Microwave Sensor Assembly for Accurate Proximity Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensors struggle to accurately measure the proximity of a machine component due to inability to distinguish frequencies associated with the monitored object from other sources, leading to inaccurate power detection and proximity measurements.

Innovation Solution

A microwave sensor assembly that generates a microwave signal, emits an electromagnetic field, and calculates the amplitude, phase, and power of a loading signal at a primary frequency to determine the proximity of a machine component, effectively filtering out undesired frequency components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a power detection device receives frequencies from multiple signal sources, then the device can detect signals from various sources, but the device cannot distinguish the frequency associated with the monitored object from other frequencies, leading to inaccurate power measurement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to receive frequencies from multiple sourcesVSAvoidaccuracy of power measurement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum by identifying and isolating the primary frequency component from the loading signal. The detector separates the desired frequency (associated with the monitored object) from other frequencies by analyzing the loading signal's spectral components, calculating power only at the primary frequency to eliminate interference from other signal sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary process of frequency analysis and identification. The detector acts as an intermediary that processes the composite signal from multiple sources, identifies the primary frequency corresponding to the monitored object, and selectively measures power at that frequency, thereby mediating between the multi-frequency input and accurate single-frequency measurement output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the emitter operates without detuning detection, then the system can continuously monitor the electromagnetic field, but the system cannot accurately determine when an object is positioned within the electromagnetic field

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidaccuracy of object detection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the emitter's tuning state through the loading signal. The system detects changes in the emitter's resonant frequency or impedance caused by objects entering the electromagnetic field, and this feedback information is used to determine object presence and proximity, enabling reliable detection while maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary detection of the loading signal characteristics to establish a baseline of the emitter's normal operating state. By analyzing the signal before and during object approach, the system can preliminarily identify tuning changes that indicate object presence, enabling accurate detection while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary 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 accurate proximity measurements by isolating the primary frequency and calculating power based on the detuned loading signal, providing a stable and robust measurement of component proximity.

Implementation Method 1

a signal generator for generating at least one microwave signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave signal generation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an emitter coupled to the signal generator. The emitter is configured to generate an electromagnetic field from the at least one microwave signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

wherein the emitter is detuned when an object is positioned within the electromagnetic field such that a loading signal is generated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmitter detuning: Resonance

Implementation Method 4

The detector is configured to calculate at least one of an amplitude, a phase, and a power of the loading signal at a primary frequency of the loading signal for use in measuring a proximity of an object to the emitter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal detection and measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS8531191B2Sensor assembly and methods of measuring a proximity of a machine component to a sensor

Publication Date: 2013.09.10 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A microwave sensor assembly includes a signal generator for generating at least one microwave signal and an emitter coupled to the signal generator. The emitter is configured to generate an electromagnetic field from the at least one microwave signal, wherein the emitter is detuned when an object is positioned within the electromagnetic field such that a loading signal is generated. The microwave sensor assembly also includes a detector coupled to the emitter and to the signal generator. The detector is configured to calculate at least one of an amplitude, a phase, and a power of the loading signal at a primary frequency of the loading signal for use in measuring a proximity of an object to the emitter.