Sensor Device Self-Cleaning via Magnetic Field Repulsion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for detecting ferromagnetic particles in fluids require manual or mechanical removal of accumulated particles, which is labor-intensive and prone to malfunctions, and do not allow for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with a permanent magnet and an induction coil that generates an opposite magnetic field to repel accumulated ferromagnetic particles, using a capacitor to create a temporary overcompensation of the magnetic field, allowing particles to be washed away by the fluid flow without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If particles are removed manually or mechanically from the permanent magnet, then the sensor can continue to detect particles, but the device becomes complex to manufacture and more prone to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical particle removal systems (brushes, manual cleaning) with an electromagnetic field-based removal system. An induction coil generates a magnetic field that opposes the permanent magnet's field, creating a repulsive force that automatically removes accumulated particles without mechanical contact, thereby reducing device complexity and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs self-cleaning through the interaction of magnetic fields. The induction coil, when energized, creates a repulsive magnetic field that automatically detaches and removes particles from the sensor surface, eliminating the need for external mechanical cleaning mechanisms and enabling continuous operation
2Ease of operation
If the sensor is replaced or removed for cleaning, then particles can be removed from the magnet, but this involves relatively high effort and interrupts operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical particle removal with an electromagnetic field-based system. The induction coil generates a magnetic field that repels particles from the sensor surface, allowing particles to be removed automatically while the sensor remains in place and operational, thereby reducing cleaning effort and maintaining continuous productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsing of the induction coil to create intermittent repulsive magnetic fields. These periodic pulses periodically repel accumulated particles from the sensor surface, enabling continuous operation without requiring the sensor to be removed or stopped for cleaning, thus maintaining productivity while reducing cleaning effort
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 continuous operation of the sensor device without the need for manual cleaning, extending the time between cleanings and providing a measure of particle load in the fluid, thus reducing maintenance effort and system downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a permanent magnet that generates a magnetic field in the area of the sensor surface
Implementation Method 2
ferromagnetic particles contained in the fluid attaching themselves to the magnet
Implementation Method 3
an induction coil with which a magnetic field can be induced, which is directed opposite to the magnetic field of the permanent magnet
Implementation Method 4
a maximum magnetic field that is stronger than the magnetic field of the permanent magnet can be induced via the induction coil
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The sensor device (10) has a sensor surface (22) exposed to fluid (14), and a permanent magnet (24) that produces a magnetic field in an area of the sensor surface. A detector detects ferromagnetic particles (12) in the area of the sensor surface. An induction coil (30) induces magnetic fields aligned against a magnetic field of the magnet. A condenser i.e. double-layered condenser, is discharged over the coil, where maximum magnetic field induced by the discharge of the condenser over the coil is stronger than the magnetic field of the magnet. The detector is selected from a group consisting of a ferrous-resonance detector, an interdigital condenser, a hall detector, resistive detector and an optical detector. An INDEPENDENT CLAIM is also included for a method for operating a sensor device.