Rotary Spray Head Rotation Sensor Using Magnetic Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing internal tank surface cleaning systems face challenges in ensuring the proper operation of rotary spray head assemblies in visually obstructed environments, particularly due to potential obstructions of optical-mechanical elements and added complexity in rotation detection.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic field source is coupled to the rotary spray head assembly, generating a spatially changing magnetic field that is sensed by a magnet field sensor on the elongate arm, allowing continuous monitoring of the rotation position and rate without visual observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an optical/mechanical rotation position sensor is used to monitor the rotary spray head assembly, then the rotation status can be detected, but the optical-mechanical elements may be obstructed and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical rotation position sensor with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet is mounted on the rotary spray head assembly, and a magnetic field sensor is mounted on the elongate arm. This substitution eliminates the need for complex optical-mechanical elements that are prone to obstruction, while maintaining accurate rotation position detection capability through magnetic field sensing.
2Reliability
If visual observation is used to verify rotary spray head assembly operation, then the operation can be monitored, but the tank interior is visually obstructed and monitoring is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer rotation information from the rotary spray head assembly to the sensor system. The magnet mounted on the rotating assembly generates a magnetic field that varies with rotation, and this magnetic field is detected by the magnetic field sensor on the elongate arm. This intermediary enables reliable operation verification without requiring direct visual observation of the tank interior.
3Measurement precision
If a magnet is mounted on the rotary spray head assembly with a magnetic field sensor on the elongate arm, then rotation position can be monitored without visual observation, but the magnetic field may be affected by external interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the three-dimensional spatial variation of the magnetic field generated by the magnet on the rotary spray head assembly. As the assembly rotates, the magnetic field creates a spatially changing pattern that the magnetic field sensor detects. By analyzing the temporal variations in the magnetic field signal corresponding to different rotational positions, the system achieves accurate rotation monitoring while the spatial dimension provides redundancy against external interference.
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 ensures reliable operation of the rotary spray head assembly by providing a predictable sensor signal that accurately monitors the instantaneous position and rotation rate, enhancing operational assurance in visually obstructed environments.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic field source is coupled to the rotary spray head assembly, generating a spatially changing magnetic field that is sensed by a magnet field sensor on the elongate arm
Data Source
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AI summary
A containment tank assembly is described that includes a tank including an inner surface and a cleaning apparatus mounted to the tank. The cleaning apparatus includes an elongate arm and a rotary spray head assembly rotationally coupled to an end of the elongate arm. A rotating nozzle assembly is rotationally coupled to the rotary spray head. A magnetic field source is coupled to the rotary spray head so as to generate a spatially changing magnetic field in accordance with a rotation of the rotary spray head assembly in relation to the end of the elongate arm. A magnet field sensor is carried in a fixed relation to the elongate arm. The magnetic field sensor, in operation, generates a sensor signal that varies in accordance with the spatially changing magnetic field in accordance with the rotation of the rotary spray head assembly.