mmWave Radar Sensor for Liquid Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring liquid levels in containers in fluid handling systems, such as chromatography systems, face challenges with precision due to dependence on liquid density and are prone to errors in tracking empty or overfilled containers, which can lead to contamination and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement featuring a mmWave radar sensor attached to the top opening of containers, allowing direct measurement of liquid levels independently of liquid density, providing high accuracy and reliability for both clean and mixed liquids, and enabling efficient fluid handling by preventing overfilling and emptying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a bubbler is used to measure solvent pressure and monitor liquid level, then liquid level monitoring is achieved, but measuring precision is insufficient and dependent on liquid density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bubbler-based pressure measurement system with a radar-based electromagnetic measurement system. The radar sensor emits electromagnetic waves that reflect off the liquid surface, providing direct distance measurement without contact with the liquid, thereby eliminating density dependence and improving both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium between the measurement device and the liquid. The radar sensor uses electromagnetic wave propagation and reflection to measure liquid level, avoiding direct mechanical contact and the associated density-dependent errors.
2Measurement precision
If a weight scale is used to detect fluid weight, then liquid level can be monitored, but measuring precision is affected by container weight, tubing weight, and fluid density variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight-scale-based measurement system with a radar-based electromagnetic measurement system. Instead of measuring total weight and calculating liquid level (which requires knowing container weight, tubing weight, and fluid density), the radar sensor directly measures the distance to the liquid surface, simplifying the system and improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the liquid level measurement function from the complex weight-based system. By using radar to directly measure the distance to the liquid surface, it separates the liquid level detection from the influences of container weight, tubing weight, and density variations.
3Ease of operation
If dead reckoning using pump information is used to track liquid volume, then liquid level can be estimated, but manual updates are required and errors accumulate
Solution Approach 1:
The radar sensor enables the system to automatically and continuously monitor liquid level without requiring manual input or updates. The sensor autonomously provides accurate real-time measurements, eliminating the need for users to manually track volume changes and update system information.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar sensor provides continuous real-time feedback on liquid level position. This direct feedback mechanism replaces the open-loop dead reckoning approach, preventing error accumulation and eliminating the need for manual corrections.
4Measurement precision
If containers are positioned freely without contact for weight measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but handling and positioning becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight measurement system with a radar-based measurement system. The radar sensor can accurately measure liquid level while the container is in any position or contact state, eliminating the constraint that containers must be freely positioned without 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
The mmWave radar sensor arrangement ensures precise and reliable monitoring of liquid levels, reducing the risk of contamination and personal injury, and facilitating efficient fluid handling processes by eliminating the need for manual input of liquid volumes.
Implementation Method 1
a mmWave radar sensor; a sensor housing comprising said mmWave radar sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A method for detecting a position of a liquid surface in a container and a sensor arrangement 1; 1' configured to be attached to a top opening 11; 11' of a container 13; 13' used for storing liquid in a bench top fluid handling system 101. Said sensor arrangement 1; 1' comprises a mmWave radar sensor 21, a sensor housing 24 comprising said radar sensor 21 and a container attaching part 23; 23' connected to said sensor housing 24 and configured for attaching the sensor arrangement 1; 1' to the top opening 11; 11' of the container 13; 13' such that the radar sensor 21 can be provided in an operating position for detecting a position of a liquid surface in the container 13; 13'.