Rotatable Element Sensor Arrangement for Multi-Parameter Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for rotating machines are limited in monitoring multiple operational parameters, such as angular velocity, axial offset, and eccentricity, often requiring multiple sensors and lacking robustness for harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement featuring at least two coils generating electromagnetic fields that interact with a target feature on a rotatable element, allowing non-contact sensing of angular velocity, axial position, and other parameters by varying the alignment and axial position, enabling reliable and accurate monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to monitor different operational parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single sensor arrangement to measure multiple operational parameters including angular velocity, axial position, and eccentricity. The sensor system uses coils and target features that can detect different physical quantities through the same basic sensing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate sensors for each parameter and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a unified sensor arrangement. By integrating coils and target features that can simultaneously provide information about angular velocity, axial position, and eccentricity, the system merges what would traditionally require separate sensing devices into a single compact arrangement, simplifying installation and reducing component count.
2Reliability
If traditional sensor arrangements are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but reliability in harsh environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based sensing with electromagnetic sensing. By using coils to generate magnetic fields that interact with target features on the rotating element, the system eliminates mechanical wear and contact issues that plague traditional sensors in harsh environments. This non-contact measurement approach significantly improves reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of standard electromagnetic components.
3Device complexity
If a single sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision for multiple parameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement achieves multi-functionality through its coil and target feature configuration. The same coils and target features used for angular velocity measurement also provide data for axial position and eccentricity detection. This is accomplished by analyzing different aspects of the electromagnetic interaction between the coils and target features, allowing a single sensor system to deliver precise measurements across multiple parameters without requiring additional sensing components.
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 arrangement provides robust, reliable monitoring of dynamic behavior in harsh environments, including petrochemical and mining industries, with a single sensing element capable of detecting multiple operational parameters, enhancing reliability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
at least two coils overlying the cylindrical portion in different positions and capable of being driven by oscillatory drive signals to generate electromagnetic fields
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor arrangement for a rotatable element comprises two coils capable of being driven by oscillatory drive signals to generate electromagnetic fields. The coils are in different positions overlying a cylindrical portion of the rotatable element that has a target feature configured to interact with the generated electromagnetic fields when the target feature is aligned with the coils. Alignment between the target feature and the coils occurs at angular positions of the rotatable element that are offset for respective coils. Thus, by detecting a characteristic of the signals developed across the coils allowing derivation of an angular velocity signal representative of angular velocity. Also, the degree of interaction between the target feature and the electromagnetic fields varies with the axial position of the rotatable element, differentially between the coils, allowing derivation of an axial position signal representative of the axial position of the rotatable element.