Magnetic Field Vector Determination via Fourier Transform

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic field measurement devices can only measure the out-of-plane component of a magnetic field, lacking the capability to determine the X and Y components, which is essential for accurate quality inspection of permanent magnets in various technological products.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that determine the magnetic vector field distribution in a predetermined area by measuring the first component of the magnetic field along a specific direction, using intrinsic physical relationships to calculate the second and third components without requiring additional measurements or position changes, employing techniques like Fourier transforms and extrapolation to enhance precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If only the out-of-plane component (z-component) of the magnetic field is measured using existing magnetic field cameras, then the measurement device complexity is reduced and the measurement process is simplified, but the measurement precision and completeness of the magnetic field characterization is insufficient because the X and Y components cannot be determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field component measurement completenessVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses Fourier transform methods to create a mathematical copy of the magnetic field information. By transforming the measured z-component data into the frequency domain and applying specific mathematical operations, the system reconstructs the X and Y components without requiring additional physical sensors, thus avoiding increased device complexity while improving measurement completeness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for additional physical measurement devices (mechanical/system expansion) with a computational approach. Instead of adding more sensors to measure X and Y components directly, the system uses signal processing and mathematical transformations to derive the missing components from the z-component data, substituting mechanical measurement expansion with computational analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If multiple measurement positions are used to determine all three magnetic field components, then the measurement precision improves, but the measurement time and productivity decrease due to the need to change positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic vector field determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary mathematical preparation by transforming the measured data into the frequency domain and pre-calculating the transfer functions needed for component reconstruction. This preliminary processing enables the rapid derivation of X and Y components from a single z-component measurement, eliminating the need for time-consuming repositioning while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an excessive mathematical processing approach - applying Fourier transforms and complex mathematical operations to a single measurement position - to achieve what would otherwise require multiple physical measurement positions. This excessive computational action replaces the need for multiple measurements, improving productivity while maintaining precision through sophisticated signal processing

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

Enables precise determination of all three components of the magnetic vector field within a predetermined area, improving the accuracy of magnetic field characterization and quality inspection of permanent magnets, even when the measurement area is limited.

Implementation Method 1

measuring the values of the first of three components of the magnetic field along the first direction in at least part of or all over the predetermined two-dimensional area, preferable by means of a magnetic field camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Implementation Method 2

A magnetic field camera can for instance comprise an array or matrix of Hall sensors, or can be a magneto-optical system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagneto-optical effect: Magneto-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS10241159B2Devices and methods for determining a magnetic field
Publication Date: 2019.03.26 MAGCAM NV
  • US10241159B2 patent drawing
  • US10241159B2 patent drawing
  • US10241159B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining a magnetic vector field in a predetermined area, the method comprising:determining distribution data comprising values of a first of three components of a magnetic field along a first direction, for a predetermined area defined on a predetermined surface, the predetermined surface being defined by a second and a third direction, wherein the first, second and third directions constitute an orthogonal set of axes;determining distribution data comprising values of the second and the third component of the magnetic field in the second and the third direction respectively, for the predetermined area defined in the predetermined surface;wherein determining distribution data comprising values of the second and the third component is based on making use of intrinsic physical relations between the first, second and third components of the magnetic field distribution; and associated device.