Magnetic Sensor Probe With Elastomeric Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration sensors for machinery are often permanently or semi-permanently attached, which limits their placement and effectiveness due to unwanted signal losses from ambient vibrations, and lack a hands-free, removable attachment method that isolates fluidborne vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a probe body containing a vibration coupling fluid medium, isolated from mechanical and fluidborne vibrations, and a permanent magnet for secure, removable attachment to a ferromagnetic surface, using an elastomeric isolating boundary to seal the probe cavity and enhance signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor is permanently or semi-permanently attached to a machinery surface, then the sensor can be securely positioned for vibration detection, but the sensor placement is limited and requires modification of the machinery surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical attachment methods (threaded fasteners, mounting bases) with a magnetic attachment system. The magnet mount sensor can be removably attached to ferromagnetic surfaces without modifying the machinery, providing both secure positioning and placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the sensor and the machinery surface. This magnetic field enables secure attachment while allowing easy removal and repositioning, eliminating the need for direct mechanical connection or surface modification.
2Ease of operation
If a magnet mount sensor is used for removable attachment, then hands-free testing is enabled, but unwanted signal losses occur from component-to-component linkages and ambient vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastomeric seal that flexes to create a vacuum seal between the sensor housing and the machinery surface. This flexible seal isolates the acoustic cavity from ambient vibrations while maintaining the removable magnetic attachment, preventing unwanted signal contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensor from direct contact with the machinery surface by positioning it within an acoustic cavity that is sealed to the surface. This separation removes the sensor from the path of unwanted mechanical vibrations while maintaining proximity for accurate vibration detection through the coupling medium.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sensor is isolated from mechanical vibrations, then unwanted ambient vibration signals are reduced, but the coupling between the sensor and the ferromagnetic surface must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor system into distinct functional zones: a sealed acoustic cavity isolated from ambient vibrations, a magnetic attachment mechanism for secure positioning, and a controlled coupling path through the elastomeric seal and coupling medium. This segmentation allows simultaneous isolation from harmful vibrations and maintenance of reliable coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining a rigid sensor housing, flexible elastomeric sealing material, and magnetic attachment components. This composite structure enables the sensor to maintain stable coupling to the ferromagnetic surface while the elastomeric seal provides vibration isolation.
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 sensor effectively isolates unwanted vibrations, improving the signal-to-noise ratio and allowing for hands-free, removable attachment to various surfaces, enhancing the detection of fluidborne vibrations without interference from external noise.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet located adjacent the second end of the probe body and at least partially circumscribing one of the probe body and probe cavity
Implementation Method 2
a probe body having a first end supporting a sensor and a second end for being removably attached to the ferromagnetic surface, the probe body defining a probe cavity containing a vibration coupling fluid medium within the probe body
Implementation Method 3
an elastomeric isolating boundary portion located between the permanent magnet and a surface of the object of interest and having a passage formed therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device includes: a probe body having a first end and a second end, the probe body defining a probe cavity within the probe body; a sensor located at the first end of the probe body, the sensor having a sensor surface in sensory communication with the probe cavity defined within the probe body; a permanent magnet located adjacent the second end of the probe body and at least partially circumscribing the probe cavity defined within the probe body; an isolating boundary portion located between the permanent magnet and a surface of the object of interest and having a passage formed therethrough, the passage in communication with the probe cavity defined within the probe body.