Magnetic Force Feedback Actuator for Ultrasonic Density Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ultrasonic density detection systems for wood products and other materials are inefficient and inaccurate due to antiquated mechanical components, leading to inconsistent pressure application and significant errors in density measurements, which are critical for determining strength and resource utilization effectively.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a magnetic force feedback actuator positioner to maintain a constant pressure/force between transducer elements and the material surface, replacing outdated pneumatic systems and allowing for real-time adjustments to ensure precise density measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If antiquated mechanical components are used in ultrasonic density detection systems, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent pressure application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedensity measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces antiquated mechanical pressure application components with an ultrasonic transducer system that uses ultrasonic vibration to apply consistent pressure. The transducer converts electrical energy to mechanical vibration, eliminating the need for complex mechanical pressure regulation mechanisms while achieving consistent contact pressure for accurate density measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback control through the ultrasonic transducer operation, where the transducer's vibration characteristics provide real-time information about contact pressure and material properties. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent pressure application and enables precise density measurements without requiring complex external pressure control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If mechanical pressure application methods are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to significant errors in density measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoidsystem implementation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces unreliable mechanical pressure application methods with an ultrasonic transducer system that generates consistent contact pressure through controlled ultrasonic vibration. This substitution eliminates the variability inherent in mechanical systems while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through the use of standard ultrasonic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If conventional transducer positioning is used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to bounce and inconsistent contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact consistencyVSAvoidsystem operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs ultrasonic vibration of the transducer at high frequency to maintain consistent contact with the material surface. The vibrational motion allows the transducer to continuously adapt to surface irregularities, eliminating bounce and ensuring consistent pressure application without requiring complex positioning mechanisms or manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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 accurate, consistent, and efficient density readings, reducing errors and maintaining constant pressure, thus enhancing the reliability and precision of material strength assessments.

Implementation Method 1

determining the density of a sheet of material by transmitting ultrasonic energy through the sheet of material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic energy transmission: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

based on the time it takes for the ultrasonic energy to pass through the sheet of material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

a magnetic force feedback actuator positioner to maintain a constant pressure/force between the transducer element and the material surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force feedback: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS11774408B1System for determining the density of a sheet of material using a magnetic force feedback actuator positioner

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 BOISE CASCADE CORP

AI summary

A density detection system uses a magnetic force feedback actuator positioner to maintain a precise selected pressure between transducer wheels and the surface of a sheet of material as the sheet of material moves through a position between transducer wheel and lift wheel. Consequently, the antiquated mechanical/pneumatic springs/airbags of prior art ultrasonic density detection systems are replaced with a highly responsive magnetic force feedback actuator positioner capable of providing a precise and relatively constant force that can react to the introduction of a sheet of material, and/or variations in the surface of a sheet of material, extremely rapidly without the bounce/recovery oscillations associated with prior art ultrasonic density detection systems. Consequently, precise density measurements of an entire sheet of material can be obtained with unprecedented accuracy.