Magnetostrictive Pressure Sensor for Simultaneous Line and Differential Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Industrial processes require accurate measurement of differential and line pressures, which often necessitate additional sensors and complex communication systems, increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

A pressure sensor system that utilizes a deformation sensor coupled to a capillary tube filled with a magnetostrictive material, such as nickel-iron alloys, to measure line pressure by monitoring changes in magnetic properties and frequency shifts caused by pressure-induced deformations, allowing for simultaneous measurement of differential and line pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional pressure sensors are deployed to measure line pressure, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurement capabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines line pressure measurement and differential pressure measurement into a single sensor system. The sensor measures both line pressure (absolute pressure in the impulse line) and differential pressure (pressure difference across the orifice plate) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system is designed to perform multiple measurement functions using a single device. It can measure line pressure, differential pressure, and potentially other process parameters, making it a universal measurement solution that replaces multiple specialized sensors

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

2Measurement precision

If additional pressure sensors and transmitters are deployed, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurement capabilityVSAvoidnumber of sensors and transmitters
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functionality of multiple pressure sensors and transmitters into a single integrated sensor unit. By combining line pressure measurement and differential pressure measurement in one device, the total quantity of sensors and transmitters is reduced, lowering material costs, installation costs, and maintenance costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional pressure sensors are used, then measurement reliability is maintained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor combines multiple measurement capabilities in a single reliable unit, reducing the number of connection points, signal wires, and potential failure points in the system. The integrated design maintains measurement reliability while simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies pressure measurement by using a single sensor system that can accurately measure both differential and line pressures, reducing the need for additional sensors and enhancing measurement precision and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

A pressure sensor system that utilizes a deformation sensor coupled to a capillary tube filled with a magnetostrictive material, such as nickel-iron alloys, to measure line pressure by monitoring changes in magnetic properties and frequency shifts caused by pressure-induced deformations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetostriction: Magnetostriction

Data Source

PatentEP2356418B8Method and apparatus for pressure measurement using magnetic property
Publication Date: 2016.12.21 ROSEMOUNT INC

AI summary

A pressure sensor (56) includes a sensor body (93) which is arranged to couple to a process pressure. The sensor body (93) has a magnetic property which changes as a function of pressure applied by a process fluid. A sensor (98) is coupled to the sensor body (93) and is configured to measure pressure of fluid in the sensor body (93) as a function of a change of magnetic property of the sensor body (93).