Vibrating Fork Coil-Magnet Layout for Simpler High-Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrating fork type field devices for determining changes in material properties are complex and costly, particularly due to the use of lead-containing piezoelectric transducers, and there is a need for a simpler and more cost-efficient alternative for high-temperature applications.
Innovation Solution
A field device design utilizing a coil arrangement fixed to one rod and a magnet fixed to another rod, with a time-varying current inducing vibration, allowing for a two-member magnetic system that simplifies construction and enhances coupling, enabling lower power operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If piezoelectric transducers are used to induce vibrations in the tines, then the field device can effectively determine changes in material properties, but the device becomes complex and costly, especially for high-temperature applications due to lead-containing materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical piezoelectric transducer system with an electromagnetic system consisting of a coil arrangement and magnet. The coil arrangement generates a time-varying magnetic field that interacts with the magnet to produce vibratory motion of the tines, eliminating the need for piezoelectric materials and their associated complexity and cost constraints.
2Device complexity
If a coil arrangement is fixed to one rod and a magnet to another rod, then the construction is simplified and magnetic coupling is enhanced, but the magnetic field strength and vibration induction capability must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the magnetic interaction in a localized region between the coil arrangement and the magnet, creating a strong magnetic coupling zone. This localized magnetic field interaction efficiently transfers energy to produce tine vibrations while maintaining overall device simplicity.
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 simplified design achieves stronger magnetic coupling and lower power consumption while maintaining effective vibration-based property determination, facilitating improved detection of changes in medium properties.
Implementation Method 1
a coil arrangement fixed to the first rod; a magnet fixed to the second rod, opposite the coil arrangement; excitation circuitry coupled to the coil arrangement and controllable to provide a time-varying current to the coil arrangement, resulting in vibration of the first tine in relation to the second tine
Data Source
AI summary
A field device comprising first and second tines; first and second rods coupled to the first and second tines; a coil arrangement fixed to the first rod; a magnet fixed to the second rod, opposite the coil arrangement; excitation circuitry coupled to the coil arrangement and controllable to provide a time-varying current to the coil arrangement, resulting in vibration of the first tine in relation to the second tine; sensing circuitry coupled to the coil arrangement and configured to provide a sensing signal indicative of a change in at least one property of the vibration of the first tine in relation to the second tine; and measurement control circuitry coupled to the excitation circuitry and the sensing circuitry for controlling operation of the excitation circuitry.