WO2004076987A1 - Method for measuring the position of movable elements by means of optical devices and associated apparatus - Google Patents
Method for measuring the position of movable elements by means of optical devices and associated apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004076987A1 WO2004076987A1 PCT/EP2004/001617 EP2004001617W WO2004076987A1 WO 2004076987 A1 WO2004076987 A1 WO 2004076987A1 EP 2004001617 W EP2004001617 W EP 2004001617W WO 2004076987 A1 WO2004076987 A1 WO 2004076987A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- movable element
- sensor
- core
- optical
- magnetic field
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/30—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats
- G01F23/64—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats of the free float type without mechanical transmission elements
- G01F23/72—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats of the free float type without mechanical transmission elements using magnetically actuated indicating means
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/09—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on magneto-optical elements, e.g. exhibiting Faraday effect
Definitions
- an apparatus for measuring the position of a movable element which comprises at least one sensor element of the optical type, means for generating a light signal able to travel along the said sensor element in both directions, means for detecting and processing the propagation characteristics of the said light signal, and means for generating a magnetic field, integral with said movable element, said sensor element being able to vary its reflection characteristics as a result of the action of the external magnetic field generated by the generating means integral with the movable element.
- the present invention relates furthermore to a sensor device of the optical type according to the characteristic features of Claim 22 and a method for measuring the position of a movable body according to the characteristic features of Claim 10. Further details may be obtained from the following description of a non-limiting example of embodiment of the subject of the present invention provided with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
- Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view, along a longitudinal plane, of a first embodiment of the sensor according to the present invention
- - Figure 4 is a schematic view of a second example of embodiment of a position measuring apparatus according to the present invention.
- - Figure 5 is a schematic view of a further example of application of the measuring apparatus according to the present invention.
- the effect of the filler is that of enabling the optical fibre to undergo an alteration (increase in the Verdet's constant), in the presence of a magnetic field, such as to cause reflection of a test light signal transmitted inside it by means of suitable means described below.
- the apparatus in addition to the sensor 10; 110 described above and arranged outside a tank 61 containing the fluid, the level of which is to be measured, the apparatus also comprises: means 30 for generating a magnetic field of suitable intensity, which are integral (for example internally) with a float 31a which moves with the free surface of the fluid, present inside the tank, as well as means 40 for generating a light signal 41 to be transmitted along the optical fibre and means 50 for detecting and processing the propagation and reflection characteristics of said test light signal inside the sensor.
- said means 30 for generating the magnetic field consist of a permanent magnet 31 having suitable dimensions and particularly apt for operation in closed tanks which may contain inflammable or dangerous fluids.
- Fig. 4 shows a further example of embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention in which it is envisaged that the fixed sensor 10,110 is arranged inside the tank 161 and that the float 131a containing the permanent magnet 31 is arranged coaxially with the said sensor 10,110.
- said analysis and processing circuit is of the electronic/digital type.
- the senor 10,110 is formed by a core made of optical material, with the characteristics as described above.
- the movable element to be associated with the magnetic field generating means consists of a float 31a as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 or the work-piece support table 231a of a machine tool or the like, as illustrated in Fig. 5.
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Thermal Sciences (AREA)
- Optical Transform (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus for measuring the position of a movable element (31a;131a;231a), comprising at least one sensor element (10;110) of the optical type, means (40) for generating a light signal (41) able to travel along the said sensor element (10;110) in both directions, means (50) for detecting and processing the propagation characteristics of the said light signal (41), and means (30) for generating a magnetic field, integral with said movable element (31a;131a;231a), said sensor element (10;110) being able to vary its reflection characteristics as a result of the action of the external magnetic field generated by the generating means (30) integral with the movable element (31a;131a;231a).
Description
ETHOD FOR MEASURING THE POSITION OF MOVABLE ELEMENTS BY MEANS OF OPTICAL DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS
DESCRIPTION
The present invention relates to a method, an apparatus and a sensor device for measuring the position of a movable element using means of the optical type. It is known in the art of detecting the position of movable objects to use various sensor devices able to produce a variation in electric and/or magnetic field which can be detected and measured remotely; practical examples of these applications consist for example of devices of the electric conductor type which are based on the principle of magnetostriction and which form the scale for measuring the position of a body carrying a magnetic element which, once it has reached a stable position, is able to cause a reversible mechanical deformation of the conductor which is in turn able to reflect at a known speed an electric test signal transmitted inside it; using the measurement of the return time of the test signal it is possible to calculate the position of the mechanical deformation of the fixed conductor and, therefore, the position of the magnetic element connected to the movable element, the position of which is to be determined.
