Microwave Bubble Detection Using Ultrasonic Vibration Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to distinguish between foreign bodies and gas bubbles in flowable media, particularly when they are similar in size, leading to false positives in detection.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the transmission of microwave signals, introduction of mechanical vibrations via ultrasonic waves, and evaluation of modulated microwave signals to differentiate between foreign bodies and gas bubbles based on the modulation of permittivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microwave signals are transmitted into the medium to detect foreign bodies, then detection capability is improved, but gas bubbles cannot be distinguished from foreign bodies leading to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by introducing ultrasonic vibrations into the medium. Gas bubbles respond to these vibrations by oscillating and modulating the microwave signals, while foreign bodies remain relatively stationary. This vibration-based differentiation allows the system to distinguish between gas bubbles and foreign bodies, resolving the false positive problem while maintaining detection capability.
2Device complexity
If the detection system uses only microwave signals, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to distinguish between gas bubbles and foreign bodies is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges microwave detection with ultrasonic vibration excitation into a single integrated system. The microwave transmitter and receiver work in conjunction with the ultrasonic generator, allowing the system to achieve both simple implementation and high object differentiation capability through the combined use of electromagnetic and mechanical fields.
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
Effectively distinguishes between foreign bodies and gas bubbles, reducing false positives in detection by identifying modulation specific to gas bubbles.
Implementation Method 1
introducing mechanical vibrations into the medium
Implementation Method 2
transmitting transmitted microwave signals into the medium
Implementation Method 3
a modulation of the received microwave signals or of the value derived therefrom is generated by the vibrating gas bubble
Data Source
AI summary
A method for distinguishing between the presence of a foreign body and a gas bubble in a flowable medium in a pipeline or a container includes evaluating received microwave signals, wherein mechanical vibrations are introduced into the medium by means of which a gas bubble present in the medium is set into vibration. A gas bubble is detected only in the event that when mechanical vibrations are introduced and the received microwave signals or the value derived therefrom is/are modulated; otherwise, a foreign body is detected. Also disclosed is a system which is suitable for carrying out the method according to the present disclosure.