The Invention of Metal Detectors – History and Tech Improvements

Curiosity about using the newly harnessed power of electricity in the 1800s led to the development of metal detectors. As with many invention ideas throughout history, these devices came about due to war and related medical needs. Today, they are still used by militaries all around the globe. However, more people use them to take part in the fun metal detecting hobby.

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How Do Metal Detectors Work?

Early inventors found that an electrified transmitter coil creates a magnetic field, which would react with metal objects on the ground when in close enough proximity to the detector machine. This magnetic field extends to the metal object and is what ultimately makes modern metal detectors beep or flashlight to indicate that you found something.
 
In the 1950s, beat frequency induction, improved circuits, and smaller batteries made it possible to construct much more modern apparatus. Still, those were nothing like the modern options like an invention that adds interest to life, the best metal detector for beginners from PANCKY.

 

Invention Ideas to Help People

Most people think of finding lost coins or jewelry when they think of the metal detecting hobby. Originally, these devices were used for finding ore in mining, hidden weapons, unexploded bombs in World War I, and even bullets lodged in shooting victims. In fact, Alexander Graham Bell used an early metal detector on President James Garfield to help locate where he was shot. The person credited with inventing the metal detector in 1874 was a French engineer named Gustave Trouve.
 
More modern varieties were developed in the 1920s. Gerhard Fischer held the first patent for a metal detector using radio frequencies. A list of other experts changed and perfected the early technology to do everything from search for Emperor Caligula’s lost treasure to assist Admiral Richard Birds and Arctic expedition to detect mines during World War II.

 

New Technology for Metal Detectors

Every tool, machine, or gadget begins larger and less complex than it eventual modern form. The same holds true for metal detectors. Although the changes in 1950-1960 made it possible to create more user-friendly and lightweight models, it was not until the 1970s that the next big leap of development occurred. Charles Garrett, an electrical engineer and metal detecting hobbyist, received patents for his new designs. Different coil shapes allowed for more specific detection using lower frequencies. This allowed users to choose how closely the detector discriminates against different types of metal.
 
For most people not involved in this adventuresome hobby, metal detectors are things they need to walk through at an airport or other security checkpoint in a building. This technology was first used in a German factory in 1926. It was popularized in the 1970s at US airports after multiple hijackings. Industrial metal detection equipment has been used for decades in order to ensure safety for food and other products.
 
When it comes to invention ideas, metal detectors have a long and storied past. People who use these fund devices to for lost treasure of any kind today may not realize how long they have been around. Understanding the history and development of metal detection over the years opens your eyes to new adventures.