A further example of application consists in the devices for measuring the level of a fluid within a tank; said devices comprise a fixed indicator scale able to sense the activity of a magnetic field generated by a magnet inserted in a float which forms the movable element indicating the level of the fluid on which it is floating. Methods for detecting the position of an interruption/deformation in an optical fibre are also
known, said methods being based on the transmission of a light signal which travels along the fibre as far as the point of deformation where the optical properties of the fibre are altered and cause reflection of the signal: by calculating the return time of the latter it is possible to determine the position of the point of breakage/deformation in the fibre.
Although performing their function, these devices of the known type nevertheless have certain drawbacks which in practice limit the application thereof, in particular in the case where the level of dangerous
(for example inflammable) fluids inside tanks or the like are measured, since devices of the mechanical type do not permit the remote transmission of the information, as is instead required in the latest applications which use remote control systems, while devices of the electric/electronic type which require the presence of a voltage/current in the vicinity of the sensor device itself cannot be used in the proximity of dangerous fluids, unless strict protective measures are adopted.
The technical problem which is posed, therefore, is that of providing a device for measuring the position of a movable object which does not envisage electric circuits situated close to the detection element and which nevertheless allows the transmission of information to remote processing points.
Within the context of this problem a further requirement is that the device should be easy and inexpensive to produce and install.
These technical problems are solved according to the present invention by an apparatus for measuring the position of a movable element which comprises at least one sensor element of the optical type, means for generating a light signal able to travel along the said
sensor element in both directions, means for detecting and processing the propagation characteristics of the said light signal, and means for generating a magnetic field, integral with said movable element, said sensor element being able to vary its reflection characteristics as a result of the action of the external magnetic field generated by the generating means integral with the movable element. The present invention relates furthermore to a sensor device of the optical type according to the characteristic features of Claim 22 and a method for measuring the position of a movable body according to the characteristic features of Claim 10. Further details may be obtained from the following description of a non-limiting example of embodiment of the subject of the present invention provided with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view, along a longitudinal plane, of a first embodiment of the sensor according to the present invention;
- Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view, similar to that of Fig. 1, of a second embodiment of the sensor according to the present invention;
- Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a first example of embodiment of a position measuring apparatus according to the present invention;
- Figure 4 is a schematic view of a second example of embodiment of a position measuring apparatus according to the present invention; and - Figure 5 is a schematic view of a further example of application of the measuring apparatus according to the present invention.
As shown in Fig. 1, a sensor 10 according to the present invention is formed by an optical fibre 11 lined with a sheathing 12 of magnetostrictive material
able to cause a reversible deformation of the fibre 11 in the presence of a magnetic field of suitable intensity.
Preferably, the sensor 10 is housed inside a tube 20 of non-magnetic material such as, for example, AISI-316 steel, in order to protect the sensor from impacts and/or attack by chemical products with which it could come into contact . Fig. 2 shows a second example of embodiment of a sensor 110 according to the present invention which comprises an optical fibre 111, the composition of which envisages the addition of fillers Ilia able to cause, in the presence of a magnetic field of suitable intensity, a modification in the optical characteristics of the fibre, which are defined in the relevant technical sector by the term "Verdet's constant" .
According to preferred embodiments, it is envisaged that said fillers are chosen from among the so-called "rare earths" belonging to the third group of the periodic system.
The effect of the filler is that of enabling the optical fibre to undergo an alteration (increase in the Verdet's constant), in the presence of a magnetic field, such as to cause reflection of a test light signal transmitted inside it by means of suitable means described below.
In this case also the sensor is coaxially housed inside a tube 20 of non-magnetic material, such as, for example, AISI-316 steel.
In both cases the sensor 10, 110 and the tube 20 have a suitable length, greater than the measurement range of the specific application. According to the present invention an apparatus for measuring the position of a movable element is also
envisaged .
As illustrated in Fig. 3, in addition to the sensor 10; 110 described above and arranged outside a tank 61 containing the fluid, the level of which is to be measured, the apparatus also comprises: means 30 for generating a magnetic field of suitable intensity, which are integral (for example internally) with a float 31a which moves with the free surface of the fluid, present inside the tank, as well as means 40 for generating a light signal 41 to be transmitted along the optical fibre and means 50 for detecting and processing the propagation and reflection characteristics of said test light signal inside the sensor. In the example according to Fig. 3, said means 30 for generating the magnetic field consist of a permanent magnet 31 having suitable dimensions and particularly apt for operation in closed tanks which may contain inflammable or dangerous fluids. Fig. 4 shows a further example of embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention in which it is envisaged that the fixed sensor 10,110 is arranged inside the tank 161 and that the float 131a containing the permanent magnet 31 is arranged coaxially with the said sensor 10,110.
