Matrix LIDAR Level Sensor with Wireless Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous electronic devices for reservoir level measurement lack efficient, multi-point mapping capabilities and reliable wireless data transmission in harsh environments, particularly in explosive atmospheres, and often rely on wired connections or external power sources.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous electronic device with a matrix module of LIDAR sensors integrated into a plastic housing, featuring a multiple laser system for distance measurement, wireless data transmission, and internal power supply, along with optional solar charging and environmental parameter sensors, designed for use in explosive environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If wired data transmission is used, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless optical communication (laser-based data transmission). The sensor module communicates with the external system through laser beams without physical cable connections, eliminating the need for complex wiring installation while maintaining data transmission reliability in harsh environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If external power source is used, then power supply stability is improved, but device portability and ease of deployment worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoiddeployment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module is equipped with an integrated power supply unit that provides self-contained power operation. The device can independently power its LIDAR sensors, processing unit, and wireless communication module without requiring external power sources, enabling portable deployment while maintaining stable operation through internal power management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If matrix module with multiple laser emission points is used, then measurement precision and mapping capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelevel measurement precisionVSAvoidsensor module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement function is segmented into multiple independent laser emission points arranged in a matrix configuration. Each laser point operates independently to measure distance to the liquid surface, enabling multi-point simultaneous measurement that improves precision and creates detailed surface mapping while distributing the complexity across modular sensor elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point matrix measurement by adding spatial dimensionality. The multiple laser emission points are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix pattern, enabling simultaneous measurement across different spatial locations and providing comprehensive surface mapping capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If device is designed for explosive environments, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety in explosive environmentsVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module is designed with intrinsic safety features suitable for explosive environments. The electronic components and power supply are configured to operate at safe voltage and current levels that prevent ignition of explosive atmospheres, effectively creating an intrinsically safe operating environment without requiring complex additional safety systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 reliable, multi-point level measurement and wireless data transmission in harsh environments, including explosive atmospheres, with internal power and solar charging capabilities, providing efficient and flexible operation.

Implementation Method 1

a non-contact measurement sensor of LIDAR technology that is a multiple laser system that allows measuring the distances between the laser emission points of that matrix sensor to an object or surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Implementation Method 2

The time it takes each laser emission to reach its target and return from it, is what determines the distance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

Optionally, the device can integrate solar energy charging panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolar energy charging: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4343285A1Autonomous electronic device with matrix module of level measurement lidar sensors with wireless data transmission
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 RETAIL TOOLS SL
  • EP4343285A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4343285A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4343285A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an autonomous electronic device characterised in that it comprises a matrix module of level measurement LIDAR sensors with wireless data transmission comprising a matrix sensor to obtain several simultaneous readings and a wireless data transmission module.