Vibration Sensor for Flowable Media Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor devices for detecting flowable media in pressure devices are costly, complex, and difficult to produce, making them unsuitable for safe and efficient operation in hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device featuring a reed switch or reed contact with resilient metal tongues that vibrate when the magnetic field strength decreases, allowing for detection of flowable media through changes in vibration parameters, combined with an electromagnetic coil that serves as both an actuator and sensor, and a compact, cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor device uses multiple sensors arranged on a common substrate to detect flowable media, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single sensor element that uses vibration-based detection. Instead of arranging multiple separate sensors on a common substrate, the invention integrates temperature compensation, quality detection, and presence detection into one unified vibration sensor system, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration sensor element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects the presence of flowable media, determines media quality, and provides temperature compensation. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate sensors for each detection task, reducing both device complexity and manufacturing cost
2Measurement precision
If a sensor device uses a vibration-based detection method with electromagnetic coils and magnet devices, then the detection precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple vibration sensor element with resilient metal tongues that can be manufactured as inexpensive, disposable components. Rather than using complex electromagnetic coil assemblies, the invention uses simple magnetic field generation with basic coils that can be easily fabricated, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate detection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electromagnetic measurement systems with a simpler mechanical vibration detection approach. The vibration sensor element uses mechanical resonance and magnetic field interaction that can be detected by simple means, eliminating the need for complex electromagnetic coils and magnet devices while maintaining detection precision
3Ease of operation
If a sensor device is designed to be compact for cramped installation conditions, then the ease of installation is improved, but the detection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the vibration sensor element as a compact, nested structure where the resilient metal tongues are contained within a small housing that can be installed in cramped spaces. The sensor element integrates all necessary components (magnetic field generator, vibration element, detection mechanism) in a compact form that maintains detection reliability despite the reduced size
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 simple and cost-effective detection of flowable media presence and type, suitable for use in complex printing devices, with reliable monitoring of hydraulic accumulator integrity and operational state, even in cramped installation conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the field generating device being formed by a magnet device and the measuring device being formed by at least one electromagnetic coil, the magnetic flux of which together with an electrical voltage in of the coil when the sensor element is excited is influenced by its vibrations
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor element (11) which has a vibration device (13) that is excited to vibrate under the action of a field (15) of a field generating device (17)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Sensor device (1) for detecting flowable media (3, 3'), and pressure device (5) and measuring method for operating the sensor device (1). A sensor device (1) for detecting flowable media (3, 3'), in particular in the form of fluids (9) which can be received in pressure devices (5), such as pressure containers (7) or pressure lines, with at least one sensor element (11) is characterized in that the respective sensor element (11) has an oscillation device (13) which is excited to produce oscillations under the action of a field (15) of a field generation device (17), the oscillating behaviour of which oscillations changes upon inflow of the respective medium (3), and in that the change can be detected by a measuring device (19).