Antenna Device Time-Controlled Frequency Conversion for Liquid Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current level measurement technologies using electromagnetic waves face challenges in efficiently determining liquid levels with high accuracy and complexity, particularly in avoiding the need for expensive high-frequency components and managing large antenna arrays effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of an antenna device with a signal source, control device, and frequency conversion units that utilize a time-controlled frequency conversion method, allowing for the generation of a co-array through time-division multiplexing, which reduces the need for high-frequency switches and simplifies the antenna array structure by selectively activating transmission channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of transmission channels are used to improve measurement precision, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission process is segmented into different time intervals, with different transmission channels being activated in different time slots. This time-division multiplexing approach allows multiple channels to be used sequentially rather than simultaneously, improving measurement precision through multiple measurements while avoiding the need for all channels to be active at once, thus reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activation of transmission channels according to a predetermined time schedule. Each transmission channel is activated periodically in a time-controlled manner, allowing the system to accumulate measurement data from multiple channels over time without requiring all channels to be permanently active, thereby improving measurement accuracy while managing device complexity
2Reliability
If high-frequency components are used to improve signal transmission quality, then signal transmission quality is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses low-frequency switches that can be turned on and off according to the time schedule rather than expensive high-frequency switches that would need to operate continuously at high frequencies. The low-frequency switches are cheaper and sufficient for the time-controlled channel activation, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining signal transmission quality through proper timing
Solution Approach 2:
A control device acts as an intermediary between the signal source and the transmission channels, managing the time-controlled activation of channels. This control mechanism allows the system to achieve high signal transmission quality through coordinated channel activation without requiring all channels to operate simultaneously at high frequency, thereby reducing the need for expensive high-frequency components
3Productivity
If transmission channels are activated continuously to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Transmission channels are activated periodically according to a predetermined time schedule rather than continuously. Each channel is activated only when needed for its specific time slot, allowing the system to maintain productivity through coordinated sequential activation while significantly reducing energy consumption by keeping channels inactive during their off periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically activates and deactivates transmission channels based on the predetermined time schedule. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize productivity by activating channels only when needed while reducing energy consumption by transitioning channels to an inactive state when not in use, rather than maintaining continuous operation
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 enhances the accuracy of liquid level measurement by creating a virtual co-array with a larger and more densely populated aperture, reducing complexity and costs associated with high-frequency components, while maintaining effective signal transmission and reception.
Implementation Method 1
The control device is connected to the first frequency conversion device in such a way that it can perform a time-controlled conversion of the fundamental frequency of the transmission signal to a first transmission frequency
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
An antenna device 201"", 201"" is described, comprising a signal source 502 for generating a transmit signal with a fundamental frequency, a control device 111, and a first transmit channel 202a, 207a. The transmit channel, in turn, comprises a first frequency conversion device 501a, 501b and a first transmit device 504a", 504b"", 504a"", 504b"" with a first frequency passband. The control unit 111 is designed to convert the fundamental frequency of the transmit signal to a first transmit frequency, which lies in a first frequency passband of the first transmitting unit 504a"" 504b"", 504a""' 504b""', in order to provide a first transmit signal with the first transmit frequency via the first transmit channel 202a, 202b, 207a, 207b