Superparamagnetic transducer and corresponding magnetic field flow sensor for measuring a direct current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing current sensors using super-paramagnetic (SPM) materials face a trade-off between measurement sensitivity and range, with SPM materials either being too sensitive for small currents but limited in range or too bulky for large field variations, and existing solutions are either expensive or lack precision.
Innovation Solution
A configuration of SPM transducers with a rigid body housing SPM coils and a feedback winding on its external surface, combined with a magnetic circuit forming a flow contour around the primary conductor, allowing for precise and cost-effective direct current measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If SPM material with low Hmax value is used, then sensitivity is improved, but measurement range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple independent SPM coils (first SPM coil, second SPM coil, etc.) arranged along the magnetic core. Each coil can independently measure magnetic field variations, allowing the system to handle both small signals (high sensitivity) and large field variations (extended range) through parallel measurement channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-coil measurement approach to a multi-coil spatial arrangement along the magnetic core. By distributing measurement elements in space rather than relying on a single sensor element, the system achieves both high sensitivity and extended measurement range simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SPM material with higher Hmax value is used, then measurement range is improved, but sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple independent SPM coils (first SPM coil, second SPM coil, etc.) arranged along the magnetic core. Each coil can independently measure magnetic field variations, allowing the system to handle both small signals (high sensitivity) and large field variations (extended range) through parallel measurement channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs different SPM materials with varying Hmax values for different coils or regions of the sensor. This allows optimization of local measurement characteristics - using low Hmax materials where high sensitivity is needed and high Hmax materials where extended range is required, achieving overall performance enhancement.
3Measurement precision
If feedback winding is added to SPM transducer, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback winding is introduced that generates a magnetic field opposite to the primary current's magnetic field. This feedback mechanism compensates for non-linearity and extends the measurement range by dynamically adjusting the magnetic field balance, improving precision without requiring complex signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback winding is integrated directly onto the magnetic core structure, combining the feedback function with the existing measurement architecture. This merging approach avoids adding separate complex feedback circuits and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precision improvements.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional SPM transducer configuration is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but sensor bulk is large
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple SPM coils are nested along the length of a single magnetic core, with each coil wound around the core in sequence. This nested arrangement consolidates multiple measurement functions into a compact structure, significantly reducing sensor bulk while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized coil-winding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-coil measurement approach to a multi-coil spatial arrangement along the magnetic core. By distributing measurement elements in space rather than relying on a single sensor element, the system achieves both high sensitivity and extended measurement range simultaneously.
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 provides a compact, sensitive, and cost-effective direct current measurement system with improved linearity and reduced bulk, overcoming the limitations of existing SPM transducers.
Implementation Method 1
The distinctive feature of this technology is based on the use of a transducer consisting of coils whose cores are made of a composite loaded with nano-particles having super-paramagnetic properties (SPM)
Implementation Method 2
The feedback winding may be formed by a conductor wound on the external surface of the body and along the longitudinal central axis
Data Source
AI summary
A super-paramagnetic material transducer includes: a rigid body with a longitudinal central axis and two planar surfaces at each of the opposite ends of the body in the direction of the longitudinal central axis, both of these planar surfaces being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis; and at least one support channel formed in the body and in which a super-paramagnetic coil is housed, the support channel extending parallel to the longitudinal central axis and opening onto both planar surfaces. The super-paramagnetic coil is formed by a core made of super-paramagnetic around which at least one electrical conductor is wound. Furthermore, a feedback winding formed by an electric conductor is wound on the external surface of the body and along the longitudinal central axis.