Hybrid Antenna Fill Level Sensor for Dynamic Surface Topology
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fill level measuring devices require extensive measurement times and are complex and costly due to the need for numerous measurements to accurately determine the topology of filling material surfaces, especially in dynamic environments like moving liquids and bulk materials.
Innovation Solution
A fill level measuring device that combines mechanical positioning of an antenna device with electronic adjustment of its emission and reception angles, using a combination of mechanical movement and digital or analog beam shaping to rapidly and accurately determine the topology of filling material surfaces, reducing measurement time and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large number of measurements are carried out to detect surface topology with sufficient accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical positioning systems with a hybrid approach that combines mechanical antenna positioning with electronic beam steering. The electronic phase shifters and beam forming networks allow rapid electronic adjustment of measurement angles without requiring mechanical movement for each angle change, significantly reducing measurement time while maintaining the ability to perform multiple measurements for accurate topology detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the measurement strategy by using electronic beam steering to rapidly scan multiple angles and positions. The antenna device can electronically switch between different emission and reception angles instantaneously, enabling the system to adaptively sample the surface topology from multiple perspectives without the time penalties of mechanical repositioning for each measurement angle
2Measurement precision
If a large number of measurements are carried out to detect surface topology with sufficient accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna device is segmented into multiple antenna elements that can be independently controlled. Each element can be steered electronically to different angles using phase shifters, allowing the system to achieve multiple measurement angles from a single physical position. This segmentation enables complex measurement capabilities while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple compared to mechanical multi-axis positioning systems
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna device serves multiple functions: it can mechanically position itself at different locations, electronically steer beams to different angles, and perform both emission and reception operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical positioning systems and angle adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated device, reducing overall system complexity while enabling precise topology measurements from multiple angles
3Productivity
If electronic adjustment of emission and reception angles is implemented, then measurement speed is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces purely mechanical angle adjustment mechanisms with electronic beam steering using phase shifters and beam forming networks. This substitution enables rapid electronic adjustment of emission and reception angles without mechanical movement, significantly improving measurement speed. The electronic structure, while complex, eliminates the need for mechanical actuators, gears, and physical angle adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters (phase and amplitude) of signals fed to different antenna elements to electronically steer the beam direction. By adjusting phase shifter settings and beam forming weights, the system can rapidly change the effective emission and reception angles without any mechanical movement, achieving high measurement rates through electrical parameter modulation rather than mechanical actuation
4Loss of time
If combination of mechanical positioning and electronic angle adjustment is used, then measurement time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mechanical positioning capabilities with electronic beam steering in a hybrid system. The mechanical antenna device provides coarse positioning and stable mounting, while electronic phase shifters and beam forming networks provide fine angular adjustment and rapid angle switching. This combination leverages the stability of mechanical systems with the speed of electronic control, reducing measurement time compared to purely mechanical systems while avoiding the full complexity of purely electronic phased arrays requiring thousands of independently controlled elements
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 significantly reduces measurement time while maintaining cost-effectiveness by integrating mechanical and electronic adjustments, allowing for precise determination of filling material surface topologies with improved measurement rates and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a signal emitted in the direction of a surface is reflected on it and a propagation time and/or signal strength of the reflected signal is evaluated
Implementation Method 2
The receiving device is designed to adjust a position of the antenna device relative to the filling material surface
Implementation Method 3
one or more emission and/or reception angles of the antenna device being electronically adjustable relative to a longitudinal axis of the antenna device
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Disclosed is a level indicator (301) for determining a topology of a surface (307) of a material that is filled into a container (308), said level indicator (301) comprising an antenna device (305), a holding device (304), and a control unit (312). A radiation angle (315) of the antenna device (305) as well as a three-dimensional position of the antenna device (305) relative to the surface (307) of the material filled into the container can be adjusted by means of the control unit (312). A resulting radiating direction of the level indicator (301) can be modified by having the control device (312) control a position of the antenna device (305) and control a radiation angle and/or reception angle (315) of the antenna device (305).