Magnetometer Differential Voltage Compensation via Auxiliary Magnetic Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Magnetometers face challenges in automatically compensating for differential voltage deviations caused by changes in the orientation of the sensor tube within the earth's magnetic field, limiting their detection sensitivity and accuracy, especially when detecting ferromagnetic bodies.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using temporary, artificially generated auxiliary magnetic fields to determine and automatically compensate for differential voltage deviations by varying the coil current through excitation coils and adjusting the differential voltage electronically, with a control device connected to a differential amplifier and controllable current source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual electrical adjustment of receiver coils is used to compensate for differential voltage deviations, then compensation can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and cannot be performed continuously during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifferential voltage compensation accuracyVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetometer automatically compensates for differential voltage deviations using its own sensor tube oscillations and generated auxiliary magnetic fields, eliminating the need for external manual adjustment. The system serves itself by using its inherent components to perform the compensation function continuously during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment procedures with an automated electrical control system. The control device electronically adjusts the differential voltage of receiver coils based on signals from auxiliary magnetic fields, substituting manual mechanical adjustment with automated electrical control for continuous compensation.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor tube is allowed to oscillate freely to search for ferromagnetic bodies, then detection capability is improved, but differential voltage deviations increase due to changing alignment with earth's magnetic field

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoiddifferential voltage stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the sensor tube's own oscillations and alignment changes to automatically adjust the differential voltage. The control device continuously monitors the effect of oscillations on voltage deviations and applies compensating adjustments, creating a closed-loop system that maintains precision during dynamic operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the differential voltage parameter in response to changing sensor tube orientation. By continuously adjusting the voltage based on real-time alignment conditions, the system maintains measurement precision despite the sensor tube oscillating to detect ferromagnetic bodies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Extent of automation

If auxiliary magnetic fields are generated using excitation coils to determine voltage deviations, then automatic compensation is enabled, but additional energy consumption is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic compensation capabilityVSAvoidenergy for auxiliary field generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The excitation coils serve multiple functions: they generate auxiliary magnetic fields for determining voltage deviations and can also serve as receiver coils for detecting ferromagnetic bodies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the additional energy consumption required for automation.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary magnetic fields are generated continuously during operation to enable ongoing automatic compensation. The system maintains continuous useful action by repeatedly generating and evaluating auxiliary field signals, ensuring that compensation occurs throughout the detection process without interruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

This approach enables continuous, automatic compensation of differential voltage deviations, maintaining high detection sensitivity and accuracy even during sensor tube oscillations, and accounts for thermal effects, ensuring stable measurements.

Implementation Method 1

generating an auxiliary magnetic field by means of the exciting coil(s); transmission of the auxiliary magnetic field to the receiver coils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the receiver coils generate a differential signal that is amplified and evaluated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2012143B1Compensation method for differential voltage deviations with varying alignment of a sensor rod of magnetometers in the earth's magnetic field and magnetometer
Publication Date: 2014.11.12 VALLON 72800 ENINGEN DE
  • EP2012143B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

For the automatic compensation of differential voltage deviations of magnetic inductors (2,2'), in a magnetometer (1), the deviation is determined by a temporary and variable auxiliary electrical magnetic field at the inductor receiver coils (5) corresponding with the external constant field changes. The auxiliary magnetic fields are generated by a coil (4) at the inductors.