Phased Array Radar Sensor for Enclosure Fluid Level Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring fluid levels and flows in manholes and vaults are cumbersome and hazardous, requiring manual adjustment and alignment, which can be disrupted by cover movements, and pose safety risks due to confined spaces and complex structures.
Innovation Solution
A phased array radar system with a 2-D antenna array 'on a chip' is used to create a three-dimensional image of the enclosure's interior, allowing for electronic beam steering and non-invasive measurement of fluid levels, flow rates, and obstruction detection, with a motion detector for recalibration and communication module for remote data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual aiming and adjustment is used for sensor alignment, then initial measurement capability is achieved, but the system requires frequent realignment and human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated optical alignment system using lasers and sensors. The system automatically determines the correct aiming direction and adjusts the sensor positioning without human intervention, converting a manual mechanical task into an automated optical-mechanical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system performs self-adjustment through automated feedback mechanisms. The sensor system automatically detects misalignment and corrects its positioning, enabling the system to service itself without requiring external human intervention for realignment tasks.
2Measurement precision
If human occupation of confined spaces is increased for measurement tasks, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but safety risks from fall accidents and injury increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual measurement operations with automated robotic systems equipped with sensors and measurement devices. The robotic system performs fluid level measurements and inspections without requiring human workers to enter confined spaces, eliminating exposure to fall hazards and toxic environments while maintaining measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system acts as an intermediary between the measurement task and the hazardous environment. It performs all necessary measurements and inspections within the confined space, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for direct human exposure to dangerous conditions while completing the required measurement tasks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cover movements are allowed for maintenance access, then operational flexibility is improved, but sensor alignment accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms that monitor cover position and sensor alignment in real-time. When cover movement occurs, the system detects the displacement through sensors and automatically recalibrates the sensor aiming direction, maintaining measurement accuracy despite changes in cover position.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It continuously adapts to changing conditions by automatically adjusting sensor positioning and aiming direction in response to cover movements, transforming a static alignment system into a dynamic one that maintains accuracy under varying conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are deployed for comprehensive measurement, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal sensor platform that can perform multiple measurement functions with a single device configuration. The system uses adjustable sensors that can measure various parameters (fluid level, flow rate, gas composition) and can be positioned to cover different measurement points, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically positionable sensors that can be remotely adjusted to optimal measurement locations. Rather than deploying multiple fixed sensors, the system employs sensors that can be remotely positioned and aimed at different targets, reducing the number of physical sensors needed while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage.
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 and adaptive measurement of fluid levels and flows without manual intervention, reducing safety risks and maintaining accuracy even with moving covers or complex structures, while minimizing exposure to hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
a phased array radar sensor, with a 2-D antenna array 'on a chip,' capable of electronically steering a radar beam
Implementation Method 2
a motion detector; wherein after the motion detector detects a threshold movement of the lid or surface sensing device
Data Source
AI summary
A covered enclosure surface sensing device, with an on-chip 2-D phased array radar sensor, beam-steering to create a three-dimensional image of the enclosure's interior. An environmental encasing contains a processor, a motion detector, a communication module coupled to an external communication antenna, a power source. It is attachable to a lid or upper side surface of the enclosure. After scanning, the device measures positions of, if present, flexible surfaces and obstructions within the enclosure and a level of liquid or powder in the bottom of the enclosure. If the enclosure contains an open channeled inlet and outlet, it measures liquid levels in the inlet and outlet, the position of the inlet and outlet, and the speed of fluid in the inlet and outlet. If the motion detector detects a threshold movement of the lid or surface sensing device, the phased array radar sensor performs a reorientation scan.