Metallic debris detection sensor
AssigneeImpact Technologies, LLC
InventorGraham Martin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a sensor arrangement. In particular, a sensor for the measurement of magnetically active or ferrous debris, for example, as generated as a result of machine wear. There is provided a sensor (5) having a magnetic sensor head adapted to produce a magnetic field, —a magnetic field sensor (10) responsive to changes in the magnetic field; a temperature probe (15); and processing means (50) for determining the amount of debris accumulated on the magnetic sensor head based on both magnetic field and temperature data.
Claims15
A sensor having:
- a magnetic sensor head adapted to produce a magnetic field;
- a magnetic field sensor responsive to changes in the magnetic field;
- a temperature probe;
- and
- processing means for determining the amount of material accumulated on the magnetic sensor head based on both magnetic field and temperature data;
- wherein
- the magnetic sensor head comprises two permanent magnetic or electromagnetic poles and the magnetic field sensor and the temperature sensor are located between the magnetic poles;
- and
- the processing means is adapted to determine the amount of material accumulated on the magnetic sensor by comparing measured magnetic field and temperature data with data stored in a look up table (LUT), wherein the data stored in the look up table is specific for the associated sensor and comprises correction values for the change in magnetic field with temperature;
- and wherein
- the processing means is arranged to self calibrate the sensor by using the LUT to determine deviations in magnetic strength with time.
A method for detecting magnetically active or ferrous material, the method including:
- providing a sensor having a magnetic sensor head adapted to produce a magnetic field, a magnetic field sensor responsive to changes in the magnetic field and a temperature probe, wherein the magnetic sensor head comprises two permanent magnetic or electromagnetic poles and the magnetic field sensor and the temperature sensor are located between the magnetic poles;
- measuring changes in the magnetic field;
- measuring the temperature of the sensor;
- and
- determining the amount of ferrous material accumulated in the magnetic sensor head based on both magnetic field and temperature data by comparing measured magnetic field and temperature data with data stored in a look up table (LUT), wherein the data stored in the look up table is specific for the associated sensor and comprises correction values for the change in magnetic field with temperature;
- and self calibrating the sensor by using the LUT to determine deviations in magnetic strength with time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.