Magnetostrictive Elastomer Strain Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring strain in elastomeric products, such as drive belts and vehicle tires, face challenges due to high elasticity leading to sound wave absorption, requiring direct contact for ultrasonic methods, and are impaired by environmental factors like dirt and moisture in optical methods, and suffer from mechanical weakness and high costs in sensor solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a magnetostrictive body integrated into the elastomeric product, which changes magnetization in response to mechanical stress, allowing for non-contact detection of strain through magnetic field sensors, enabling two-dimensional strain measurement without electronic elements on the product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic waves are used to measure strain in elastomeric products, then measurement capability is achieved, but the method requires direct contact with the product surface which prevents use with moving products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetostrictive body as an intermediary element embedded in the elastomeric product. This body converts mechanical strain into magnetic field changes, which can then be detected non-contactly by magnetic field sensors, thus mediating between the mechanical deformation and the non-contact measurement requirement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based ultrasonic measurement system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using ultrasonic waves that require physical contact, the system uses magnetostrictive materials that convert mechanical strain into magnetic field variations detectable by non-contact magnetic field sensors
2Ease of operation
If optical methods are used for non-contact strain detection, then contact requirement is eliminated, but environmental factors such as dirt, oil, and moisture impair measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetostrictive body acts as an intermediary that is embedded within the elastomeric product, shielding the measurement principle from environmental factors. The magnetic field sensing occurs through the magnetostrictive material which is integrated into the product structure, making the measurement immune to external environmental interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical reflection (which is sensitive to environmental factors) to magnetic field properties (which are not affected by dirt, oil, or moisture). The magnetostrictive effect provides a direct coupling between mechanical strain and magnetic field changes, enabling reliable non-contact measurement in harsh environments
3Measurement precision
If strain gauges with electronics are incorporated into the product, then strain measurement is achieved, but the mechanical connection is weak and can be interrupted during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection of strain gauges with electronic circuits with a magnetic field-based detection system. The magnetostrictive body maintains a strong mechanical connection to the elastomeric product while the magnetic field sensors detect strain without requiring fragile mechanical or electrical connections to the moving product
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electronic measurement system from the elastomeric product itself. Instead of incorporating electronics into the product which would create weak mechanical connections, the measurement principle is extracted and implemented through embedded magnetostrictive material that converts strain to magnetic field changes detectable by external sensors
4Ease of operation
If reference markings are used for optical strain detection, then non-contact measurement is enabled, but a certain distance between markings is required which limits applicability to large products only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical distance measurement (which requires large separation distances between markings) to magnetic field property measurement (which can detect changes at much smaller scales). The magnetostrictive effect provides sensitive detection of local strain through magnetic field property changes, enabling measurement on products of any size
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 solution allows for simple, cost-effective, and non-contact measurement of strain in elastomeric products, including moving parts, with reduced susceptibility to environmental interference and lower material costs, enhancing the durability and reliability of strain detection.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetostrictive body is designed to change its magnetization as a function of an elongation of the product body in at least one spatial direction
Implementation Method 2
at least one magnetic field sensor, which is arranged at a distance from the elastomeric product and sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body of the product body and is designed to detect a magnetic field and/or a change in a magnetic field of the magnetostrictive body
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for strain detection of an elastomeric product (1) comprising a product body (10) which has at least substantially an elastomeric material, wherein the product body (10) has at least a magnetostrictive body (13) in at least sections, and comprising at least one magnetic field sensor (2, 3) which is spaced apart from the elastomeric product (1) and arranged sufficiently close to the magnetostrictive body (13) of the product body (10) and is configured to detect a magnetic field and/or a change in a magnetic field of the magnetostrictive body (13), wherein the magnetostrictive body (13) is configured to change its magnetization as a function of a strain of the product body (10) in at least one spatial direction (X, Y, Z).