Dielectric Constant Measurement Using Multi-Frequency Phase Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices struggle to accurately determine the dielectric constant of solid fill substances due to air inclusions and moisture, which corrupt the measurement by averaging with air or water values instead of isolating the pure fill substance's dielectric constant.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device that transmits and receives electromagnetic high-frequency signals at different frequencies, using phase shifts and amplitudes to determine the dielectric constant, allowing for accurate measurement by compensating for air or moisture influences through the relationship (c0*Δφ12πfHF1)2-1DK-1=(1-r)=(c0*Δφ22πfHF2)2-1, where c0 is the propagation velocity in vacuum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If guided radar measuring principle is used for combined fill level and dielectric measurement, then fill level measurement is achieved, but dielectric constant measurement is corrupted by air inclusions and moisture in solid fill substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by using multiple discrete frequency signals (first and second frequencies) to probe the fill substance. By analyzing phase shifts at different frequencies separately and combining the information, the system isolates the dielectric properties of the solid fill substance from the effects of air inclusions and moisture, resolving the measurement corruption issue while maintaining combined measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the electromagnetic signals used for measurement. By transmitting signals at multiple frequencies and measuring the resulting phase shifts, the system can differentiate between the dielectric effects of the solid fill substance and those of air or moisture. This parameter variation enables accurate dielectric constant determination despite the presence of contaminants
2Measurement precision
If capacitive measuring principle is used for dielectric constant determination, then liquid fill substance measurement is accurate, but solid fill substance measurement is corrupted by air and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement approach by using multiple frequency components rather than a single capacitive measurement. This segmentation allows the system to process information from different frequency responses separately, enabling it to distinguish between the dielectric properties of solid materials and the interfering effects of air pockets or moisture, thus extending accurate measurement capability to solid fill substances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the frequency of electromagnetic signals across at least two different values. This frequency variation transforms the measurement approach from a simple capacitive method (single frequency) to a multi-frequency phase shift analysis, which can accurately determine dielectric constants of solid materials by compensating for air and moisture interference
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 uncorrupted determination of the dielectric constant of solid-type fill substances by using phase shifts and amplitudes of high-frequency signals, improving measurement accuracy by isolating the pure fill substance's dielectric constant from air or moisture effects.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting circuit (11), which is designed to transmit in the direction of the fill substance (3) a first electromagnetic high-frequency signal (SHF1) with a first frequency (fHF1) and a second electromagnetic high-frequency signal (SHF2) with a second frequency (fHF2)
Implementation Method 2
an evaluation-circuit (13), which is designed to ascertaining a first phase shift (Δφ1) between the transmitting and the receiving of the first high-frequency signal (SHF1), to ascertaining a second phase shift (Δφ2) between the transmitting and the receiving of the second high-frequency signal (SHF2)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a measuring device for measuring a dielectric constant of fill substances in containers. The measuring device includes: a transmitting circuit for transmitting a first electromagnetic high-frequency signal and a second electromagnetic high-frequency signal; a receiving circuit for receiving the two high-frequency signals; and an evaluation circuit to ascertain a first phase shift between the transmitting and the receiving of the first high-frequency signal, to ascertain a second phase shift between the transmitting and the receiving of the second high-frequency signal, and to ascertain an amplitude of one of the received high-frequency signals. Based on these three values, the dielectric constant is determined. By determining phase shift at different frequencies, it is possible according to the present disclosure, especially in the case of solid-type fill substances, to determine their dielectric constant uncorrupted, thus without influence of air inclusions or moisture.