Echo Curve Evaluation for Interface Position in Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level measurement technologies face challenges in efficiently determining the position of an interface within a container, particularly when direct echoes are not visible due to strong damping or interference, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
The development of an evaluation device and procedure that utilizes multiple echoes of higher order to determine the interface position by analyzing echocurves, allowing for indirect measurement and compensation of physical distance values from electrical distance measurements, even when direct echoes are obscured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct echo measurement is used to determine interface position, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates when direct echoes are not visible due to strong damping or interference
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of directly measuring the interface echo, the patent inverts the approach by measuring multiple echoes (reflections) of the interface and calculating the interface position indirectly from these multiple echoes. This inversion enables measurement when direct echoes are not visible, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and direct measurement simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple echoes as intermediary measurements to determine the interface position. Rather than directly measuring the interface, the system measures the multiple reflections and uses these as intermediate data points to calculate the true interface position, improving precision when direct measurement fails.
2Reliability
If multiple echoes of higher order are used to determine interface position, then measurement reliability improves when direct echoes are obscured, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary classification of echoes to identify which echoes are multiple echoes of the interface and determine their order. This preliminary action organizes the complex data before final position calculation, making the evaluation device more manageable despite the increased computational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the echo analysis into distinct steps: detecting multiple echoes, classifying them by order, determining their positions, and finally calculating the interface position. This segmentation of the evaluation process reduces the apparent complexity by breaking down the computational task into manageable segments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical distance measurements are used instead of direct physical distance measurements, then measurement capability is extended to obscured interfaces, but conversion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct physical distance to electrical distance based on multiple echo measurements. This parameter change allows measurement of obscured interfaces by using electrical characteristics of multiple echoes, extending measurement adaptability while managing conversion complexity through systematic calculation methods.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of level measurements in both full and empty containers by using multiple echoes to determine the interface position, providing robust results even in situations where direct echoes are not visible, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
level sensors operating according to the FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) time-of-flight or pulse time-of-flight method simulate signals, such as electromagnetic or acoustic waves
Implementation Method 2
the sensor records the reflection of the transmitted signal as echo signals
Implementation Method 3
a portion of the incoming signals, particularly a portion of the signal energy, is reflected and, after a certain travel time, returns to the level gauge where it can be detected by its sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The evaluation device (701) has echo curve evaluation device (704) for receiving and evaluating an echo curve (427). An output unit is provided for providing characteristic variable (dL) for location of interfaces (105,108). Multiple echoes (207,405) in the echo curve are detected by echo curve evaluation device, for determining position of multiple echoes and for determining the order of multiple echoes. The order of multiple echoes and characteristic quantity for position of interface in container are determined from position of multiple echoes. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) method for determining parameter for position of boundary surface in container; (2) level measurement method; and (3) computer program stored on computer readable medium for determining parameter for position of boundary surface in container.