Antenna Array Virtual Source for Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current level measurement technologies for bulk materials and liquids face challenges in achieving precise fill level determination due to the statistical distribution of the accumulation, leading to imprecise measured values, especially when dealing with uneven surfaces and varying properties like grain size, density, and humidity.
Innovation Solution
An antenna device with a controller and a two-dimensional antenna array, where transmitting and receiving devices are arranged at predeterminable positions, allowing for alternating and simultaneous operation to create a virtual transmission device, enabling precise signal sourcing and beam guidance without mechanical movement, thus facilitating accurate level measurement through digital beam forming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple transmitting devices are operated alternately, then signal source identification is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to statistical distribution of bulk material accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signals from multiple transmitting devices operated alternately to form a virtual array, merging the measurement information to achieve both signal source identification and improved measurement precision through the collective data from all transmitting devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical beam steering with electronic signal processing and digital beam forming, using virtual array processing to achieve beam guidance without mechanical movement, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining signal source identification capabilities
2Measurement precision
If a virtual array is formed using multiple transmitting devices, then angular resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual array by processing signals from existing transmitting devices to simulate additional antenna elements, copying the functional capability of physical antennas through signal processing without adding physical hardware complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of existing transmitting devices by operating them alternately and processing their signals through digital beam forming, transforming the system into a virtual array that achieves higher angular resolution without modifying the physical structure
3Measurement precision
If transmitting devices are operated alternately with individual stimulation, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but productivity decreases due to sequential operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic alternation of transmitting devices in a time-division multiplex scheme, where each device transmits in sequential time slots, maintaining signal-to-noise ratio through individual stimulation while establishing a regular measurement cycle that enables efficient data processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous measurement capability by operating multiple transmitting devices in alternating fashion within a unified measurement cycle, so that while one device transmits another is ready, maintaining continuous data acquisition and improving productivity compared to single-device 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 allows for high-accuracy level measurement by forming a virtual array that enhances signal-to-noise ratio and angular resolution, reducing hardware requirements and costs, while maintaining reliability even in unfavorable conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a beam of an electromagnetic wave is guided over the filling material or the bulk material and the reflection behavior is observed
Implementation Method 2
the reflection behavior is observed and evaluated from different angles
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
An antenna device 201, 203 comprising a control unit 111 and at least two transmitting units 202, 207 at predefinable positions and at least two receiving units 205, 207 at predefinable positions is described. The control unit 201 is configured to alternately excite the at least two transmitting units 202, 207 individually to transmit at times t1, t2, t3, t4, such that each of the at least two receiving units 205, 207 receives a transmit signal generated by each of the at least two transmitting units. The control unit 111 is further configured to excite the at least two transmitting units jointly to transmit at a predefinable time t5, such that each of the at least two receiving units receives a transmit signal generated by a single virtual transmitting unit 704.