Magnetic Lifting Force Measurement via Opposing Residual Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to accurately and continuously quantify the magnetic force between a Magnetic Structure and a ferromagnetic Target due to factors like velocity variations, device orientation, vibration, and environmental conditions, leading to unreliable measurements and potential safety hazards during lifting operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of pole conduits in the Magnetic Structure redirects the magnetic field, allowing for the measurement of the Opposing Residual Magnetic Field (ORMF) on the side opposite the Target, which is more responsive and easier to quantify, enabling continuous monitoring of the magnetic attachment force and providing accurate characterization of the magnetic attraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is placed near the Target to measure magnetic force, then the measurement can detect the magnetic field directly, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to localized magnetic field distortion occurring within the Target material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by sensing the Opposing Residual Magnetic Field (ORMF) on the opposite side of the Magnetic Structure from the Target. Instead of placing the sensor near the Target where field distortion occurs, the sensor measures the residual field that has passed through the Magnetic Structure, using this intermediate field characteristic to infer the magnetic attachment force without direct exposure to distorted fields near the Target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional sensing approach by measuring the magnetic field on the opposite side of the Magnetic Structure rather than near the Target. Instead of directly measuring the field between the Magnetic Structure and Target, the system measures the residual field that emerges from the opposite side, effectively measuring from the reverse direction to avoid the harmful distortion zone.
2Loss of information
If a moveable pole piece is used to generate a signal through flux change, then a representative signal can be produced, but the measurement becomes unreliable due to velocity variations, device orientation, vibration, and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the Magnetic Structure itself generates the measurement signal through its inherent residual magnetic field, without requiring external actuation or moveable components. The ORMF naturally exists and can be continuously measured, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating reliability issues associated with mechanical actuation, velocity control, and environmental sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensing system (moveable pole piece requiring precise velocity control) with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Instead of mechanically moving a pole piece through a coil to generate a signal, the system uses a stationary sensor to detect the residual magnetic field, substituting mechanical action with direct magnetic field measurement to eliminate velocity and vibration sensitivity.
3Loss of time
If the pole piece is moved through the sensing coil to generate a signal, then an initial reading can be obtained, but continuous monitoring becomes impossible as no further flux change occurs after contact with the Target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring by measuring the Opposing Residual Magnetic Field that continuously exists on the opposite side of the Magnetic Structure. Unlike the transient signal from moving a pole piece, the ORMF is continuously present and can be measured at any time during the lifting operation, providing uninterrupted real-time monitoring of magnetic attachment force without requiring repeated actuation cycles.
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 approach provides highly accurate and dynamic sensing of the magnetic attachment force, unaffected by factors that distort measurements near the Target, allowing for real-time feedback and improved safety during lifting operations by continuously monitoring changes in the magnetic attachment force.
Implementation Method 1
pole conduits in the Magnetic Structure redirects the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the ferromagnetic material to which the Magnetic Structure attaches
Implementation Method 3
detect magnetic flux levels utilizing a Hall Effect sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for a sensing system that can determine a magnetic attraction force between a magnetic structure and its target by using an Opposing Residual Magnetic Field (ORMF) to quantify said magnetic attraction force. Steps for the development and implementation of an ORMF Sensing System are set forth herein.