Radar-based level gauge

Metal injection molding of stainless steel powder simplifies the production of waveguide assemblies for radar-based level gauges, addressing manufacturing errors and enhancing signal transmission reliability.

DE102024135698A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-06-03ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO KG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO KG
Filing Date
2024-12-02
Publication Date
2026-06-03

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The manufacturing process of waveguide assemblies for radar-based level gauges is prone to errors and requires significant post-processing, such as deburring, passivation, and drilling, which complicates the production and increases the risk of defects.

Method used

Manufacturing the waveguide assembly using metal injection molding (MIM) of stainless steel powder, eliminating the need for post-processing steps like deburring and passivation, resulting in a purely metallic, non-porous component.

Benefits of technology

Simplifies the manufacturing process, enhances geometric accuracy and surface quality, and ensures reliable transmission of radar signals without additional processing steps, improving the robustness and efficiency of the level gauge.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a radar-based level measuring device for determining the level (L) of a fill material (2) in a container (3), which is easy to manufacture and comprises the following components: - An antenna arrangement (11) via which a radar signal (S) is transmitted in a defined frequency band HF ) can emit a signal to the contents (1) and, after its reflection at the surface of the contents, a corresponding receiving signal (R) can be generated. HF ) is receivable, - A high-frequency unit (12) designed to transmit the radar signal (S HF ) to generate and based on the received signal (R HF ) to determine the fill level (L), and - A waveguide arrangement (13) designed for the frequency band, which is arranged between the high-frequency unit (12) and the antenna unit (11) to transmit the radar and receive signals (S HF , R HF ) to transfer in between. According to the invention, the level measuring device (1) is characterized in that the waveguide assembly (13) is manufactured by means of metal powder injection molding. This ensures high dimensional accuracy even with geometrically delicate designs, without requiring any post-processing of the waveguide assembly (13).
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Vibration sensor with integrated waveguide and method for operating a level sensor

    DE102020127514B3

  • Antenna element, array antenna using the same and method for manufacturing antenna element

    JP2001094334A

  • Cross-polar compensating feed horn and method of manufacture

    US20090109111A1

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    US20110205136A1

  • JP002001094334A