Calibrating Distance Measuring Devices Using Laser Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distance measuring devices, particularly radar-based fill-level measuring devices, face accuracy issues due to tilting directional antennas resulting from welding or screwing procedures, which affect the precision of distance calculations.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system utilizing a measuring track with a shiftably mounted areal reflector and a laser distance measuring device to orient the reflector for maximum signal intensity and correct for tilting, allowing precise calibration of the distance measuring device by simulating different fill levels and compensating for temperature influences and length changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a directional antenna is mounted on a flange using welding or screwing procedures, then the distance measuring device can be installed, but the antenna may become tilted, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing orientation measurements with a laser distance measuring device before the actual calibration process. The system measures the orientation of the reflector and calculates tilt angles in advance, then uses these pre-determined values to compensate for antenna tilting during calibration. This preliminary orientation assessment allows the system to prepare compensation values before the main calibration operation, resolving the contradiction between easy installation and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a laser distance measuring device is used to register tilt of the reflector, then orientation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a laser distance measuring device as a separate measurement tool that does not become part of the permanent calibration system. The laser device serves as a temporary intermediary instrument used only during the orientation registration phase. Its measurements are processed by the evaluation unit to calculate tilt angles, which are then used for compensation. This intermediary approach allows high precision orientation measurement without permanently increasing system complexity, as the laser device is removed after serving its purpose.
3Measurement precision
If means for orienting the distance measuring device are provided to achieve maximum signal intensity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the calibration process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the laser distance measuring device to continuously monitor the orientation of the reflector during the calibration process. The evaluation unit processes the laser measurements and provides feedback about the actual orientation angles. This feedback information is then used to adjust the position of the reflector or the distance measuring device to achieve optimal alignment. The feedback mechanism ensures maximum signal intensity and measurement accuracy without requiring complex manual orientation adjustments, as the system automatically optimizes alignment based on real-time measurements.
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
The system significantly enhances the accuracy of distance measurements by ensuring optimal orientation and alignment of the directional antenna, thereby improving the precision of distance calculations and maintaining calibration despite potential tilting and environmental changes.
Implementation Method 1
an areal reflector mountable shiftably on the measuring track for reflecting a measurement signal transmitted from the distance measuring device back to the distance measuring device
Implementation Method 2
a laser distance measuring device mountable on the measuring track for registering tilt of the reflector
Implementation Method 3
the distance between the antenna of the radar measuring device and the medium is determined based on the signal travel time
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for calibrating a distance measuring device, comprising: a measuring track, on which the distance measuring device is mountable; an areal reflector mountable shiftably on the measuring track for reflecting a measurement signal transmitted from the distance measuring device back to the distance measuring device, so that by means of the distance measuring device a distance measurement for determining a distance (D) between the distance measuring device and the reflector is performable; and a laser distance measuring device mountable on the measuring track for registering tilt of the reflector; wherein means for orienting the distance measuring device are provided, so that measurement signals of the distance measuring device reflected back to the distance measuring device by means of the reflector are received with maximum intensity by the distance measuring device.