Fill Level Sensor Attachment Lens for Adjustable Signal Opening Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fill level measuring devices struggle with flexibility in adapting to different measurement situations due to fixed directional characteristics of their measurement signals, which can be disrupted by interfering installations or require structural changes for optimization.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fill level measuring device and interchangeable attachments with adjustable lenses that alter the opening angle of the measurement signal, allowing the device to be optimized for various applications without structural modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the measurement signal has a large opening angle to capture a large area of the medium, then the measurement coverage is improved, but interfering installations in the container can easily disturb the measurement signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the opening angle of the measurement signal adjustable rather than fixed. Different opening angles can be selected depending on the measurement situation - a larger opening angle for containers without interfering installations, and a smaller opening angle when interfering installations are present. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between measurement coverage and interference susceptibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the opening angle of the measurement signal to adapt to different measurement situations. By varying this parameter, the system can optimize between capturing a large area (larger opening angle) and avoiding interference (smaller opening angle), thus resolving the technical contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
2Reliability
If the measurement signal has a small opening angle to avoid interfering installations, then theĉinterference capability is improved, but the measurement coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the opening angle based on the measurement situation. When interfering installations are detected or anticipated, the opening angle is reduced to improve reliability. When no interference is present, the opening angle is increased to maximize coverage. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between reliability and coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening angle parameter is varied to optimize measurement reliability in the presence of interfering installations while maintaining adequate coverage. By changing this parameter according to the specific application, the system achieves reliable measurements without permanently sacrificing coverage area.
3Measurement precision
If the fill level measuring device is structurally modified to optimize for different measurement situations, then the measurement performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the fill level measuring device universal by enabling it to perform multiple measurement functions through interchangeable attachments and adjustable opening angles. A single device design can be adapted to different container types and interference conditions by changing attachments or signal parameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized device variants and thus reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating multiple structurally different devices for different measurement situations, the patent implements a dynamic system where a single device can change its characteristics (opening angle, attachments) to suit different applications. This dynamic adaptability achieves measurement performance optimization without increasing structural complexity.
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 a single fill level measuring device to be adapted to diverse measurement scenarios by using interchangeable attachments, enhancing flexibility and reducing interference from container obstructions while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one attachment has an attachment lens on the medium side for coupling the measurement signal into the container
Implementation Method 2
the transmission element is at least partially permeable to the measurement signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a fill level measuring device and at least one attachment. The fill level measuring device measures the fill level of a medium in a container. The fill level measuring device has a control and evaluation unit for generating a measurement signal, and a process connection element. The process connection element has a transmission element on the medium side. The transmission element is at least partially permeable to the measurement signal. The at least one attachment is connected to the process connection element. The at least one attachment has, on the medium side, an attachment lens for coupling the measurement signal into the container. The attachment lens is designed and, during operation, arranged behind the transmission element in the propagation direction of the measurement signal in such a way that the attachment lens changes the opening angle of the measurement signal.