Level Gauge Calibration via Wireless Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional level gauge systems face challenges in achieving high accuracy distance measurements due to the fast duration of electromagnetic pulses, requiring complex and expensive designs or temperature-stable clock references, which are not always reliable.
Innovation Solution
A level gauge system that uses a transceiver module with real-time sampling and calibration circuitry, where timing synchronization from a wireless communication network is used to estimate the sampling period, eliminating the need for a stable clock reference and allowing accurate filling level determination without temperature-dependent delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real time sampling is used to capture fast electromagnetic pulses, then measurement speed and resolution are improved, but temperature stability deteriorates due to drift in delay elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reference parameter from an internal clock signal to external timing signals from the wireless communication network. By using the network's timing signals as the reference, the system compensates for temperature-induced drift in delay elements, maintaining measurement precision across varying temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external timing signals from the wireless communication network as an intermediary reference. These timing signals serve as a stable reference that mediates between the unstable internal delay elements and the measurement process, enabling accurate distance measurement despite temperature variations
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional sampling methods are used, then temperature stability is maintained, but measurement resolution deteriorates due to inability to capture fast pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic internal clock system with an external timing signal system from the wireless communication network. This substitution allows the system to benefit from both high-speed sampling capability and temperature stability, as the external timing signals are not affected by internal temperature drift
3Measurement precision
If complex signal processing is used to expand pulse response, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential timing information from the reflected pulse train by comparing it with timing signals from the wireless communication network. This extraction approach achieves measurement accuracy without requiring complex signal processing or mixing operations, simplifying the device design
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
Enables high-accuracy filling level determination in tanks with reduced power consumption, enabling long-term operation of battery-powered systems while maintaining measurement accuracy to the order of millimeters.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a pulsed measuring signal into the tank, and receiving a reflection signal from the tank
Implementation Method 2
receiving a reflection signal from the tank
Implementation Method 3
a real time sampler for sampling the reflection signal with a sampling period between consecutive samples
Implementation Method 4
the distance can then be determined based on the time-of-flight of the signal to the surface or object and back
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of calibrating a level gauge system using electromagnetic signals to determine a filling level of a product in a tank. The level gauge system comprises a real time sampler for sampling a reflection signal with a sampling period between consecutive samples. The method comprises the steps of: receiving timing signals from a wireless communication network; generating time stamp signals based on the timing signals; registering a number of the sampling periods between a first time stamp signal and a second time stamp signal; and determining the sampling period based on the registered number of sampling periods and a time between the first time stamp signal and the second time stamp signal. Various embodiments of the present invention provide for high accurate determination of the filling level in a tank without the need for a temperature stable and highly accurate clock reference in the level gauge system. This provides for reduced power consumption with maintained accuracy.