Oscillator Circuit for Electromagnetic Field Disruption Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic field sensors face challenges in sensitivity to small variations and stability against interference, particularly in detecting objects using capacitive systems, which are essential for applications like security and robotics, where precise detection of disruptions in electromagnetic fields is critical.

Innovation Solution

A controlled electromagnetic field sensor integrated with an ASIC, utilizing a closed-loop oscillator circuit that generates a sine wave and connects it to a single conductor antenna, allowing for directional emission and detection of electromagnetic fields, thereby increasing sensitivity and reducing noise interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If capacitive sensors based on oscillators are used to detect electromagnetic field disruptions, then frequency sensitivity to small capacity variations is improved, but stability against vibrations, temperature changes and interference deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency sensitivityVSAvoidstability against interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the oscillator circuit continuously monitors its own frequency deviations caused by environmental factors and automatically adjusts to compensate. The system measures the frequency drift caused by temperature or vibrations and applies corrective feedback to maintain stable operation, thus resolving the contradiction between high sensitivity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary reference oscillator that operates independently from the measurement oscillator. By comparing the measurement oscillator's frequency against this stable reference, the system can distinguish between frequency changes caused by actual electromagnetic field disruptions and those caused by environmental factors, thereby maintaining both sensitivity and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If LC-type sine wave oscillators with resonance networks are used, then medium-high frequency signal generation is achieved, but quality factors are relatively low enabling oscillation over a wide frequency range which reduces detection precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal generation frequencyVSAvoiddetection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the oscillation frequency to track the resonant frequency of the electromagnetic field disruption. Instead of operating at a fixed frequency, the system continuously adapts its operating parameters to match the optimal detection frequency, thereby maintaining high detection precision across varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes resonant vibration principles by tuning the oscillator to match the natural resonant frequency of the target electromagnetic field disruption. This resonant coupling amplifies the detection signal and improves precision, while the system maintains the ability to operate at medium-high frequencies through careful selection of the resonant parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Ease of manufacture

If classic oscillator topologies are used, then circuit implementation is simplified, but parasitic capacities generated by the circuit and antenna reduce measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit implementationVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and separates the parasitic capacity effects from the main measurement circuit by using a dedicated compensation network. The parasitic capacities are measured independently and then subtracted from the total measurement, allowing the use of simple classic oscillator topologies while maintaining high measurement accuracy through mathematical compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent compensates for parasitic capacities by dynamically adjusting circuit parameters such as feedback resistance and capacitance values. The system measures the actual parasitic effects and adjusts its operating parameters in real-time to counterbalance these unwanted effects, thereby maintaining accuracy without complicating the basic circuit topology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 sensor effectively detects disruptions in the electromagnetic field, enabling precise identification of objects, such as people or animals, and activates alarms or physical barriers, improving security and logistics applications by minimizing false positives and maintaining reliability in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

When an electric charge moves over a conductor it creates an EM field around it. The oscillation of the source charge generates a wave that radiates energy from said conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a sensor configured to detect a disruption in the electromagnetic field surrounding said conductor by detecting the disruption in a electromagnetic field around a sole conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3797270B1Method of measuring disruptions in a controlled magnetic field
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 ONTECH SECURITY SL
  • EP3797270B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3797270B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3797270B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A device for measuring disruptions in a controlled magnetic field and generated by the device itself surrounding a sole conductive element, antenna or electrode (101) and comprising, at least: a controlled magnetic field sensor (100) comprising, in turn, an oscillator circuit (102) connected to at least one electrode (101), a digital module (103); and a processor (105) connected to the digital module (103). The applications of the device that is the object of the invention are all those requiring the detection of an object prior to it resulting in the violation of the restricted space. Amongst these applications we can highlight the following: the localisation of people, industrial security applications, robotics, domestic security applications, military applications and vehicle security applications.