Magnetic Field Gradient Correction for Moving Platforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetic field gradient measurements on moving platforms, such as aircraft or missiles, are prone to errors due to high velocity-induced vibrations and misalignment between the magnetometer and the onboard navigation system, leading to inaccurate navigation without effective correction mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An inductive coil vector magnetometer coupled with a gyroscope generates correction values to compensate for errors in magnetic field gradient measurements, allowing for reduced error levels and accurate navigation by projecting the magnetic field gradient tensor onto the direction of motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If magnetic field gradient measurements are performed on a moving platform at high velocity, then navigation capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to vibrations and misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplatform velocityVSAvoidmagnetic field gradient measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The gyroscope provides real-time feedback on platform orientation and vibration, which is used to generate correction values that compensate for measurement errors in the magnetometer data, thereby maintaining measurement precision during high-velocity motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The gyroscope acts as an intermediary device that measures platform motion separately and provides correction data to the magnetometer system, allowing the two measurement systems to work together to compensate for each other's limitations during high-speed operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If correction mechanisms are added to compensate for measurement errors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field gradient measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gyroscope serves multiple functions: it measures platform orientation for navigation, detects vibrations during motion, and provides correction data for the magnetometer measurements, thereby reducing the need for separate dedicated correction devices

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

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

The system provides accurate magnetic field gradient measurements and navigation aids, enabling platforms to determine geographical location without GPS reliance, even in jamming environments, by exploiting Earth's magnetic anomaly field for navigation correction.

Implementation Method 1

performing, using an inductive coil vector magnetometer, the magnetic field gradient measurements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

generating, using a gyroscope that is coupled to the inductive coil vector magnetometer, a correction value to compensate for the error

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGyroscope effect: Gyroscope

Data Source

PatentEP3350628B1Measurement of magnetic field gradients
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 RAYTHEON CO
  • EP3350628B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3350628B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3350628B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Technology for performing magnetic field gradient measurements is described. The magnetic field gradient measurements for specific positions on the Earth can be performed from a moving platform. The magnetic field gradient measurements can be identified as being affected by a level of error that exceeds a defined threshold. A correction value can be generated to compensate for the error in the magnetic field gradient measurements. The correction value can be applied to the magnetic field gradient measurements in order to obtain magnetic field gradient measurements with a reduced level of error.