Movable Sensor Spatial Resolution Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems in automation systems provide uncertain and non-real-time data about process variables in flowable media, as they are limited to specific measuring points and lack spatial resolution, making them ineffective for dynamic processes and control purposes.
Innovation Solution
A system with a movable sensor that determines and transmits spatially resolved data on process variables within a container, including a position determination unit and data transmission unit, allowing for real-time data collection and communication to an external control unit, with optional energy harvesting from the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measuring devices are installed at different measuring points to obtain spatially resolved data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into segments by using a single measuring device that can be moved to different positions within the container. Instead of having multiple fixed sensors, the system segments the spatial measurement domain by sequentially positioning one sensor at multiple locations, thereby achieving spatially resolved data without proportionally increasing the number of devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic positioning capability to the measuring device, allowing it to change its location within the container. This dynamic movement enables a single device to occupy multiple measuring points over time, transforming a static measurement system into a dynamic one that can capture process variables across different spatial locations without requiring multiple fixed installations.
2Measurement precision
If sensor spheres are added to the medium for temperature measurement, then measurement data from different measuring points is obtained, but location information and real-time availability are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measuring device continuously receives position information from a position determination unit and transmits this along with process variable data to a control unit. This feedback loop ensures that every measurement is associated with its spatial coordinates and timestamp, preventing loss of location information and enabling real-time monitoring of the process variable distribution throughout the medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data transmission unit as an intermediary between the moving sensor and the external control system. This intermediary component ensures continuous communication of both position data and process variable measurements, maintaining the link between spatial location and measured values even as the sensor moves through the medium, thereby preserving location information and real-time data availability.
3Ease of manufacture
If a movable sensor system is implemented for spatially resolved measurement, then installation cost is reduced, but device complexity increases due to position determination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measuring device universal by equipping it with multiple functions: process variable sensing, position determination, and data transmission. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems (fixed sensors, positioning infrastructure, and communication networks) into a single integrated unit that can perform all functions while moving through the medium, thereby reducing overall installation cost despite the added complexity within the device itself.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for spatially resolved determination of at least one physical or chemical process variable of a flowable medium arranged in a container in an automation system, at least one sensor being provided, which is movable in the medium and/or in the container and which ascertains information about the at least one process variable, a position determination unit being provided which supplies the information about the respective current position of the sensor relative to the medium and/or to the container, and a data transmission unit being provided which collects information about the respective current position of the sensor and the corresponding information supplied by the sensor about the at least one process variable and/or communicates the information to an external control unit and/or display unit.