Level Measuring Device Dome Shaft Length Determination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing level measurement technologies face challenges in accurately determining media and container properties, especially when dealing with chemical gases and gas mixtures, due to variations in electromagnetic wave propagation properties, leading to inaccuracies and the inability to automatically determine parameters in interface measurements.

Innovation Solution

A level measuring device equipped with an echo curve detection, identification, and classification system, along with a self-learning mechanism, to automatically determine the dome shaft length and container properties by analyzing multiple echoes and their speed vectors, allowing for robust and automatic parameter determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electromagnetic waves are used for level measurement in chemical gases and gas mixtures, then level measurement can be performed, but propagation property variations lead to measurement inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement reliability in varying gas environments
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adapts to changing propagation conditions by detecting and responding to variations in echo characteristics. The self-learning mechanism adjusts measurement parameters based on observed echo patterns, allowing accurate measurement despite changes in gas composition and electromagnetic wave propagation properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The level measuring device performs self-learning by automatically analyzing echo curves and determining dome shaft length without external intervention. The system uses its own measured data to improve accuracy, automatically adapting to specific installation conditions and gas environments through iterative learning from multiple echoes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If manual determination of container properties is used, then parameter determination can be performed, but automatic parameter determination in interface measurements is not achievable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter determination automationVSAvoidparameter determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines container properties including dome shaft length by analyzing echo curves without requiring manual input or calibration. The self-learning mechanism processes multiple echoes, identifies patterns, and extracts geometric parameters autonomously, achieving both full automation and high precision through algorithmic analysis of reflected signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If multiple echoes are analyzed, then automatic determination of dome shaft length is possible, but classification of multiple reflections requires complex processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedome shaft length determination accuracyVSAvoidecho classification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically classifies multiple echoes and determines dome shaft length through self-learning algorithms that analyze echo patterns without external intervention. The complexity is managed through automated pattern recognition that identifies characteristic echo sequences and extracts geometric information systematically from the reflected signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution provides accurate and robust determination of media and container properties, enabling precise level measurements even in complex gas environments, and allows for automatic parameter determination in interface measurements, improving measurement accuracy and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

In the case of devices that use radar waves to measure the surface of the filling material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

When using acoustic or optical waves, the signal generated by the level measuring device generally propagates freely

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 3

A sensor then records the echo signals reflected by the filling material, the container installations and the container itself

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEcho reflection: Echo

Implementation Method 4

A part of the incoming signals is reflected on the surface of the medium or filling material to be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2527801B1Method and device for determining media and container characteristics
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO
  • EP2527801B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2527801B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2527801B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The fill-level measuring device (101) has an echo-curve acquisition device acquiring at least one echo curve, and an echo identification device evaluating at least one echo curve. A multiple-echo detection device classifies at least one echo of a multiple reflection from at least one of a feed material surface (105) and a container bottom (108) as a multiple echo. A self-learn device automatically determines a length of a dome shaft of a dome arranged in an apex region of the container with the use of the multiple echo classified by the multiple-echo detection device. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for determining a position of a fill level of at least one of a feed material and an interface between two feed materials; and (2) a computer program which, when executed on a processor of a fill-level measuring device, instructs the processor to carry out steps for determining a position of a fill level of at least one of a feed material and an interface between two feed materials.