Fill Level Control via High-Frequency Signal Transformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency travel time measuring methods for determining fill level in containers require expensive high-frequency components and face challenges in controlling the difference frequency to a desired value, leading to slow and potentially incorrect regulation.
Innovation Solution
A control algorithm is implemented to rapidly and accurately control the difference frequency of two oscillators by altering the pulse repetition and sampling frequencies based on a control variable, determining the gradient and operating point to ensure safe and precise regulation of the transformation factor, allowing for the use of inexpensive low-frequency components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-frequency components are used for evaluating high-frequency measuring signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary transformation process that converts high-frequency measuring signals into low-frequency intermediate signals through sequential sampling. This intermediary step allows the use of inexpensive low-frequency evaluation components while preserving the measurement information, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a temporal copy of the high-frequency signal at different phase positions through sequential sampling. By sampling the high-frequency signal at multiple phase positions and reconstructing the waveform, the system captures the essential measurement information without requiring expensive high-frequency evaluation hardware.
2Ease of manufacture
If sequential sampling is used to transform high-frequency signals into low-frequency signals, then device cost is reduced, but control accuracy of the transformation factor deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism that continuously monitors the actual transformation factor and compares it with the desired value. Based on the deviation, the system automatically adjusts the sampling frequency to correct the transformation factor, ensuring accurate control despite using low-frequency components for signal transformation.
3Productivity
If a control algorithm is implemented to rapidly control the difference frequency, then productivity is improved, but control stability may deteriorate due to rapid adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control algorithm that adapts its response based on the current system state. The controller adjusts the sampling frequency in a controlled manner, taking into account the current deviation and the rate of change, thereby achieving rapid convergence to the desired transformation factor while maintaining control stability through adaptive damping.
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 enables fast, safe, and exact control of the difference frequency, improving the efficiency and accuracy of fill level determination while reducing costs by using low-frequency components for signal processing.
Implementation Method 1
a method for determining fill level based on the travel time of a high-frequency measuring signal, which, by means of a transformation method having a certain transformation factor, is transformed into a lower frequency, intermediate-frequency signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the fill level (l) on the basis of the travel time (t) of a high-frequency measuring signal (SHF), which is transformed into a lower frequency, intermediate-frequency measuring signal (SZF), wherein the transformation factor (KT) is obtained from a difference frequency (fSweep) between a pulse repetition frequency (fPRF) and a sampling frequency (fsample) The pulse repetition frequency (fPRF) or the sampling frequency (fsample) is altered on the basis of a control with a control variable (c_var) through an appropriate control algorithm, such that a desired value (fSweep<sub2>—</sub2>setpoint) of the difference frequency is controlled to; wherein a gradient (grad) of at least two values is determined, and on the basis of the gradient (grad) and the difference frequency (fSweep), or difference time (tSweep), in the case of a set control variable (c_var), an operating point (OP) of the control is determined, and the control algorithm is adjusted accordingly thereto.