Doppler Flow Radar Two-Wire Interface Energy Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Doppler radar velocity measurement devices for channels, such as sewers, have high power consumption and are bulky, making them difficult to install and operate in confined spaces or on a temporary basis.
Innovation Solution
A velocity measurement device using a radar unit with a two-wire interface for power and data transfer, incorporating an energy store to power the radar module during active periods and an external control unit for intermittent operation, allowing for efficient energy use and reduced size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Doppler radar devices use high power consumption to enable velocity measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but device size and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The radar module operates in periodic measurement cycles with active periods for velocity measurement followed by inactive periods for energy storage charging. This intermittent operation allows the device to accumulate energy over time and discharge it during brief measurement windows, enabling high-power radar operation without requiring continuous high-power supply that would necessitate large batteries or power consumption.
2Reliability
If Doppler radar devices are equipped with separate power and communication connections, then power supply reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of installation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power supply and data communication functions into a single two-wire interface. The same two wires that provide power connection between the control unit and radar unit also carry bidirectional data communication signals. This merging eliminates the need for separate communication cables, reducing installation complexity while maintaining reliable power supply and enabling full duplex communication through the same physical medium.
3Measurement precision
If Doppler radar devices operate continuously for accurate measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements periodic measurement cycles where the radar module performs velocity measurements during active periods and remains inactive during charging periods. The controller manages these alternating phases, allowing the energy store to charge during inactive periods and discharge during measurement periods. This periodic operation enables accurate velocity measurements to be performed at intervals rather than continuously, significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy store is charged in advance during inactive periods before velocity measurements are performed. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the radar module to operate at high power during brief measurement windows without requiring continuous high-power supply. The controller schedules charging phases to ensure sufficient energy is stored before measurement cycles begin, enabling accurate measurements with reduced overall energy consumption.
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 efficient, intermittent operation of Doppler radar velocity measurements with reduced power consumption and compact design, suitable for use in confined spaces, while maintaining accurate velocity measurement capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a radar module arranged to measure the velocity of the media using the Doppler effect
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A velocity measurement device (17) for measuring the velocity of a moving media (3) in a channel (1), the velocity measurement device (17) including a radar unit (21)_having: a radar module (33) arranged to measure the velocity of the media (3) using the Doppler effect; and a two wire interface (23) to the radar unit (21) arranged to receive power from an external power source (35), and provide data transfer between the radar unit (23) and an external control unit (19).