Millimeter-Wave Radar Liquid Detection for Moving and Unknown Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid detection sensors require direct contact with liquids to function, limiting their ability to detect liquids in moving or unknown surfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
A millimeter-wave radar system generates 2D images with azimuth and range information, using a processor to compare these images with reference data structures to determine the presence of liquids, allowing for detection without physical contact and in dynamic environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electronic liquid detection sensors are used, then liquid detection is achieved through conductivity change, but the sensor requires direct contact with the liquid which limits detection capability on moving or unknown surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electronic conductivity-based detection with millimeter-wave radar sensing. The radar system uses electromagnetic wave reflection characteristics to detect liquid presence, eliminating the need for direct physical contact between the sensor and liquid. The radar sensor captures reflected waves from the surface, and signal processing algorithms analyze the reflection patterns to identify liquid based on its dielectric properties, which differ from dry surfaces.
2Reliability
If conventional contact-based liquid detection is used, then simple binary detection is achieved, but the system cannot effectively detect liquids on moving or unknown surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional binary contact detection to multi-dimensional radar-based detection. The system captures spatial distribution of reflection signals across multiple antenna elements, generating 2D or 3D images of the detected surface. This dimensional expansion enables the system to analyze liquid presence across complex, moving, or unknown surfaces by examining reflection patterns in multiple spatial dimensions rather than relying on simple contact-based conductivity changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electromagnetic wave reflection parameters (amplitude, phase, time delay) caused by liquid presence. The radar system measures how liquid alters the reflection characteristics of millimeter-wave signals compared to dry surfaces. By analyzing these parameter changes through signal processing and pattern recognition, the system reliably detects liquid on various surface types and motion states without requiring direct sensor contact.
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 the detection of liquids in moving or unknown surfaces, improving the reliability and versatility of liquid detection systems, such as in vacuum cleaner robots and conveyor belt systems.
Implementation Method 1
a millimeter-wave radar sensor circuit configured to generate N virtual channels of sensed data... generate a 2D radar image of a surface in a field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes: a millimeter-wave radar sensor circuit configured to generate N virtual channels of sensed data, where N is an integer number greater than one; and a processor configured to: generate a 2D radar image of a surface in a field of view of the millimeter-wave radar sensor circuit based on sensed data from the N virtual channels of sensed data, where the 2D radar image includes azimuth and range information, generate a multi-dimensional data structure based on the 2D radar image using a transform function, compare the multi-dimensional data structure with a reference multi-dimensional data structure, and determine whether liquid is present in the field of view of the millimeter-wave radar sensor circuit based on comparing the multi-dimensional data structure with the reference multi-dimensional data structure.