Magnetostrictive Sensor Fluid Volume Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid volume measuring devices in hydraulic systems are inadequate for accurately measuring pressurized fluid volumes over a short time, particularly in brake systems, where volume flow can approach zero during braking, and often suffer from inaccuracy and fluid leakage.

Innovation Solution

A measuring device with a line element, an axially displaceable transmission arrangement sealed within the line element, and a non-contact magnetostrictive sensor to detect displacement, allowing for precise measurement of pressurized fluid volumes without fluid exchange between divided columns, featuring a piston element and ring magnet for sealing and easy production, and grooves for overflow to prevent blocking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a traditional fluid volume measuring device is used in a hydraulic system, then the device can measure fluid volume, but it cannot accurately measure pressurized fluid volumes over short time periods and suffers from inaccuracy and fluid leakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidfluid leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hydraulic fluid column is segmented into two separate fluid columns by the transmission arrangement, allowing independent measurement of volume changes in each column while maintaining pressure transmission between them. This segmentation enables accurate measurement of pressurized fluid volumes without leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A non-contact sensor replaces traditional contact-based measurement methods, detecting the position of the transmission arrangement without physical contact with the hydraulic fluid. This eliminates fluid leakage through the sensor interface while maintaining measurement accuracy.

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

2Measurement precision

If the transmission arrangement is fluid-tightly sealed against the conduit element, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidsealing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission arrangement serves multiple functions: it divides the fluid into two columns for measurement, transmits working pressure between the columns, and provides the moving element for the non-contact sensor to detect. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall device despite the fluid-tight sealing requirement.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If the piston element is sealed against the cylindrical inner surface by means of a fit, then free movement is achieved without additional seals, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing simplicityVSAvoidfit precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical inner surface is honed to change its surface properties, creating a surface finish and microscopic geometry that enables the piston element to move freely while maintaining a fluid-tight seal through the fit alone, without requiring additional sealing components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If overflow positions with grooves are provided, then venting and blockage prevention are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing capabilityVSAvoidgroove structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conduit element is segmented with multiple grooves arranged around the circumference, creating separate overflow paths that allow hydraulic fluid to vent and prevent blockage in the braking system while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables accurate measurement of small, pressurized fluid volumes in hydraulic systems with minimal pressure drop and no fluid leakage, ensuring high accuracy and preventing venting or blocking issues, suitable for brake systems during validation and operation.

Implementation Method 1

the non-contact sensor is a magnetostrictive sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetostriction: Magnetostriction

Data Source

PatentEP2600117B1Measuring device
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 DEERE & CO
  • EP2600117B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2600117B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The measuring device (10) has a contactless sensor (16) that is provided in functional connection with a transcription assembly (14). The contactless sensor is provided to detect the displacement of the transcription assembly along the shift path (V) opposite to a duct element (12). The hydraulic fluid is divided into two fluid columns (18,18') by the transcription assembly for the transfer of working pressure between the fluid columns.