Vibronic Measuring System Self-Diagnostics Using Test Magnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibronic measuring systems, such as Coriolis mass flow-measuring devices, face challenges in detecting disturbances and defects early enough to maintain measurement accuracy and safety, as loadings over time can cause irreversible changes in oscillation characteristics and structural integrity issues, leading to reduced accuracy and potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a test magnet positioned externally to create a magnetic field within the measuring transducer, causing the vibration element to produce test signals, which are analyzed to detect deviations from reference values, allowing for early detection of disturbances and defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional monitoring methods are used to detect disturbances in vibronic measuring systems, then the system can operate continuously, but disturbances and defects are not detected early enough, leading to accuracy degradation and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing self-diagnostics and excitation tests before actual measurement disturbances occur. The system continuously monitors oscillation characteristics and compares them against reference values to detect early signs of defects, enabling preventive maintenance before accuracy degradation or safety hazards develop.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously comparing current oscillation characteristics with reference values and generating diagnostic information when deviations are detected. This closed-loop monitoring provides real-time feedback on system health, allowing early detection of disturbances and defects that would otherwise go unnoticed until they cause measurement errors or safety issues.
2Measurement precision
If the vibration element is continuously monitored under normal operating conditions, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but small changes in system functioning are difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by introducing test excitations at specific intervals during operation. The system periodically excites the vibration element with test signals and analyzes the resulting oscillations under controlled conditions, allowing detection of small changes that would be masked during normal measurement operations. This periodic diagnostic action enhances sensitivity to early defects while maintaining normal measurement functions.
3Reliability
If early detection methods are implemented to detect disturbances before they affect measurement accuracy, then additional monitoring mechanisms are required, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing self-diagnostics within the existing measuring system. The system uses its own vibration element and evaluation electronics to perform monitoring and detection functions, eliminating the need for separate external monitoring devices. The evaluation electronics compare oscillation characteristics against stored reference values and generate diagnostic information using the system's existing computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements universality by making the evaluation electronics serve multiple functions: both normal measurement evaluation and diagnostic monitoring. The same electronics that process measurement signals also perform self-diagnostics by comparing oscillation characteristics against reference values, eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring hardware and reducing overall system complexity.
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
This method enables early and reliable detection of disturbances and defects in the measuring system, preventing accuracy degradation and ensuring operating safety by amplifying small changes in system functioning, thus allowing for timely repair measures.
Implementation Method 1
positioning a first (test-)magnet at a first test position outside of the measuring transducer, for producing a first (test-)magnetic field partially passing through the measuring transducer
Implementation Method 2
at least one electrodynamic, first oscillation sensor for registering mechanical oscillations of the vibration element, especially its wanted oscillations, at a first oscillation measuring point
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring transducer has a vibration element, an electromechanical oscillation exciter, and a sensor for registering mechanical oscillations at a first measuring point and providing oscillation signal representing movements of the vibration element, and a housing for the measuring transducer. The oscillation exciter, the first oscillation sensor and the vibration element are arranged within the housing. The method includes positioning a (test-)magnetic for producing a (test-)magnetic field causing vibration for producing a test signal, using the test signal for ascertaining a characterizing number value, which quantifies an oscillation characterizing number, and comparing the characterizing number value with threshold values for the oscillation characterizing number to detect a disturbance of the measuring system, when the characterizing number value exceeds a corresponding threshold value, or has left a value range bounded by the threshold value.