Magnetic Dosing Pump Pressure Determination via Electromagnetic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic dosing pumps face limitations when low dosing speeds are required, and existing methods for determining fluid pressure in displacement pumps are costly, prone to errors, and complicate cleaning processes, especially in the food industry.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines fluid pressure without an additional sensor by using an equation of motion that accounts for forces acting on the displacement element, including fluid pressure, allowing for non-contact measurement of the displacement element's position and current through the electromagnetic drive to calculate pressure, and triggering warnings or control measures based on deviations from setpoint values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is installed in the dosing chamber to measure fluid pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cleaning effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure sensor system with a field-based measurement approach. By using an electromagnetic field (via a coil) to interact with the ferromagnetic displacement element, the system indirectly measures pressure through position detection, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact sensors in the dosing chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach using a ferromagnetic displacement element and electromagnetic field. Instead of directly measuring pressure with a sensor, the system measures the position of the displacement element (which responds to pressure changes) through non-contact electromagnetic sensing, using the displacement element as an intermediary between pressure and measurement.
2Manufacturing precision
If a position sensor is added to control the displacement element position, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electromagnetic coil serve multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator (to move the displacement element) and the sensor (to detect displacement element position through electromagnetic interaction). This eliminates the need for separate position sensors while maintaining dosing precision through feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the actuator and sensor functions into a single electromagnetic coil system. The same coil that generates electromagnetic force to move the displacement element also detects its position through changes in electromagnetic characteristics, combining control and measurement functions in one component.
3Productivity
If the electromagnet is activated frequently to double dosing speed, then productivity is improved, but dosing accuracy deteriorates due to valve timing issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual position of the displacement element (via electromagnetic sensing) and comparing it with the desired position. The system adjusts the electromagnet activation timing and duration based on this feedback, ensuring accurate dosing even at higher speeds where valve timing becomes critical.
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
Enables precise determination of fluid pressure and detection of issues like gas bubbles or cavitation without additional sensors, improving dosing accuracy and reducing costs and cleaning complexity, while allowing for automatic control and diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
If a current is now applied to the electromagnet, a magnetic flux is formed, which moves the correspondingly designed pressure piece within the electromagnet from its second position to the first position
Implementation Method 2
the pressure piece which is usually spring-loaded and at least partially mounted within an electromagnet. As long as no current is flowing through the electromagnet so that no magnetic flux is built up inside, the spring-loaded preload ensures that the pressure piece and thus the diaphragm are held in a specified position
Implementation Method 3
an equation of motion is set up for the displacement element with the aid of which the instantaneous fluid pressure in the dosing chamber can be determined
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining at least one physical variable in a positive displacement pump, wherein the positive displacement pump has a movable displacer element which delimits the metering chamber which is connected via valves to a suction and pressure line, with the result that delivery fluid can alternately be sucked into the metering chamber via the suction line and can be pressed out of the metering chamber via the pressure line as a result of an oscillating movement of the displacer element, wherein a drive is provided for the oscillating movement of the displacer element.