Elastic Radar Level Gauge for Solid Surface Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar level gauge systems struggle to accurately determine the topographic properties of solid products, particularly when the product surface is non-flat and/or non-horizontal, due to limitations in scanning methods such as mechanical tilting and phase array techniques.
Innovation Solution
A radar level gauge system that includes a transceiver, a signal transfer element, a propagating member that can redirect electromagnetic signals, an elastic system for oscillating movement, and processing circuitry to determine topographic properties based on the timing relation between transmit and reflection signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical tilting of the antenna is used for scanning, then the surface of solid products can be scanned, but the system becomes costly and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tilting system with an electromagnetic beam steering system using phase array techniques. The antenna array electronically controls the beam direction through phase shifting, eliminating the need for mechanical movement while maintaining surface scanning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic beam steering by continuously adjusting the phase and amplitude of signals across the antenna elements. This allows the electromagnetic beam to be dynamically directed at different angles to scan the product surface without physical movement of the antenna structure.
2Device complexity
If phase array techniques are used for scanning, then mechanical complexity is reduced, but it becomes difficult to transmit sufficient power for reliable evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the transmitted power in the direction of interest through adaptive beamforming. By adjusting the phase and amplitude of individual antenna elements, the system focuses electromagnetic energy locally at the target surface, maximizing power transmission efficiency to the specific area being scanned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the antenna array multi-functional by enabling it to both transmit high-power focused beams for reliable detection and perform scanning operations. The same antenna elements serve dual purposes of power transmission and spatial scanning through electronic control, eliminating the need for separate high-power transmitters.
3Ease of operation
If non-contact measurement is used for liquid products, then measurement is straightforward, but it fails to accurately evaluate solid products with non-flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional vertical measurement (suitable for liquids) to two-dimensional surface scanning by introducing angular variation. The antenna array scans across the horizontal dimension while measuring vertical distances, enabling topographic mapping of solid surfaces with non-flat geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic beam steering to adapt the measurement approach based on surface characteristics. For liquid surfaces, the system uses simple vertical measurement, while for solid surfaces, it dynamically adjusts the beam angle and scanning pattern to accurately capture the topography.
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 solution enables cost-efficient and compact scanning of solid product surfaces with limited control over scanning direction, achieving predictable scanning patterns and accurate determination of topographic properties without significant reduction in transmitted power.
Implementation Method 1
Radar level gauging is generally performed either by means of non-contact measurement, whereby electromagnetic signals are radiated towards the product contained in the tank, or by means of contact measurement... The electromagnetic signals are reflected at the surface of the product, and the reflected signals are received by a receiver or transceiver
Implementation Method 2
a propagating member arranged and configured to propagate the transmit signal towards the surface of the product, and to propagate a reflection signal resulting from reflection of the transmit signal at the surface of the product back towards the transceiver, the propagating member being movably arranged in relation to the signal transfer element and configured to deflect the transmit signal from the signal transfer element to a plurality of different propagation directions
Data Source
AI summary
A radar level gauge system for determining a topographic property of a product, comprising a transceiver; a signal transfer element coupled to the transceiver and configured to emit an electromagnetic transmit signal from the transceiver in an emission direction; a propagating member for propagating the transmit signal towards the surface of the product and a reflection signal back towards the transceiver, the propagating member being movably arranged in relation to the signal transfer element and configured to deflect the transmit signal; an elastic system coupled to the signal transfer element and to the propagating member, and arranged to define at least one property of an oscillating movement of the propagating member in relation to the signal transfer element; an actuator arranged to initiate the oscillating movement; and processing circuitry coupled to the transceiver for determining the topographic property based on the transmit signal and the reflection signal.