Inductive Proximity Coil Layout for Flush and Non-Flush Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inductive approximation switches face challenges in achieving standard switching points for both flush and non-flush installations due to the shielding effect of metallic housings, which results in reduced detection properties and the need for different sensor variants with varying coil diameters.

Innovation Solution

A coil system for inductive approximation switches featuring a polygonally shaped reception coil and a circular transmission coil, arranged in layers on a single coil board, allowing for flush or non-flush installation without significant shielding, enabling large switching distances and simplified production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the sensor is designed for flush mounting in a metallic housing, then the sensor can be completely embedded in the housing, but the metallic housing creates a shielding effect that impairs the function of the receiver coils and reduces detection characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflush mounting capabilityVSAvoiddetection characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar coil arrangements to three-dimensional stacked coil configurations. Multiple receiving coils are arranged in different layers and orientations (some parallel to the housing surface, others perpendicular), allowing the sensor to detect objects despite the shielding effect of the metallic housing by utilizing electromagnetic field components in multiple spatial dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving coil system is divided into multiple separate coils arranged in different layers and orientations rather than using a single large coil. This segmentation allows each coil to capture different aspects of the electromagnetic field, collectively overcoming the shielding effect while maintaining compact flush-mounted dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If different coil diameters are used for flush and non-flush sensors, then each mounting type can be optimized, but this requires different sensor variants and increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection characteristicsVSAvoidsensor variants
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal sensor head with a stacked multi-layer coil system that can function effectively for both flush and non-flush mounting applications. The same sensor variant with its multi-dimensional coil arrangement adapts to different mounting configurations, eliminating the need for separate optimized versions for each mounting type while maintaining detection performance

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the receiver coils are positioned at a specific distance from the surrounding housing for flush mounting, then shielding is reduced, but the coil diameter becomes smaller and detection characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding effectVSAvoidcoil diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying solely on increasing the distance between coils and housing (which reduces coil diameter), the patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with coils in multiple layers and orientations. This allows maintaining compact coil dimensions while achieving effective shielding mitigation through the multi-dimensional detection approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design achieves high temperature and long-term stability, minimizes external magnetic field influence, and allows for a single coil variant to be used for both installation types, reducing manufacturing costs and logistics complexity.

Implementation Method 1

an oscillator excites a resonant circuit comprising the transmitting coil and a parallel capacitor for inducing a voltage in the receiving coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Inductive sensors with wound coils, which are used to align the electromagnetic field in a ferrite core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

an oscillator excites a resonant circuit comprising the transmitting coil and a parallel capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP4498604A1Coil system for an inductive proximity switch for flush or non-flush mounting in a housing
Publication Date: 2025.01.29 TURCK HOLDING GMBH
  • EP4498604A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4498604A1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4498604A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a coil system for an inductive proximity switch for flush or non-flush mounting in a housing. The coil system comprises a coil board on which at least a first receiving coil and a transmitting coil are arranged. The transmitting coil includes a coil that has a polygonal shape.