Dual-Antenna Level Sensor for Short-Range Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level measurement devices suffer from reduced accuracy and increased interference at short distances due to 'dead zones' caused by antenna ringing and finite reflection losses, leading to reduced sensitivity and measurement inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A level sensor system with a separate transmitting and receiving antenna housed in a common outer shell, optimized with horn antennas and a compact design to minimize 'dead zones' and enhance stability, allowing precise measurements in close range applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common antenna is used for transmitter and receiver, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to dead zone and antenna ringing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single antenna system into two separate antennas: a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna. This segmentation eliminates the dead zone and antenna ringing problems associated with single-antenna systems, as the receiving antenna is positioned outside the transmitting antenna's near field where reflections and ringing occur. The separation allows independent optimization of each antenna's function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional (single antenna) configuration to a two-dimensional (multiple antennas in spatial arrangement) configuration. By positioning the transmitting and receiving antennas at different locations and orientations, the system exploits spatial dimensionality to avoid the dead zone while maintaining compact overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If the antenna coupling is minimized to reduce dead zone, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple antennas (transmitting and receiving) into a single integrated sensor housing. This merging approach maintains the functional separation needed for precise measurement while consolidating the overall device structure, making it compact and suitable for installation in small containers without increasing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If horn antennas with large opening cross-section are used, then the antenna gain increases, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies horn antenna geometry with optimized opening cross-sections that provide sufficient gain for the application while controlling the overall size. The horn shape concentrates electromagnetic energy in the desired direction, achieving good bundling and antenna gain without requiring excessively large dimensions that would increase the sensor housing volume.
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 significantly reduces the 'dead zone' and improves measurement sensitivity and accuracy in close-range applications, making it suitable for small containers and maintaining high chemical resistance with a PTFE outer shell.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna (102) for sending a transmission signal (802) to a filling material surface (804)
Implementation Method 2
a second antenna (103) for receiving a reception signal (803) reflected by the filling material surface (804)
Data Source
Figure 1~3B
Figure 4A~7
Figure 8
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a level sensor for short-range measurements is provided, which has two antennas in one housing. This allows the measurement quality to be increased in the short range.