Magnetoelastic sensor using strain-induced magnetic anisotropy to measure the tension or compression present in a plate

#Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to a magnetoelastic sensor and, more specifically, to a magnetoelastic sensor for sensing tension or compression.

#Description of Related Art

#For the purpose of illustration, there are shown in the drawings certain embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements, dimensions, and instruments shown. In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 is top view of a magnetoelastic tension sensor comprising a plate and a plurality of sensor assemblies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

#FIG. 2A is a first cross-sectional view of the magnetoelastic tension sensor of FIG. 1, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

#Reference to the drawings illustrating various views of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is now made. In the drawings and the description of the drawings herein, certain terminology is used for convenience only and is not to be taken as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, in the drawings and the description below, like numerals indicate like elements throughout.

#Illustrated in FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetoelastic sensor, generally designated as 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A illustrates a right-side view along a cross-section of the magnetoelastic sensor 100 at a section line 180, and FIG. 2B illustrates a left-side view along a cross-section of the magnetoelastic sensor 100 taken at a section line 170.

#Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the magnetoelastic sensor 100 comprises a plate 110, a first distribution bar 120 connected to the plate 110 at a first end 111 of the plate 110, and a second distribution bar 130 connected to the plate 110 at a second end 112 of the plate 110. Disposed in the plate 110 is a magnetic band 140. In the exemplary embodiment of the magnetic band 140 illustrated in FIG. 1, the magnetic band 140 is an annulus. In other exemplary embodiments of the magnetic band 140, different shapes of the magnetic band 140 are contemplated. For example, the magnetic band 140 may be diamond shaped. It is to be understood that the plate 110 may have various dimensions, may not be perfectly planar on either surface, and may not have a perfectly uniform thickness across its entire length.