Transformer Probe Fault Isolation via Segmented Primary Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiple channel transformer probes experience adverse effects on output channels due to faults in other channels, particularly at low speeds, where output voltage is low and open circuit faults can significantly impact signal amplitude across all channels.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating low impedance circuits, such as shorting coils, inductively coupled to each primary coil to maintain constant energy and voltage across primary coils even if an open circuit fault occurs in one output channel, thereby isolating the impact of faults on individual channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple output channels are coupled to the same primary circuit for redundancy, then system safety and redundancy are improved, but a fault in one channel can adversely affect other channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the primary circuit into separate primary coils for each output channel, with each primary coil inductively coupled to its own secondary coil. This segmentation isolates faults to individual channels while maintaining redundancy, preventing fault propagation between channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inductive coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the primary circuit and secondary coils. This intermediary allows energy transfer while providing electrical isolation, preventing direct fault propagation between channels while maintaining system redundancy.
2Reliability
If multiple secondary coils are coupled to the primary circuit for multiple channels, then redundancy is provided, but output voltage drops at low speeds when faults occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transformer into separate primary coils and secondary coils for each channel, allowing independent operation. When one channel faults, the other channels maintain their output voltage because their primary coils remain properly coupled to the magnetic flux without being affected by the fault.
3Device complexity
If a single primary circuit serves multiple channels, then device complexity is reduced, but fault isolation between channels becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the primary circuit into separate primary coils for each channel, each with its own secondary coil. This segmentation provides fault isolation while maintaining relatively simple device structure, as each segment is independent but follows the same design pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical primary coil and secondary coil structures for each channel, making each channel a universal, interchangeable unit. This universality simplifies manufacturing and maintenance while the repeated modular structure provides inherent fault isolation.
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
Ensures that output voltage remains substantially unaffected across other channels even if one or more channels experience an open circuit fault, maintaining signal integrity and redundancy in multiple channel systems.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage induced in a coil by changes in a magnetic flux pattern of a magnetically energised pole piece, caused by a movement of a body of magnetic material in the field of the pole piece is detected and measured
Implementation Method 2
The primary coil is inductively coupled to a multi-turn secondary coil terminated at an output connected to a detecting apparatus. When the resistance of the closed loop electrical circuit is low, a magnetic object passing in the vicinity of the pole piece induces a low voltage, high current signal in the primary coil, which is transformed into a high output voltage at the output of the secondary coil
Implementation Method 3
an inductive coupling, or resistive electrical component connected across each primary coil, having an impedance within the sensing circuit such that a change from a normal circuit condition to an open circuit condition within the first or second output circuit does not significantly affect the voltage across the first and second primary coils
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a transformer probe for sensing movement of a body of magnetic material, having multiple output channels wherein the output in each output channel is substantially unaffected by faults in other output channels. The transformer probe comprises a magnetically energisable pole piece, a sensing circuit comprising an electrical circuit having a portion, remote from the pole piece, which forms first and second transformer primary coils, a first output circuit comprising a first transformer secondary coil, inductively coupled to the first primary coil via a first transformer core, and terminated by a first load resistance, and means for measuring an output signal from the secondary circuit, a second output circuit comprising a second transformer secondary coil, inductively coupled to the second primary coil via a second transformer core and terminated by a second load resistance and means for measuring an output signal from the second secondary coil, and an inductive coupling, or resistive electrical component, connected across each primary coil, having an impedance within the sensing circuit such that a change from a normal circuit condition to an open circuit condition within the first or second output circuit does not significantly affect the voltage across the first and second primary coils.