Magnetic Coupling Calibration for Pull Force and Degaussing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic coupling devices face challenges in accurately determining the actual pull force exerted on ferromagnetic targets due to factors like air gaps, uneven contact, and stray magnetic fields, and require separate sensors for feedback, which are costly and vulnerable to damage, while also needing separate steps for demagnetization.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating magnetic field sensors and a logic control circuit to monitor and calibrate magnetic flux leakage, allowing for real-time feedback on coupling quality and position, and integrating degaussing capability within the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If separate magnetic field sensors are added to monitor pull force and coupling quality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepull force determination accuracyVSAvoidsensor integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the magnetic field sensing function with the existing magnetic coupling device structure. The magnetic field sensors are integrated into the device housing or mounting structure, allowing the same magnetic field that creates the coupling force to be monitored by sensors already positioned in the magnetic circuit path. This merging eliminates the need for separate external sensing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using magnetic field sensors to continuously monitor the magnetic flux density in the magnetic circuit. The sensor output signals are fed to a controller that compares the measured values against reference values and adjusts the magnetic coupling force or generates alerts when coupling quality deteriorates, creating a closed-loop control system that improves measurement utility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If separate demagnetization processing steps are used, then magnetic field control is improved, but productivity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field control accuracyVSAvoidoperational cycle efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the demagnetization function with the magnetic coupling device by incorporating demagnetization coils or alternating field generation capability into the existing device structure. The same device that creates the magnetic coupling force can also generate alternating or decaying magnetic fields to demagnetize the workpiece, eliminating the need for separate demagnetization equipment and processing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic alternating magnetic fields generated by the integrated demagnetization system to progressively reduce the residual magnetism in the workpiece. By applying alternating fields at decreasing amplitudes or frequencies, the system efficiently removes magnetic memory from the workpiece without requiring separate processing steps, thereby maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If magnetic field sensors are positioned close to the working face for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensors become more vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic flux monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsensor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the magnetic field sensors within protective housings or mounting structures that are themselves part of the magnetic coupling device. The sensors are positioned close to the working face for accurate measurement but are enclosed within the device's structural elements, which protect them from mechanical damage, contamination, and environmental factors while allowing them to sense the magnetic field effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables precise determination of coupling status and position, reduces integration costs, and provides efficient demagnetization without additional processing steps, enhancing robotic operation and safety.

Implementation Method 1

devices which use magnetic fields in order to attract and/or secure a ferromagnetic target to a working face of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

attract and/or secure a ferromagnetic target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

magnetic field sensors and a logic control circuit to monitor and calibrate magnetic flux leakage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

integrating degaussing capability within the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlternating magnetic field: Alternating Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250319560A1Magnetic coupling device with at least one of a sensor arrangement and a degauss capability
Publication Date: 2025.10.16 MAGSWITCH AUTOMATION CO
  • US20250319560A1 patent drawing
  • US20250319560A1 patent drawing
  • US20250319560A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Magnetic coupling devices are disclosed having magnetic field sensors. The magnetic coupling device may include a calibration module for calibrating the magnetic coupling devices.