Integrated Dielectric Antenna for Wireless Fill Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fill level measuring devices with wireless communication face challenges in achieving watertight designs due to the need for additional sealing surfaces when implementing wireless communication, which compromises their IP classes and suitability for measuring fluid media.
Innovation Solution
A fill level measuring device design where the first and second supply elements for measurement and communication signals are integrated within a single dielectric body, allowing the body to guide and shape both signals, thereby eliminating the need for additional transmitting elements and sealing surfaces, and ensuring a watertight design by using a single sealing surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate transmitting unit is added for wireless communication, then wireless communication capability is improved, but the number of sealing surfaces increases and IP class deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication antenna and measuring antenna into a single integrated antenna structure. The communication antenna is positioned within the measuring antenna housing, sharing the same protective enclosure and sealing system. This merging eliminates the need for separate transmitting units and additional sealing surfaces, thereby maintaining IP68 protection while enabling wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna structure serves dual functions: it acts as both a measuring antenna for fill level detection and a communication antenna for wireless data transmission. The single antenna system handles both measurement signals and communication signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated transmitting units and reducing the number of sealing surfaces required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional transmitting elements are added for wireless communication, then wireless communication is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication antenna and measuring antenna into a single integrated structure. The communication antenna is positioned within the measuring antenna housing, sharing common components such as the housing, sealing system, and mounting structure. This integration significantly reduces device complexity compared to having separate transmitting units.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated antenna system performs multiple functions simultaneously - it serves as both the measuring antenna for radar-based fill level detection and the communication antenna for wireless data transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional transmitting elements and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 design simplifies the device, meets higher IP class requirements for watertightness, and allows for effective wireless communication without compromising the integrity of the seal, making it suitable for fluid media measurement.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric body is designed to guide and/or shape the measurement signal and the communication signal
Implementation Method 2
both the measurement signal and the communication signal can be optimally decoupled from the dielectric body
Data Source
AI summary
A fill level measuring device having at least one transmitting and receiving unit, a measuring antenna with a first supply element for transmitting and receiving an electromagnetic measurement signal and at least one dielectric body for guiding and/or shaping the waves of the measurement signal, and a communication antenna. The communication antenna has at least one second supply element for wireless transmission and for receiving an electromagnetic communication signal. To provide a fill level measuring device that can be used particularly flexibly, the first supply element and the second supply element are arranged inside the dielectric body so that the dielectric body is able to guide and/or shape the measurement signal and the communication signal.