measurement can be conducted, but productivity is reduced due to constant time intervals and troublesome procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic material concentration measurement accuracyVSAvoidcontinuous measurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous measurement by continuously pumping the fluid through the measurement chamber and maintaining constant alternating magnetic field excitation. The system processes fluid continuously rather than in discrete batches, enabling real-time monitoring of magnetic material concentration without manual intervention or sampling intervals

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves automated operation where the measurement device self-regulates the fluid flow, magnetic field application, and signal processing without manual sampling. The continuous flow system automatically introduces fresh fluid and removes measured fluid, eliminating the need for operator intervention while maintaining measurement quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If conventional magnetic measurement devices are used, then measurement can be performed, but reliability is compromised due to disturbances from accumulated solid matters and flow rate variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic material concentration measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement stability under varying conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic measurement techniques where alternating magnetic fields are applied and the system continuously adapts to changing fluid conditions. By measuring magnetic response to time-varying fields rather than static fields, the system becomes insensitive to slow drifts caused by accumulated solids and flow rate variations, maintaining reliable measurements under varying operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach enables highly accurate and continuous measurement of magnetic material concentration, effectively addressing the limitations of existing methods by enhancing sensitivity and reducing measurement errors due to noise and flow variations.

Implementation Method 1

an exciting coil and an output coil for generating exciting voltage when an alternating current flows through said exciting coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

measurement means for measuring variation in phase difference between voltages of said exciting and output coils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase difference detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2034303B1Device and method for measuring concentration of magnetic material
Publication Date: 2015.09.23 DIESEL UNITED LTD
  • EP2034303B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2034303B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2034303B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for measuring a concentration of magnetic material has exciting coils 11a and an output coil 11b which generates exciting voltage when alternating current flows through the exciting coils 11a. Measurement means 6 is provided to measure variation in phase difference between voltages of the exciting and output coils 11a and 11b, so that a concentration of magnetic material is measured with high accuracy from variation in phase difference when a test object is caused to approach the exciting coil 11a or/and the output coil 11b. A minute concentration of magnetic material in the fluid is continuously measured.