Oscillatory Circuit Cable Break Detection via Supplemental Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fill level and viscosity measurement systems face challenges in reliably detecting cable breaks between sensor units and feedback electronics, which can lead to incorrect readings due to manufacturing errors or vibrations, without introducing additional circuitry that evaluates capacitance or provides unnecessary information.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a supplemental electronics unit that forms a second oscillatory circuit with the feedback electronics, producing a distinct resonance frequency (ωcablebreak) to uniquely indicate a cable break, distinguishing it from normal operation and mechanical impairment states, while preventing negative influence on the primary measurement circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitance measurement is used to detect cable breaks, then cable break detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circuits and measured values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cable break detection function with the existing oscillatory circuit by adding a supplemental electronics unit that forms a second oscillatory circuit. This merges the detection capability into the existing measurement system rather than adding completely separate capacitance measurement circuits, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental electronics unit serves multiple functions: it forms the second oscillatory circuit for cable break detection, and its resonance frequency characteristics provide diagnostic information about the sensor unit's mechanical state. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If additional measured values are evaluated for cable break detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resonance frequency as a distinctive characteristic (analogous to color changes) to indicate cable break conditions. The second oscillatory circuit exhibits a specific resonance frequency behavior that clearly distinguishes cable break states from normal operation, providing high detection accuracy through simple frequency comparison rather than complex multi-parameter evaluation.
3Reliability
If the supplemental electronics forms a second oscillatory circuit, then cable break detection is improved, but interference with the primary measurement circuit may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the oscillatory circuits into distinct functional units: the first oscillatory circuit for primary measurement and the second oscillatory circuit for cable break detection. This segmentation allows independent operation and evaluation of each circuit, preventing interference while maintaining both detection capabilities simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental electronics unit acts as an intermediary that isolates the cable break detection function from the primary measurement circuit. By forming a separate second oscillatory circuit, it mediates between the sensor unit and the evaluation electronics, preventing direct interference while enabling reliable cable break detection through its own resonance frequency characteristics.
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 approach allows for efficient detection of cable breaks with minimal additional effort, ensuring accurate measurement of process variables like fill level and viscosity by avoiding interference with the primary oscillatory circuit's operation and providing a clear indicator for cable break conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a piezo-transducer... The piezo-transducer serves also for receiving the mechanical oscillations, which are thus converted into an electrical, alternating voltage
Implementation Method 2
the sensor unit, the feedback electronics and the supplemental electronics forming a first oscillatory circuit, with the first oscillatory circuit oscillating with at least a resonance frequency (ω1) and/or a resonance frequency (ωres) within at least a resonance frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium, and includes a sensor unit, a feedback electronics and a supplemental electronics. The sensor unit, feedback electronics and supplemental electronics form a first oscillatory circuit, which oscillates with at least one resonance frequency (ω1) and/or with a resonance frequency (ωres) within at least one resonance frequency range. The feedback electronics and the supplemental electronics form a second oscillatory circuit, which oscillates at a resonance frequency (ωcablebreak), which differs from the resonance frequency (ωres, ω1) of the first oscillatory circuit.