Composition Ratio Estimation Using Radar Dielectric Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level gauges face complexity in estimating the composition ratio of unknown contents in tanks, as the dielectric constant of the space above the liquid is influenced by vaporized components and floating substances, requiring cumbersome pre-analysis and frequent recalculations of relative dielectric constants.
Innovation Solution
A composition ratio estimation device that includes a transmitting-receiving unit, a temperature measuring unit, a dielectric constant calculating unit, and a composition ratio derivation unit, which uses radar waves to estimate the composition ratio by calculating the dielectric constant of the space and determining the boiling points of floating substances, allowing for accurate estimation of the liquid composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the dielectric constant of the space above the liquid is measured to estimate composition ratio, then the composition ratio can be estimated, but the process becomes complicated due to vaporized components and floating substances affecting the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference object as an intermediary element in the measurement space. By measuring the radar wave reflection from both the reference object (with known properties) and the liquid surface, the system can calculate the dielectric constant of the space and subsequently derive the composition ratio, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in physical parameters (temperature, dielectric constant) to estimate composition ratio. By monitoring how the dielectric constant of the space changes with temperature and comparing it to reference values, the system can determine the composition ratio without complex direct measurement procedures
2Measurement precision
If pre-analysis of content composition is performed before liquid level measurement, then accurate liquid level measurement can be achieved, but the overall process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the composition ratio estimation and liquid level measurement processes into a single integrated measurement using radar waves. Both parameters are obtained simultaneously from the same radar signal reflections, eliminating the need for separate pre_analysis steps and reducing total measurement time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of dielectric constant based on temperature measurements and stored reference data before final liquid level calculation. This allows the system to have composition ratio information ready when needed for liquid level measurement, optimizing the sequence of operations
3Measurement precision
If relative dielectric constant is recalculated at every liquid level change, then accurate measurement is maintained, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates the dielectric constant of the space based on temperature changes and stored reference dielectric constant data, rather than recalculating from raw radar signals at every liquid level change. This approach maintains measurement accuracy while significantly reducing calculation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent stores reference dielectric constant data for different temperatures and compositions in advance. When measuring, the system only needs to look up and interpolate from these pre-stored values based on current temperature readings, avoiding complex real-time calculations
4Measurement precision
If radar waves are transmitted through space containing vaporized components and floating substances, then liquid level can be measured, but the dielectric constant measurement becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a reference object with known dielectric properties as an intermediary to characterize the measurement environment. By comparing the radar wave reflection from the reference object to that from the liquid surface, the system can compensate for the effects of vaporized components and floating substances, making the dielectric constant measurement reliable despite the complex medium
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
Enables highly accurate estimation of the composition ratio of contents in tanks, facilitating precise liquid level measurement by accounting for the dielectric constants and boiling points of substances, thereby simplifying the process and expanding the measurable range of the liquid level.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting-receiving unit configured to transmit radar waves toward a reference object and a liquid surface and receive radar waves reflected off the reference object and the liquid surface
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric constant calculating unit configured to store in advance a physical distance between the transmitting-receiving unit and the reference object and calculate a dielectric constant of a space between the transmitting-receiving unit and the reference object based on the physical distance and the radar wave reflected off the reference object
Implementation Method 3
a temperature measuring unit configured to acquire a level at which a boiling point of a floating substance is reached
Implementation Method 4
The dielectric constant of the space above the liquid is determined by the composition ratio of the content
Data Source
AI summary
A composition ratio estimation device estimates a composition ratio of a content having mixed substances with different boiling points in a tank. The content is retained as a liquid in the tank lower part. The substances are partially floatable as a gas or liquid in a space in the tank upper part. The device includes a reference object disposed in the space, a transmitting-receiving unit that transmits radar waves toward the reference object and the surface of the liquid and receives reflected radar waves, a temperature measuring unit that acquires a level at which a boiling point of a floating substance is reached, a dielectric constant calculating unit that stores in advance a physical distance between the unit and the object and calculates a dielectric constant of a space between the unit and the object, and a composition ratio derivation unit that derives a composition ratio of the liquid.