Magnetic Permeability Mapping via Sensor Array and Field Compensation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the position and orientation of objects using magnetic fields face challenges such as exposure to ionizing radiation, secondary currents distorting magnetic fields, limited sensory regions, and high-temperature or contaminated conditions making sensors unresponsive, which complicates accurate and efficient measurement of magnetic permeability.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic permeability mapping system utilizing a pair of magnetic field generators and an array of magnetic permeability sensors to create an overlapping sensory region, processing sensor data to generate a permeability map, allowing for precise measurement of magnetic permeability by comparing initial and subsequent sensor data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single magnetic sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensory region is limited making it hard to discern minute changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetectability of minute changesVSAvoidsensor array configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple magnetic sensors are combined into a sensor array with overlapping sensory regions to collectively detect minute changes in magnetic flux density that a single sensor cannot detect, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If AC signal is used to generate magnetic field, then the magnetic field generation is efficient, but secondary currents are induced that distort the field and render measurement difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic field generation efficiencyVSAvoidsecondary currents

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures the secondary currents induced by AC signal generation and uses this information to compensate for their distorting effects, converting the harmful secondary currents into useful measurement data that improves overall measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sensors are exposed to high-temperature or contaminated conditions, then the operational versatility is improved, but the sensors become unresponsive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational conditionsVSAvoidsensor responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A protective structure or intermediary layer is introduced between the sensors and the harsh environment (high temperature or contamination), allowing the sensors to maintain responsiveness while operating in previously inaccessible conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If traditional imaging procedures are repeated to monitor instrument position, then the measurement accuracy is maintained, but the exposure to ionizing radiation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition and orientation accuracyVSAvoidionizing radiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces traditional repeated X-ray imaging procedures with a magnetic field-based detection system that uses magnetic sensors to continuously monitor position and orientation, eliminating the need for repeated ionizing radiation exposure while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 fast and accurate mapping of magnetic permeability, reducing exposure to radiation and improving sensor responsiveness, thereby enhancing the detectability of minute changes and fluctuations in magnetic flux density.

Implementation Method 1

determine the position and orientation of an object in three-dimensional space using magnetic coils on the object to be located and stationary coils in a fixed frame of reference

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAlternating magnetic field: Alternating Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

an array of magnetic permeability sensors configured to create an overlapping sensory region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux density sensing: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12259447B2Magnetic permeability mapping system and method

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 MOUSER LABS LLC

AI summary

The present invention is a ferrobody magnetic permeability mapping system including a ferrobody material, a first magnetic generator, a second magnetic generator in electrical communication with the first magnetic generator and configured to present an alternating magnetic field, a control circuit configured for alternating operation of the first and second magnetic generators; the magnetic permeability sensor being configured for measuring the magnetic permeability of the ferrobody material in response to the alternating magnetic field; the magnetic permeability sensor including a matrix comprising at least one row select circuitry and at least one column select circuitry wherein the magnetic permeability of the ferrobody material is obtained by the row select circuitry and the column select circuitry where magnetic permeability values of the ferrobody material is obtained at multiple locations within the alternating magnetic field.