Magneto-Inductive Flow Sensor Using Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magneto-inductive flow measurement devices face issues with electrochemical influences and electrode degradation due to medium contact, leading to inaccurate measurements and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A device that generates a magnetic field using permanent magnets or coils to separate charge carriers, with a magnetic-field-sensitive measuring arrangement that detects changes in the magnetic field using optically excitable materials and an evaluation circuit to determine flow-rate-dependent variables without direct medium contact, eliminating the need for electrodes and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement electrodes contact the medium directly to measure induced voltage, then flow rate measurement is enabled, but electrode degradation and electrochemical influences occur leading to measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field-sensitive measuring arrangement as an intermediary between the magnetic field and the measurement system. This arrangement detects changes in the magnetic field caused by charge carrier separation without requiring direct contact with the conductive medium, thereby eliminating electrode degradation while preserving measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical contact-based electrode system with an optical/magnetic field-based detection system. By using optically excitable materials that respond to magnetic field changes, the system eliminates the need for physical electrode contact with the medium
2Productivity
If electrodes are used to measure flow rate, then measurement function is achieved, but potential leakage points are created
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-sensitive measuring arrangement acts as an intermediary that enables measurement functionality without creating openings or contact points in the guide body, thus eliminating leakage risks while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the physical contact interface (electrodes) and relocates it to a non-contact magnetic field detection system, removing the source of potential leakage
3Productivity
If conventional magneto-inductive measurement is used, then flow measurement is possible, but electrochemical influences degrade measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the electrochemical measurement mechanism (voltage detection via electrodes) with a magnetic-optical detection mechanism. The optically excitable material responds to magnetic field changes through optical properties rather than electrical conduction, eliminating electrochemical interference
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field serves as an intermediary that transmits flow information without direct electrical contact. The optically excitable material then translates magnetic field changes into detectable optical signals, preserving measurement accuracy without electrochemical degradation
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 provides accurate flow rate and volumetric flow measurements without electrode contact, reducing wear and potential leakage, and is suitable for media with low conductivity, enhancing measurement precision and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic-field-generating device (2) for generating a first magnetic field (B1) with a mobile charge carrier in the first magnetic field separating the medium
Implementation Method 2
a first magnetic-field-sensitive measuring device (3.1) with a magnetic-field-sensitive and optically excitable material (3.11), wherein the magnetic-field-sensitive measuring arrangement has at least one optical excitation unit (4) for the optical excitation of the first magnetic-field-sensitive measuring device (3.1) and an optical detection unit (5) for detecting a measurement signal, in particular a fluorescence signal
Data Source
AI summary
A device for determining a flow-rate-dependent variable of a flowable and conductive medium in a guide body for guiding the medium includes a magnetic-field-generating device for generating a first magnetic field that separates mobile charge carriers in the medium and a magnetic-field-sensitive measuring arrangement for determining a second magnetic field that is generated by the mobile charge carriers. The magnetic-field-sensitive measuring arrangement includes a first magnetic-field-sensitive measuring device having a magnetic-field-sensitive and optically excitable material, an optical excitation unit for the optical excitation of the first magnetic-field-sensitive measuring device, and an optical detection unit for detecting a measurement signal that correlates with a change and/or a strength of the second magnetic field. An evaluation circuit is configured to determine the flow-rate-dependent variable, measurement signals of at least two different magnetic field states influencing the determination of the flow-rate-dependent variable.