Rotatable Antenna Array Scanning for Filling Surface Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current level measuring devices face complexity and cost issues in accurately determining the topology of filling material surfaces, particularly when using non-contact scanning methods, as they often require numerous measurements and can lead to oversampling, increasing operational time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A level measuring device with a rotatable antenna array and electronic beam control, allowing for both mechanical and electronic adjustments of radiation and reception angles, enabling line-by-line scanning of the surface without intersecting lines, thereby reducing oversampling and enhancing detection speed and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of measurements are carried out in the direction of certain areas of the product surface to record topology with sufficient accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna array is divided into multiple independently controllable radiator elements that can be selectively activated. Instead of using a single omnidirectional antenna requiring multiple measurements, the array segments the radiation function across multiple elements, allowing precise topology measurement with fewer measurements by electronically steering the beam to different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with electronic beam control. Instead of physically moving the entire antenna assembly to take multiple measurements from different angles, the system uses electronic phase control to steer the radiation pattern, achieving the same measurement coverage with reduced mechanical complexity and fewer measurements.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If swiveling measuring devices or electronic beam controls are used to scan the surface, then topology detection capability is improved, but operational time increases due to oversampling
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the beam direction and radiator element activation based on the specific topology features being measured. Rather than uniformly scanning all areas with fixed intervals, the system adapts the measurement density and beam positioning in real-time, focusing computational and measurement resources only where topological variations occur, thereby reducing unnecessary oversampling time.
3Area of stationary object
If the antenna array is rotated around a vertical axis for scanning, then surface coverage is improved, but scanning lines cross and oversampling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric scanning geometry where the antenna array rotates around a horizontal axis that is perpendicular to the array plane, rather than a vertical axis. This asymmetric configuration ensures that scanning lines remain parallel and do not intersect, eliminating redundant measurements while still achieving complete surface coverage. The asymmetric beam steering angles are specifically designed to match the container geometry.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for faster and more cost-effective detection of surface topology by combining mechanical and electronic adjustments, ensuring even scanning and reducing the need for excessive data points, thus improving the efficiency and accuracy of level measurements.
Implementation Method 1
Methods for non-contact scanning of a surface can, for example, be based on the principle that a signal emitted in the direction of the surface is reflected on it and a transit time or signal strength of the reflected signal is evaluated.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a filling level measuring device (100) for determining a topology of a filling material surface (101), which comprises an antenna device (102) with an array of radiator elements (202) and a rotatable mounting for rotating the antenna device about an axis (131) that is arranged parallel to the array. In this way, a plurality of emission angles of the antenna device are electronically and mechanically adjustable relative to the filling material surface without local oversampling.