Dosing Device Pump Calibration Using Time-of-Flight Level Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metering devices for liquid mediums face challenges in achieving flexible and accurate calibration of pumps, as the reference volume is fixed and requires structural changes, and the detection devices are prone to contamination and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A transit time sensor, such as a RADAR sensor, is used to measure fill levels, allowing for adjustable reference volumes and continuous calibration without direct contact with the liquid medium, enabling flexible and low-maintenance operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large reference volume is used for calibration, then calibration precision is improved, but calibration duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference volume is made dynamically adjustable through software configuration rather than being fixed by hardware. The system allows the reference volume to be changed on-the-fly without structural modifications, enabling flexible optimization between calibration precision and duration based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system allows changing the reference volume parameter through software settings. By adjusting this parameter, the system can optimize calibration precision when larger volumes are needed or reduce calibration time when smaller volumes suffice, without any hardware modifications.
2Measurement precision
If detection devices are in direct contact with liquid medium, then fill level measurement is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase due to contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (magnetic coupling system) that allows the detection device to measure fill levels without direct contact with the liquid medium. The magnetic field acts as a mediator, transmitting measurement information across the container wall boundary while keeping the sensor isolated from contaminants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/electrical contact-based level sensing with a magnetic field-based measurement system. This substitution eliminates the need for electrodes or sensors to physically touch the liquid, thereby preventing contamination and reducing maintenance needs while preserving measurement capability.
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 solution allows for precise and efficient calibration of pumps with adjustable accuracy and duration, reducing maintenance needs and enabling continuous operation with improved precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the level sensor is designed as a time-of-flight sensor, preferably as a radar sensor
Implementation Method 2
A time-of-flight sensor is a device that emits signals, particularly electromagnetic waves, and receives an echo reflected from the surface of the medium being measured
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Metering device (32) for metering a liquid medium for at least one target device with an arrangement for calibrating at least one pump (1) for conveying the liquid medium (9), wherein the liquid medium (9) can be extracted from at least one container (3) by means of the at least one pump (1), comprising at least one level sensor, wherein a level (7) of the liquid medium (9) in the at least one container (3) can be determined with the at least one level sensor, wherein a volume difference determinable from measured values of the at least one level sensor can be used as a reference volume for calibrating the at least one pump (1), wherein the at least one level sensor is designed as a time-of-flight sensor (5), preferably as a radar sensor, particularly preferably wherein only a single time-of-flight sensor (5) is provided for determining the level (7), in particular a first level (7) and a second level (8).