Phase Correction Unit for Vibronic Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibronic sensors face challenges in maintaining measurement accuracy for process variables like fill level, density, and viscosity due to changes in process parameters affecting the phase shift between excitation and reception signals, leading to inaccuracies in determining these variables.
Innovation Solution
A vibronic sensor with a phase correction unit that adjusts the phase shift based on process parameters such as capacitance or inductance of the drive/receiver unit, using a reference branch and time measurement unit to determine and correct for phase changes, thereby maintaining accurate measurement despite changes in process conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed phase shift is set between excitation and reception signals, then the device structure is simple, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when process parameters change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic phase correction unit that automatically adjusts the phase shift between excitation and reception signals based on real-time process parameters. This transforms the fixed phase shift system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving high measurement accuracy under varying process conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the phase correction unit continuously monitors process parameters and adjusts the phase shift accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that measurement accuracy is maintained despite changes in process conditions, while the automated nature of the feedback minimizes the increase in device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If phase shift is manually adjusted, then device complexity is low, but adaptability to process parameter changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The phase correction unit operates autonomously by automatically detecting process parameter changes and adjusting the phase shift without manual intervention. This self-service capability enhances adaptability to process changes while minimizing the control mechanism complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the phase shift parameter based on detected process parameter variations. This automatic parameter adjustment enables the system to adapt to different process conditions, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and control complexity.
3Reliability
If no phase correction is applied, then the device is simple, but measurement reliability deteriorates under varying process conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The phase correction unit performs preliminary adjustments to the phase shift before measurements are taken, anticipating and compensating for process parameter variations. This preliminary action ensures measurement reliability is maintained while keeping the correction mechanism relatively simple through proactive rather than reactive correction.
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 significantly enhances measurement accuracy by compensating for the influence of process parameters, ensuring precise determination of process variables like fill level, density, and viscosity, even when phase shifts change.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric or electromagnetic drive
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric or electromagnetic drive
Implementation Method 3
at least one capacitance (CAE) or inductance of at least one component of the drive/receiver unit (5) dependent on at least one process parameter
Implementation Method 4
at least one capacitance (CAE) or inductance of at least one component of the drive/receiver unit (5) dependent on at least one process parameter
Implementation Method 5
at least one time constant (τ roz , τ ref) dependent on at least one process parameter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (1) and a method for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium (2) in a container (3), comprising at least one mechanically oscillating unit (4), a drive/receiving unit (5) for exciting the mechanically oscillating unit (4) to mechanical oscillation by means of an electrical excitation signal (UA) and for receiving and converting the mechanical oscillations into an electrical received signal (UE), an electronics unit (6), which electronics unit (6) is designed to produce the excitation signal (UA) on the basis of the received signal (UE) and to set a predeterminable phase shift (ΔΦ) between the excitation signal (UA) and the received signal (UE), and to determine and/or monitor the at least one process variable from the received signal (UE), wherein a phase correction unit (7) is provided, which phase correction unit (7) is designed to determine a phase correction value (AΦkor) from at least one characteristic variable of at least one component of the device (1), in particular of the drive/receiving unit (5), which characteristic variable is dependent on at least one process parameter, and to adjust the predeterminable phase shift (ΔΦ) according to the phase correction value (AΦkor).