Fig. 5 shows a further example of application of the apparatus according to the present invention; in this case the means 131 for generating the magnetic field are integral with a work-piece support table 231a, for example of a machine tool, only schematically shown with a guide 261 for example representing one of the axes along which the table 231a is movable. It is envisaged, moreover, that in these constructional embodiments it is possible to use magnetic field generating means consisting of a controlled
electromagnet known per se and therefore neither shown nor described in detail .
In all the examples described it is envisaged that said means 40 for generating and said means 50 for detecting and processing the test light signal may be situated at a considerable distance from the sensor element 10 and be connected thereto by means of sections 11 of optical fibre having a generic length.
Preferably said analysis and processing circuit is of the electronic/digital type.
The apparatus operates in accordance with the following procedure : a) arrangement of the sensor 10; 110 in the vicinity of the permanent magnet 31 associated with the movable element 31a; b) connection of the sensor 10 to the means 40 for generating the test light signal and to the means 50 for detecting and processing the propagation characteristics of the latter; c) variation of the fibre reflection characteristics by the permanent magnet integral with the movable element ; d) generation of a test light signal 41; e) transmission of the light signal 41 to the sensor 10; f) detection of the return time of the light signal 41; g) calculation of the position where reflection of the light signal occurs.
According to preferred modes of implementation of the method it is envisaged that the sensor 10,110 is formed by a core made of optical material, with the characteristics as described above.
As illustrated, the movable element to be associated with the magnetic field generating means consists of a float 31a as shown in Figs. 3 and 4 or the work-piece support table 231a of a machine tool or the like, as
illustrated in Fig. 5.
It is therefore pointed out how, with the method, the sensor and the measurement apparatus described above, it is possible to obtain a precise measurement of the position of a movable element without electric and/or electronic devices and with the possibility of transmitting remotely the information detected for further processing and use thereof.
Claims
1. Method for measuring the position of a movable element (31a; 131a;231a) , comprising the following steps : a) associating the movable element (31a; 131a; 231a) with means (31; 131) for generating a magnetic field; b) arrangement of an optical sensor (10; 110) in the vicinity of the magnetic element (31; 131) integral with the movable element (31a; 131a;231a) ; c) connecting the optical sensor (10; 110) to means (40) for generating a test light signal (41) and to means (50) for detecting and processing the said test light signal ; d) generating a test light signal (41) ; e) transmitting the said light signal (41) to the sensor (10; 110) ; f) producing a variation in the optical characteristics of the sensor (10; 110) by the external magnetic field, able to cause reflection of the test light signal (41) ; g) detection of the return time of the test light signal .
2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises the further step h) of calculating the position where reflection of the light signal occurs.
3. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that said magnetic field generating means associated with the movable element (10; 110) consist of a permanent magnet (31) .
4. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that said magnetic field generating means associated with the movable element (10; 110) consist of an electromagnet (131) .
5. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that said optical sensor element (10) comprises a core (11) of optical material lined with a sheathing (12) of magnetostrictive material .
6. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that said optical sensor element (110) comprises a core (111) of optical material incorporating a suitable filler (Ilia) .
7. Method according to Claim 6, characterized in that said filler (Ilia) consists of rare earths.
8. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that said core of optical material is an optical fibre.
9. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that said core of optical material is provided with a longitudinal dimension much greater than the transverse dimensions .
10. Apparatus for measuring the position of a movable element (31a; 131a;231a) , characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor element (10; 110) of the optical type, means (40) for generating a light signal
(41) able to travel along the said sensor element
(10; 110) in both directions, means (50) for detecting and processing the propagation characteristics of the said light signal (41) , and means (30) for generating a magnetic field, integral with said movable element
(31a;131a;231a) , said sensor element (10;110) being able to vary its reflection characteristics as a result of the action of the external magnetic field produced by the generating means (30) integral with the movable element (31a; 131a;231a) .
11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that said magnetic field generating means (30) associated with the movable element consist of a permanent magnet (31) .
12. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that said magnetic field generating means (30) associated with the movable element consist of an electromagnet (131) .
13. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that said sensor element (110) comprises a core (111) of optical material incorporating a suitable filler (Ilia) .
14. Apparatus according to Claim 13, characterized in that said filler (Ilia) consists of rare earths.
15. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that said core (11) of optical material is lined with a sheathing (12) of magnetostrictive material.
16. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that said sensor (10; 110) is housed inside a protective tube (20) made of non-magnetic material.
17. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that said core (11) of optical material is an optical fibre .
18. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that said core of optical material is provided with a longitudinal dimension much greater than the transverse dimensions .
19. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that said movable element is a float (31a; 131a) .
20. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that said movable element is a work-piece support table
(231a) .
21. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterized in that said movable element is a guided slider.
22. Sensor device for measuring the position of a movable element (31a; 131a; 231a) , characterized in that it comprises a core (11; 111) of optical material able to vary its transmission/reflection characteristics as a result of the action of an external magnetic field.
23. Sensor device according to Claim 22, characterized in that said core (111) incorporates a suitable filler
(Ilia) able to produce said variation in the reflection characteristics in the presence of an external magnetic field.
24. Device according to Claim 23, characterized in that said filler consists of rare earths.
25. Device according to Claim 22, characterized in that said core (11) of optical material is lined with a sheathing (12) of magnetostrictive material.
26. Apparatus according to Claim 22, characterized in that said sensor (10,-110) is housed inside a protective tube (20) made of non-magnetic material.
27. Device according to Claim 22, characterized in that said core of optical material is an optical fibre.
28. Device according to Claim 21, characterized in j that said core of optical material is provided with a longitudinal dimension much greater than the transverse dimensions .
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ITMI20030334 ITMI20030334A1 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2003-02-25 | PROCEDURE FOR MEASURING THE POSITION OF MOBILE ELEMENTS THROUGH OPTICAL DEVICES AND RELATED DEVICES AND EQUIPMENT. |
| ITMI2003A000334 | 2003-02-25 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2004076987A1 true WO2004076987A1 (en) | 2004-09-10 |
Family
ID=32923037
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2004/001617 WO2004076987A1 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2004-02-18 | Method for measuring the position of movable elements by means of optical devices and associated apparatus |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| IT (1) | ITMI20030334A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2004076987A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013102658A1 (en) | 2012-01-06 | 2013-07-11 | Societe Technique Pour L'energie Atomique Technicatome | Liquid level sensor with free float |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4836632A (en) * | 1988-05-16 | 1989-06-06 | National Magnetic Sensors Inc. | Fiber optic liquid level sensor |
| JPH02128122A (en) * | 1988-11-07 | 1990-05-16 | Fujitsu Ltd | Optical liquid surface sensor |
| JPH10133156A (en) * | 1996-10-30 | 1998-05-22 | Niles Parts Co Ltd | Magnetic dielectric optical fiber device |
| EP1020734A2 (en) * | 1999-01-15 | 2000-07-19 | Biosense, Inc. | Optical position sensors |
| JP2001108510A (en) * | 1999-10-12 | 2001-04-20 | Ngk Insulators Ltd | Optical magnetic level gauge |
| US6229476B1 (en) * | 1998-11-27 | 2001-05-08 | Endress+ Hauser Gmbh+ Co. | Liquid level meter |
-
2003
- 2003-02-25 IT ITMI20030334 patent/ITMI20030334A1/en unknown
-
2004
- 2004-02-18 WO PCT/EP2004/001617 patent/WO2004076987A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4836632A (en) * | 1988-05-16 | 1989-06-06 | National Magnetic Sensors Inc. | Fiber optic liquid level sensor |
| JPH02128122A (en) * | 1988-11-07 | 1990-05-16 | Fujitsu Ltd | Optical liquid surface sensor |
| JPH10133156A (en) * | 1996-10-30 | 1998-05-22 | Niles Parts Co Ltd | Magnetic dielectric optical fiber device |
| US6229476B1 (en) * | 1998-11-27 | 2001-05-08 | Endress+ Hauser Gmbh+ Co. | Liquid level meter |
| EP1020734A2 (en) * | 1999-01-15 | 2000-07-19 | Biosense, Inc. | Optical position sensors |
| JP2001108510A (en) * | 1999-10-12 | 2001-04-20 | Ngk Insulators Ltd | Optical magnetic level gauge |
Non-Patent Citations (4)
| Title |
|---|
| ANONYMOUS: "Position Sensor Using Fiber-Optic Interferometer", IBM TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE BULLETIN, vol. 27, no. 6, 1 November 1984 (1984-11-01), New York, US, pages 3622, XP002283819 * |
| PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 014, no. 352 (P - 1085) 30 July 1990 (1990-07-30) * |
| PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1998, no. 10 31 August 1998 (1998-08-31) * |
| PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 2000, no. 21 3 August 2001 (2001-08-03) * |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2013102658A1 (en) | 2012-01-06 | 2013-07-11 | Societe Technique Pour L'energie Atomique Technicatome | Liquid level sensor with free float |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ITMI20030334A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 |
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