Monopole Antenna Liquid Level Sensor Using RF Characteristics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid level sensors in containers require complex and costly components, making them inefficient and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A liquid level sensor system using a monopole antenna and a radiofrequency circuit to apply RF signals and detect the level of liquid based on RF characteristics such as coupling and return loss, providing signals indicative of the liquid volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional inductive and capacitive sensors are used to detect liquid level, then sensing capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost and component complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inductive and capacitive sensing components with an antenna-based electromagnetic resonance system. The antenna elements interact with the liquid through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensors while maintaining reliable liquid level detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects liquid level by monitoring changes in resonant frequency and impedance of the antenna elements. As the liquid level changes, it alters the electromagnetic parameters (frequency, impedance) of the antenna, providing a simple yet effective sensing mechanism without complex components.
2Reliability
If traditional inductive and capacitive sensors are used to detect liquid level, then sensing capability is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive antenna elements that can be easily manufactured and integrated into containers. These antenna-based sensors are significantly cheaper than traditional inductive or capacitive sensors, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective liquid level sensing capability.
3Device complexity
If antenna elements are used for liquid level sensing, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but susceptibility to interference and noise may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a transceiver to continuously monitor the resonant frequency and impedance of the antenna elements, providing feedback that allows the system to distinguish between actual liquid level changes and electromagnetic interference. This feedback mechanism enhances robustness against noise while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna elements serve multiple functions: they act as both radiating elements for wireless communication and as sensing elements for liquid level detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate interference-resistant components, maintaining system simplicity while providing robust sensing capability.
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 system effectively senses liquid levels with improved robustness against interference and noise, using peak coupling values for accurate volume detection, reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a monopole antenna arranged proximate the volume of the liquid. A radiofrequency circuit may be configured to apply a radio frequency signal to the monopole antenna and provide one or more signals indicative of a level of the volume of the liquid within the container based on a radio frequency characteristic of the monopole antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid level sensor system can include a container configured to hold a volume of a liquid and a monopole antenna arranged proximate the volume of the liquid. A radiofrequency circuit may be configured to apply a radio frequency signal to the monopole antenna and provide one or more signals indicative of a level of the volume of the liquid within the container based on a radio frequency characteristic of the monopole antenna.