Magnetic Clamping Force Meter Using Flux-Aligned Probe Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the clamping force of magnetic systems are either invasive, requiring mechanical disturbance or modification of the anchorage conditions, making it difficult to reliably determine the force in field settings, especially for large or heavy applications.
Innovation Solution
A portable meter with a probe and detection unit that aligns with the magnetic apparatus, using active and passive ferromagnetic elements to detect magnetic flux without significantly disturbing the anchorage conditions, allowing for non-invasive force measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical force generators and load cells are used to measure clamping force, then force measurement capability is achieved, but the anchorage status is significantly disturbed and detachment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a portable meter as an intermediary measurement device that uses magnetic flux detection through a probe with ferromagnetic elements and detection coils. This mediator enables force measurement without direct mechanical contact with the anchored workpiece, thus preserving the anchorage status while obtaining clamping force data through magnetic field interactions rather than mechanical disturbance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical measurement system (force generators and load cells that physically contact and disturb the anchorage) with a magnetic field-based detection system. The portable meter uses electromagnetic induction through detection coils and ferromagnetic probe elements to measure clamping force non-invasively, substituting mechanical interaction with magnetic field interaction
2Measurement precision
If air gaps are introduced to insert probes for magnetic induction measurement, then force can be estimated, but anchorage conditions are modified and force decreases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The portable meter serves as a magnetic flux intermediary that couples the magnetic apparatus and the measurement system through its ferromagnetic probe elements. These elements concentrate and guide magnetic flux lines through detection coils without requiring physical air gaps, enabling non-invasive measurement while maintaining continuous magnetic circuit integrity and preventing exponential force degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement approach from direct magnetic induction through air gaps to magnetic flux detection through ferromagnetic probe elements with detection coils. This parameter change in the measurement medium (from air gap to ferromagnetic material) allows flux concentration and detection without disrupting the magnetic anchorage field, maintaining force levels while enabling measurement
3Loss of information
If manufacturers provide performance graphs showing force variation, then performance data is available, but it is difficult to determine actual force in field settings where multiple parameters vary simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The portable meter enables field operators to perform self-service measurements of actual clamping force without requiring complex graph interpretation or multiple separate measurements. The device directly provides quantitative force readings in the field, allowing operators to independently assess anchorage conditions without relying on manufacturer graphs that require multiple simultaneous parameter control and interpretation
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 reliable and minimally disruptive field-testing of magnetic systems, providing accurate force measurements without altering the anchorage conditions, suitable for various magnetic apparatuses and workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
using active and passive ferromagnetic elements to detect magnetic flux without significantly disturbing the anchorage conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable meter (1) for measuring a force generated by a magnetic apparatus (2), comprising a mobile probe (3) configured to be coupled to the magnetic apparatus (2) whose force needs to be measured, the probe (3) comprising at least one active ferromagnetic element (4) which has a configuration corresponding to that of a pole (N, S) on the magnetic apparatus whose force needs to be measured, the probe being equipped with alignment means (5, 6) configured to align the at least one active ferromagnetic element (4) with at least one magnetic pole (N, S) on the magnetic apparatus (2), the at least one active ferromagnetic element (4) having at least one turn (B) - made of an electrically conductive material - wound around it, and a detection unit (7) interfaced with the at least one turn (B) in order to detect a magnetic flux flowing through the coil at least during a transient of activation/deactivation of the magnetic apparatus.