Adaptive Calibration of Oscillatable Vibronic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibronic sensors in process automation face challenges with inflexibility and accuracy due to the need for custom calibration for each sensor type and geometry, leading to discrepancies between modeled and real interactions with mediums, affecting measurement precision.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a mathematical model that digitizes input and output signals, adapts sensor-specific variables to match real behavior, and uses parameter estimation to ensure accurate calibration of oscillatable units, allowing for adaptive matching of sensor-specific variables to achieve high agreement between model and real behavior, regardless of geometry or manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mathematical model is used to describe the oscillatable unit, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for parameter estimation and adaptive adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously comparing the virtual output sequence from the mathematical model with the real output sequence from the actual sensor, and adaptively adjusting sensor-specific variables to minimize deviations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables precise calibration while systematically managing the complexity through automated adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the oscillatable unit through a mathematical model that replicates its behavior. This virtual model allows for parameter estimation and calibration without requiring physical modifications to the actual sensor, thereby improving measurement precision while containing device complexity through software-based simulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor-specific variables are adaptively changed to match real behavior, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complexity of calibration procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service calibration by allowing the mathematical model to automatically estimate parameters and adapt sensor-specific variables based on comparisons between virtual and real output sequences. This self-calibrating mechanism improves adaptability across different sensor geometries while reducing the need for manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation despite the underlying complexity.
3Productivity
If the oscillatable unit is approximated via mathematical model, then the productivity is improved by enabling universal calibration, but the measurement precision worsens due to discrepancies between modeled and real interactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary parameter estimation by comparing virtual and real output sequences before actual measurements are taken. This preliminary calibration action adjusts sensor-specific variables in advance, enabling universal applicability across different sensor types while minimizing subsequent measurement errors, thus resolving the trade-off between productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically changes sensor-specific variables (such as geometric parameters and material properties) to optimize the match between the mathematical model and real sensor behavior. By adaptively adjusting these parameters based on output sequence comparisons, the system achieves both high calibration efficiency and measurement precision across diverse sensor geometries.
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
This method enhances measurement accuracy by enabling precise calibration of vibronic sensors, allowing them to accurately determine process-specific parameters like density, viscosity, and temperature, independent of sensor geometry, ensuring high agreement between model and real behavior.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting/receiving unit is usually at least one piezoelectric, respectively electromechanical, element
Implementation Method 2
the oscillatable unit is excited via a real input signal to execute oscillations
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibration or adjustment of any oscillatable unit with a mathematical model describing the oscillatable unit, wherein the oscillatable unit interacts with a medium located in a container, comprising the steps as follows: exciting the oscillatable unit via a real input signal to execute oscillations; the real output signal of the oscillatable unit is ascertained; the real output signal is digitized and a real output sequence is produced; the real input signal is digitized and a digital input sequence is produced; the digital input sequence is fed to a function block, which provides the mathematical model of the oscillatable unit in interaction with the medium. The mathematical model is defined by at least two sensor-specific variables; a virtual output sequence is produced via the mathematical model. The virtual output sequence is compared with the real output sequence; in the case of a deviation, the sensor-specific variables of the mathematical model are adaptively changed, until the deviation between the virtual output sequence and the real output sequence of the oscillatable unit lies within a predetermined tolerance range.