Spiral Leaf Spring Density Sensor with Magnetic Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining liquid density in storage tanks, such as those at gas stations or tanker vehicles, face challenges due to frictional errors and limited accessibility for measurement probes, leading to inaccurate results and increased frictional forces.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a spiral leaf spring and a magnetostrictive position measuring system to minimize frictional forces by providing reliable radial guidance for the buoyant body, allowing for precise measurement of density changes without contact with the guide, and using a reference magnet for accurate deformation detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a buoyant body is used to measure density by displacement against an elastic element, then density measurement is enabled, but frictional forces cause hysteresis and measurement falsification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based displacement measurement with a magnetic field-based measurement system. A magnet is attached to the buoyant body, and its position is detected by a non-contact magnetic sensor, eliminating the need for mechanical guides and bearings that generate friction. This substitution of mechanical measurement with magnetic field measurement directly resolves the friction problem while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the buoyant body and the measurement system. Instead of directly measuring mechanical displacement through contact, the system uses the magnetic field generated by a magnet on the buoyant body to determine position. This intermediary approach allows measurement without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating frictional forces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If two coil springs are used to guide the buoyant body, then stability is improved, but the usable measuring path is halved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the guidance function from the spring system and implements it separately through non-contact magnetic field guidance. The springs are used only for buoyancy and vertical positioning, while a magnetic guide field provides lateral stabilization. This separation of functions allows the full spring length to be used for measurement without being halved by the need for mechanical guidance structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical guidance structures (such as rails or bearings that would limit travel distance) with a magnetic field-based guidance system. The magnetic field exerts gentle guiding forces on the magnet attached to the buoyant body without requiring physical contact or limiting structures, thereby maximizing the usable measuring path while maintaining stability.
3Measurement precision
If a buoyant body is displaced against an elastic element for density measurement, then density determination is achieved, but even small friction effects lead to hysteresis and falsification of measured values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based position detection with non-contact magnetic field measurement. A magnet is attached to the buoyant body, and its position is detected by a magnetic sensor that does not require mechanical contact. This eliminates friction entirely, removing the source of hysteresis and measurement falsification, thereby simultaneously improving both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary that transmits position information without mechanical contact. The magnet on the buoyant body interacts with the magnetic sensor through the magnetic field, allowing accurate position detection without physical contact. This intermediary approach eliminates friction and hysteresis effects while maintaining measurement consistency and accuracy.
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 solution achieves high sensitivity and accuracy in density measurement by minimizing frictional forces and allowing for reliable radial guidance, enabling precise determination of liquid density with reduced measurement errors and improved sensitivity to density changes.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet for detecting the elastic deformation of the spring by means of a magnetostrictive position measuring system
Implementation Method 2
the elastic deformation of which is a measure of the buoyancy force of the buoyancy body
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2
AI summary
The device a buoyancy body (20) has a magnet (28) and a spring (30,40) engaging with the buoyancy body whose elastic deformation is a measure of the buoyancy of the buoyancy body. The spring is provided as a spiral leaf spring. The spring is produced with a section of a flat sheet. The spring is provided in single pass or double pass or more than two passes. An independent claim is also included for a method for determining the density of a liquid.