Transit Time Level Gauge Table Update via Slope Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Filling level measurement devices using the transit time principle face challenges in maintaining accurate measurements when measurement conditions change, such as changes in filling material properties or container installations, leading to potential measurement errors if the stored tables are not updated.
Innovation Solution
A method that continuously updates the table with current echo functions, performing a plausibility check using degrees of compensation segments to differentiate between reliable and unreliable measuring points, ensuring only valid information is stored and used for subsequent measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the table is continuously updated with current measurement points, then the measurement reliability under changing conditions is improved, but the risk of storing unreliable data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the slope calculation unit continuously monitors changes in measurement points and compares them against threshold values. When the slope exceeds the threshold, indicating significant environmental changes, the system triggers an update of the table with new measurement points. This closed-loop feedback ensures that the table is updated only when necessary, maintaining reliability while preventing storage of unreliable data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter storage approach by storing not just measurement values but also slope information (rate of change) and threshold values. By monitoring parameter changes through slope calculation and comparing against thresholds, the system can dynamically determine when to update the table, thus maintaining data accuracy while adapting to changing measurement conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the table is updated frequently to adapt to changing conditions, then the adaptability is improved, but the computational load and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic table updates based on real-time monitoring of slope values. Instead of fixed periodic updates, the system continuously calculates slopes and triggers updates only when the slope exceeds predetermined thresholds, indicating actual changes in measurement conditions. This dynamic approach improves adaptability while minimizing unnecessary processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial updates to the table only when and where needed, rather than updating the entire table continuously. By using slope thresholds to identify specific regions or time periods requiring updates, the system achieves necessary adaptability while reducing overall computational load and processing time.
3Measurement precision
If slope threshold values are used to control table updates, then the precision of update timing is improved, but the complexity of the control logic increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-calculating and storing threshold values in the evaluation unit before actual measurement changes occur. These threshold values are established in advance based on expected measurement conditions, allowing the system to quickly compare current slopes against predefined criteria without complex real-time decision logic, thus achieving precise update timing with manageable control 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
This approach ensures reliable filling level measurements even under changing conditions by adapting the table to new measurement data, preventing errors caused by changes in the measurement environment.
Implementation Method 1
level gauge operating on the transit-time principle, which, during measurement operation, sends signals towards the product in the container and derives echo functions based on the signal components reflected back in the container. These echo functions represent the amplitudes of the signal components as a function of their transit time
Implementation Method 2
The signal components reflected from the surface are then received after a transit time that depends on the distance traveled
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for measuring a fill state (L) of a content (1) in a container (3) using a fill state measuring device (5) that operates according to the transit time principle and during a measurement operation transmits transmission signals (S) into the container (3) in the direction of the content (1) and uses transmission signal components (E) reflected back in the container (3) to derive echo functions (A(t)), which describe the amplitudes (A) of the signal components (E) as a function of the signal component transit time (t), using a table. The table rows correspond to discrete fill states (L), and the table columns correspond to discrete transit times (t). Each piece of information on transit times (t) of reflection maxima, which can be attributed to reflections on reflectors located in the container (3), is stored in the table as historical measurement points in the row with the row index corresponding to the respective fill state (L), said information being derived from echo functions (A(t)) which have been derived in the past. The method provides reliable measurement results even with changing measuring conditions at the site of use of the fill state measuring device (5). This is achieved in that the table is updated continuously using current echo functions (A(t)) derived during an ongoing measurement operation, wherein each current measurement point derived from current echo functions (A(t)) is stored in the row with the row index corresponding to the respective fill state ascertained by the fill state measuring device. A plausibility control is carried out using the historical and the current measurement points, and historical and/or current measurement points identified as implausible on the basis of the plausibility control are deleted and all remaining current measurement points are transferred into the table as historical measurement points.