Patch Antennas on Metal Pipe Wall for Mixture Concentration Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring solid/liquid mixture concentration in dredging processes face challenges due to legal restrictions on radioactive sources and the unsuitability of plastic pipes for high-pressure dredging environments, as well as inefficiencies in electromagnetic wave-based methods.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing patch antennas positioned directly on the metal wall of a conveyor pipe, which enhances signal-to-noise ratio, allows for a metal pipe construction for increased strength, and uses radio signals to measure mixture concentration by determining energy absorption and time delay, providing better environmental protection and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a radioactive source is used to measure mixture concentration, then measurement capability is achieved, but legal restrictions and safety requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from radioactive sources and implements it using electromagnetic antennas that transmit and receive signals through the pipe wall, eliminating the need for radioactive materials while maintaining concentration measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The metal pipe wall acts as an intermediary that allows electromagnetic signals to pass through for measurement while simultaneously providing radiation shielding and structural strength, replacing the need for separate measurement and protection systems
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic material is used for conveyor pipe to allow antenna irradiation, then electromagnetic wave transmission is enabled, but pipe strength and wear resistance decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The metal pipe wall serves as an intermediary structure that provides both mechanical strength and electromagnetic signal transmission capability, eliminating the need to compromise pipe material for antenna functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electromagnetic parameters of the metal pipe wall by controlling its thickness and electrical properties, enabling it to transmit antenna signals effectively while maintaining its inherent structural strength and durability
3Measurement precision
If antennas are positioned on the pipe wall, then measurement function is achieved, but electromagnetic radiation to environment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The metal pipe wall acts as a shielding intermediary that contains electromagnetic radiation from the antennas, allowing signal transmission for measurement while preventing harmful radiation from reaching the external environment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation into a beneficial measurement tool by using the same antenna signals to both measure concentration and provide environmental shielding through the metal pipe wall
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 solution enables precise and efficient measurement of mixture concentration with improved pipe durability and environmental safety, overcoming the limitations of previous methods while allowing for constant concentration regulation in dredging processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first antenna (A1) is provided which is located during use next to an inner wall (W) of the housing (V) and which is configured as a transmitter for the transmission of a radio signal (RS)
Implementation Method 2
measuring an energy absorption and/or a time delay of the radio signal (RS)
Implementation Method 3
measuring an energy absorption and/or a time delay of the radio signal (RS)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
System for the measuring of a concentration parameter of a solid/liquid mixture. The system comprises a measurement volume, a first antenna and at least one second antenna. The first and second antennas are each of the patch antenna type and each comprise a conductive base plate, a conductive strip and an insulating element The insulating element is located between the base plate and the strip, and the strip has on a head side a conductive connection to the base plate. The first and second antennas are attached by the conductive base plate to a wall of the measurement volume, the wall of the measurement volume being made of metal.