Magnetized Piston Rod With Linear Radial Field Gradient

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position measurement methods for moving machine parts, such as those using potentiometers, inductive sensors, or incremental encoders, are not sufficiently reliable due to complexity in magnetic coding, especially for applications like piston rods.

Innovation Solution

A magnetized rod with a non-zero, constant gradient radial magnetic field component along its axial direction, allowing for a simple linear relationship between the magnetic field and position, and a position measurement device comprising this rod and magnetic field sensors to detect the radial component for accurate axial position measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If incremental encoders with periodic material measure are used for magnetic position measurement, then position measurement capability is achieved, but the magnetic coding of the piston rod becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurement capabilityVSAvoidmagnetic coding complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the magnetic field parameter distribution along the rod axis to create a linear gradient of the radial magnetic field component. This simple linear parameter variation replaces complex periodic magnetic coding patterns, achieving position measurement through the linear relationship between radial field strength and axial position while significantly reducing coding complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a specific local magnetic field quality along the rod axis where the radial component has a constant non-zero gradient. This localized linear gradient region provides a simplified measurement zone that eliminates the need for complex periodic coding structures while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If conventional position measurement methods (potentiometers, inductive sensors) are used, then position measurement is achieved, but reliability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurementVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (potentiometers, inductive sensors) with a magnetic field-based measurement system. The magnetized rod with its linear radial field gradient provides a non-contact, wear-free measurement method that is inherently more reliable than mechanical or traditional inductive systems while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If a linear relationship between radial magnetic field component and axial position is achieved, then measurement simplicity is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement simplicityVSAvoidrod manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary magnetization treatment to the rod during or after manufacturing to establish the linear radial magnetic field gradient. By pre-establishing the required magnetic field distribution through controlled magnetization processes, the system achieves measurement simplicity without requiring complex manufacturing of the rod structure itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution provides a reliable and straightforward method for position measurement, reducing interference from external fields and enabling precise axial position determination with a linear correlation between the radial magnetic field component and position, enhancing the reliability of position measurement devices.

Implementation Method 1

a radial component of the magnetic field of the rod having a non-zero, constant gradient within an axial region of the rod as a function of the axial position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field gradient: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

at least one magnetic field sensor for outputting a signal dependent on the radial magnetic field component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3557188B1Magnetized piston rod for measuring displacement
Publication Date: 2021.11.17 NCTE
  • EP3557188B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3557188B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3557188B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The magnetized rod according to the invention has a magnetic field measurable outside the rod, wherein a radial component of the magnetic field of the rod within an axial region of the rod has a non-zero gradient, in particular a constant gradient, depending on the axial position. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for position measurement using the magnetized rod according to the invention and to a method for magnetizing a magnetizable and electrically conductive rod.