Magnetic Coupling Sensor Feedback for Residual Magnetism Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic coupling devices lack effective feedback mechanisms for determining the quality of magnetic coupling and the presence of residual magnetism in ferromagnetic workpieces, which can lead to inefficient handling and processing.

Innovation Solution

The integration of magnetic field sensors and a logic control circuit within the magnetic coupling tool allows for real-time monitoring of leakage fluxes, enabling the determination of the quality of coupling, secure attachment of workpieces, and the detection of residual magnetism. Additionally, the tool includes degaussing functionality to remove residual magnetism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic field sensors and logic control circuits are integrated into the magnetic coupling tool, then real-time monitoring of leakage fluxes and detection of residual magnetism is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracy of magnetic coupling quality and residual magnetismVSAvoidstructural complexity of magnetic coupling tool
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates magnetic field sensors and logic control circuits directly into the magnetic coupling tool, combining multiple functions (magnetic coupling, sensing, control, and degaussing) into a single unified device. This merging approach enables real-time monitoring of magnetic coupling quality and residual magnetism detection without requiring separate external monitoring systems, thereby improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling tool is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a coupling device and a monitoring/detection system. The tool includes sensors for detecting magnetic coupling quality, logic control circuits for processing sensor data, and degaussing capability for removing residual magnetism. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate systems.

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

2Reliability

If degaussing functionality is added to remove residual magnetism, then workpiece handling quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of workpiece handlingVSAvoidstructural complexity of magnetic coupling tool
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The degaussing functionality is integrated into the magnetic coupling tool itself, merging the coupling function with the degaussing function in a single device. This eliminates the need for separate degaussing equipment and ensures that workpieces are automatically degaussed during or after the coupling process, improving handling quality while managing complexity through functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The degaussing function is designed to remove residual magnetism from workpieces as part of the coupling process. By performing the degaussing action in advance or concurrently with the coupling operation, the system ensures that workpieces are properly prepared for handling, preventing residual magnetism issues that could affect subsequent processing or handling quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of information

If real-time monitoring of leakage fluxes is implemented, then operational feedback accuracy is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefeedback information quality on magnetic couplingVSAvoidenergy consumption of magnetic coupling tool
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where magnetic field sensors continuously monitor leakage fluxes, and logic control circuits process this information to provide real-time feedback on magnetic coupling quality. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect changes in coupling status and adjust operations accordingly, improving operational feedback accuracy while managing energy consumption through intelligent control based on actual coupling conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system is designed to provide sufficient feedback information for effective control without continuous maximum-level sensing. The logic control circuit processes sensor data to determine when monitoring is most critical, enabling accurate feedback while reducing energy consumption during periods when full monitoring intensity is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 solution provides superior operational feedback, ensuring accurate and secure handling of workpieces, while the degaussing capability effectively removes residual magnetism, enhancing the usability and efficiency of magnetic coupling tools in robotic systems.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic field sensors and a logic control circuit within the magnetic coupling tool allows for real-time monitoring of leakage fluxes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

devices which use magnetic fields in order to attract and/or secure a ferromagnetic target to a working face of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

the tool includes degaussing functionality to remove residual magnetism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDegaussing: Alternating Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3810380B1Magnetic coupling device with at least one of a sensor arrangement and a degauss capability
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 MAGSWITCH TECHNOLOGY WORLDWIDE PTY LTD(AU)
  • EP3810380B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3810380B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3810380B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Magnetic coupling devices are disclosed having magnetic field sensors. The magnetic coupling device may include a calibration module for calibrating the magnetic coupling devices.