Fill Level Radar Measurement Cycles for Low-Energy 3D Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fill level and surface topology measurement systems face challenges in reducing energy consumption, particularly when using multidimensional radar systems, which require large energy storage devices and prolonged deactivation periods to regenerate energy.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where a fill level radar collects energy in an internal storage, performs measurement cycles with programmable logic gates and processors, and switches off components during low energy to conserve power, utilizing a two-wire or three-wire interface for energy supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multidimensional radar systems are used for fill level and surface topology measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefill level and surface topology measurement capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where the radar system alternates between active measurement phases and sleep phases. During measurement cycles, the processor and radar chips are activated to perform measurements, then switched off or put into sleep mode to conserve energy. This periodic operation allows the system to maintain measurement capability while significantly reducing average power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on energy availability. The processor monitors energy store levels and dynamically switches between different operational modes: full measurement mode when energy is sufficient, and sleep mode when energy is low. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize between measurement performance and energy consumption in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If energy is collected in an internal energy store, then power consumption is reduced, but measurement cycle frequency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidmeasurement cycle frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs measurements at reduced frequency rather than continuously. Instead of maintaining constant measurement cycles, the radar operates at partial measurement intervals, activating only when energy conditions permit. This partial action approach accepts lower productivity in exchange for achieving the desired power consumption reduction, allowing battery-powered or energy-constrained operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of energy

If the processor and programmable logic gate are switched off during low energy, then energy storage is maintained, but measurement continuity is interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage maintenanceVSAvoidmeasurement continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic measurement cycles with alternating active and inactive phases. During active phases, the processor and programmable logic gate perform measurements and calculations. During inactive phases, these components are switched off or put into sleep mode to conserve energy. This periodic operation maintains energy storage levels while providing intermittent measurement continuity acceptable for battery-powered applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs energy collection during inactive periods before measurement cycles are initiated. The energy store is charged in advance during sleep phases, ensuring sufficient energy is available when measurement cycles begin. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the system to maintain measurements without requiring continuous power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Achieves significant energy savings by minimizing power consumption during measurement cycles, allowing for efficient operation and extended battery life without compromising measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The radar chips of the fill level radar are then started to perform a radar measurement sequence

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Data Source

PatentUS12560470B2Multidimensional measuring fill level radar and method

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO

AI summary

A multi-dimensional measuring fill level radar with a processor, a programmable logic gate, one or more radar chips and a power supply and a method of detecting a level or a topology of a surface of a product by a fill level radar including starting a processor, performing a measurement cycle, when sufficient energy has been collected, by starting a programmable logic gate and launching one or more radar chips to perform a radar measurement sequence, switching off the radar chips, calculating the topology or fill level by the programmable logic gate and/or processor when sufficient energy has been collected, switching off the programmable logic gate, and switching off the processor.