Repulsive Magnet Displacement Transducer for Structural Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing displacement transducers, such as LVDTs, are limited to measuring linear displacements and are not suitable for monitoring complex structural deformations caused by loads or environmental forces like landslides and earthquakes, and they require complex sinusoidal signals for accurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
A displacement transducer device using repulsive magnetic configuration with permanent magnets and a Hall effect sensor to monitor relative displacements between two independent reference points, allowing for the detection of movements in various directions and inclinations, providing a scalable and precise measurement of displacements over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear inductive displacement transducers (LVDTs) with coaxial windings are used, then linear displacement measurement is achieved, but the device cannot measure displacements in multiple directions or complex structural deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent elements: a first element with magnets that can be constrained to a first reference point, and a second element with a transducer that can be constrained to a second reference point. This segmentation allows each element to independently measure displacements in its own coordinate system, enabling comprehensive measurement of complex structural deformations including translations and rotations along multiple axes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-element linear measurement approach to a two-element spatial arrangement. By positioning elements at different reference points and allowing measurements along different axes (including perpendicular orientations), the system captures displacements in multiple dimensions, enabling full characterization of complex structural deformations
2Measurement precision
If LVDTs with complex sinusoidal signals are used, then accurate linear displacement detection is achieved, but the internal structure becomes complex requiring multiple coaxial toroidal windings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex electromagnetic winding system of traditional LVDTs with a magnetic field-based system using permanent magnets and a Hall effect transducer. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple coaxial toroidal windings, ferromagnetic elements, and complex sinusoidal signal generation, while maintaining or improving measurement precision through direct magnetic field sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental measurement parameter from electromagnetic induction requiring complex windings to direct magnetic field detection using permanent magnets. By utilizing the Hall effect to directly sense magnetic field strength variations caused by relative displacement, the system achieves accurate measurements with a simpler internal structure
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If magnets are arranged in repulsive configuration with damped forces, then acceleration detection is achieved, but the repulsive magnetic forces counter and minimize the displacements to be monitored
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the magnetic source (first element with magnets) from the sensing element (second element with transducer) and constraining them to different reference points on the structure, the system eliminates the damping problem. The segmentation allows the magnetic field to serve as a non-contact reference that does not mechanically interact with or dampen the structural displacements being measured
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the two independent elements, enabling communication and measurement without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary approach allows acceleration detection while avoiding the harmful repulsive forces that would occur if magnets were in direct proximity, as the magnetic field can extend through space without exerting significant force at a distance
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 the continuous monitoring of structural safety by detecting small but significant displacements with high precision and reliability, offering a complete description of relative displacements in space and providing early warnings of potential structural dangers.
Implementation Method 1
a transducer arranged between the two magnets and configured so as to detect a variation in the magnetic field present between the two magnets
Implementation Method 2
A displacement transducer device using repulsive magnetic configuration with permanent magnets and a Hall effect sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
Displacement transducer device (1) adapted to be coupled to reference points of a structure, comprising a first element (6) intended to be integrally secured to a first reference point (A) of said structure, a first magnet (3) and a second magnet (4) arranged so as to magnetically repel one another, in other words having identical poles on surfaces which face one another, a transducer (5) arranged near to said first and second magnet (3, 4) and designed so as to detect a variation in the magnetic field present between said first and second magnet (3, 4) and to convert said variation into a signal which can be processed by a processing unit, said displacement transducer device (1) comprising a second element (7) for being integrally secured to a second reference point (B) of said structure, and one of said first magnet (3), second magnet (4) or transducer (5) being connected to said first element (6) and the remaining elements of said first magnet (3), second magnet (4) or transducer (5) being connected to said second element (7) such that a relative movement of said first reference point (A) or of said second reference point (B) causes a variation in the magnetic field that can be detected by said transducer (5).