Magnetostrictive Strain Gauge Sensor for Compact Magnetic Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic field sensing technologies for natural resource exploration require bulky and expensive sensor devices that are complex to operate, limiting their efficiency and practicality in determining proximity to magnetic fields or anomalies.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field sensor system utilizing magnetostrictive materials, such as Terfenol-D, integrated with strain gauges to detect changes in magnetic fields, converting these changes into frequency signals that can be processed for determining the magnitude and orientation of local magnetic fields, enabling more efficient and cost-effective sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional magnetic field sensor devices are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but device size becomes bulky and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetostrictive material layer directly with the strain gauge element, merging two separate sensing functions into a single integrated structure. This eliminates the need for separate sensor components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electromagnetic sensor systems with a magnetostrictive-based sensing mechanism. The magnetostrictive material converts magnetic field changes into mechanical strain, which is then detected by the strain gauge, substituting complex mechanical/electromagnetic sensing systems with a more simplified magnetostrictive approach.
2Measurement precision
If traditional magnetic field sensor devices are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated magnetostrictive-strain gauge system is self-sufficient, requiring no external power source or complex operational procedures. The magnetostrictive material automatically converts magnetic field changes into detectable strain signals, eliminating the need for external excitation systems or complex operational protocols.
3Device complexity
If compact sensors are used, then device size is reduced, but measurement accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining magnetostrictive material layers with strain gauge elements. This composite approach allows the sensor to achieve both compactness and high measurement accuracy, as the magnetostrictive material provides sensitive magnetic field detection while the strain gauge ensures precise strain measurement, all within a small integrated package.
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 system provides accurate and efficient detection of magnetic fields, allowing for improved well interception, formation analysis, and resource exploration by using cost-effective and compact sensors that can be integrated into downhole tools, enhancing measurement precision and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
one or more layers of magnetostrictive materials... configured to cause a deformation of the strain gauge in response to sensing a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and magnetic field sensor. The magnetic field sensor includes a strain gauge. The magnetic field sensor further includes one or more magnetostrictive layers disposed upon the strain gauge. The magnetostrictive layers are configured to cause a displacement of the strain gauge in response to sensing a magnetic field. The magnetic field sensor further includes logic connected to the strain gauge configured to determine a parameter of the magnetic field in response to sensing the magnetic field.