Online Phase Calibration for Multi-Sensor Clearance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase calibration techniques for sensor systems, such as those used in measuring clearance between rotating components like turbine blades, face inaccuracies due to geometry changes and require exhaustive calibration steps, especially when high accuracy is needed, and are not adaptable for online calibration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for online relative and absolute phase calibration using multiple excitation signals, phase detectors, and a calibration module that processes voltage signals to generate calibrated outputs, allowing for accurate phase detection without an absolute phase reference and accounting for variations post-factory installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If factory calibration techniques are used, then initial measurement accuracy is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to online calibration needs and component variations occur after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic calibration by enabling the system to perform calibration operations online during runtime rather than only during static factory calibration. The calibration module continuously adjusts phase detector parameters based on real-time measurements, allowing the system to adapt to component variations and environmental changes after installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where phase detector outputs are continuously monitored and fed back to the calibration module. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of calibration parameters based on actual measurement data, allowing the system to maintain accuracy despite drift caused by temperature, aging, or mechanical variations.
2Measurement precision
If exhaustive calibration steps are performed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but calibration time and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration setup during factory calibration, establishing initial parameters and calibration curves. This preliminary action reduces the need for exhaustive calibration steps during online operation, as the system can perform quick reference measurements against pre-established calibration data.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of performing complete exhaustive calibration at every measurement cycle, the system applies partial calibration actions using simplified algorithms that focus only on the most critical correction factors. This approach achieves sufficient accuracy for most applications without the time cost of full calibration procedures.
3Device complexity
If a single probe is used for measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when target geometry changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single probe system universal by implementing a calibration module that can adapt the probe's measurements to various target geometries. The system uses reference measurements and calibration curves to compensate for geometry changes, allowing a single probe to accurately measure different target shapes and configurations without requiring multiple specialized sensors.
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 accurate online phase calibration independent of component aging, temperature, and environmental changes, providing precise measurements and reducing the need for exhaustive calibration steps, thus improving the reliability of sensor systems in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one excitation source configured to generate multiple excitation signals
Implementation Method 2
at least two sensors coupled to respective ones of the at least one excitation source via a transmission line
Implementation Method 3
each of the two phase detectors are configured to output a respective voltage representing a phase difference between respective ones of the reflected signals and respective ones of the excitation signals
Implementation Method 4
the calibration module is configured to receive and process the respective voltage from the at least two phase detectors to generate respective calibrated voltage signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system for online relative phase calibration is provided. The system includes at least one excitation source configured to generate multiple excitation signals. The system also includes at least two sensors coupled to respective ones of the at least one excitation source via a transmission line, wherein the two sensors are configured to receive respective ones of the excitation signals. The system further includes at least two phase detectors configured to receive at least two reflected signals from the two sensors via the transmission line, wherein each of the two phase detectors are configured to output a respective voltage representing a phase difference between respective ones of the reflected signals and respective ones of the excitation signals. The system also includes a switch coupled to the sensors and the phase detectors, the switch configured to switch the phase detectors between the sensors at a pre-determined switching interval. The system further includes a calibration module coupled to the phase detectors, wherein the calibration module is configured to receive and process the respective voltage from the at least two phase detectors to generate respective calibrated voltage signals, wherein the calibration module is further configured to and match the calibrated voltage signals of each of the phase detectors.