Pulsed Level Gauge Frequency Control Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pulsed radar level gauge systems require a substantial period to stabilize the pulse repetition frequency difference, leading to prolonged power usage and inefficient energy consumption, especially when transitioning from an idle to an active state for filling level measurements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using stored frequency control settings for pulsed electromagnetic signals if the time since the last measurement is short, and iteratively regulating the pulse repetition frequency difference only when necessary, allowing for intermittent operation and reduced energy expenditure by controlling the transmit and reference signal generating circuitry based on acquired signals indicating the time since the last determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the pulse repetition frequency difference is regulated to achieve stable operation, then the stability of the frequency difference is improved, but the time required for stabilization increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple frequency control settings corresponding to different operating conditions (temperature ranges, signal strengths) before they are needed. When the system operates, it quickly retrieves the appropriate pre-calculated settings based on current conditions rather than performing time-consuming iterative regulation, thus achieving stable operation without prolonged stabilization time.
2Measurement precision
If the frequency regulation process is performed continuously to maintain accuracy, then the measurement precision is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by performing frequency regulation only at specific intervals or when triggered by certain conditions (e.g., when temperature changes exceed a threshold, or when signal strength varies significantly). Between these periodic regulation events, the system operates with fixed frequency settings, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the frequency control settings based on detected changes in operating parameters such as temperature, signal strength, or environmental conditions. The system monitors these parameters and only initiates frequency regulation when parameter changes exceed predetermined thresholds, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure from continuous regulation.
3Reliability
If the system performs full frequency regulation every time it transitions from idle to active state, then the reliability of measurement is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by performing only a subset of the full frequency regulation process when transitioning from idle to active state. Instead of executing the complete iterative regulation sequence, the system retrieves pre-calculated frequency settings appropriate for the current operating conditions, achieving sufficient measurement reliability with a partial regulation action that enables faster system response and higher productivity.
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 reduces the time needed for filling level measurements and lowers energy consumption by leveraging stored settings and adaptive frequency control, enabling more efficient intermittent operation of the pulsed level gauge system.
Implementation Method 1
transmit signal generating circuitry for generating a pulsed electromagnetic transmit signal
Implementation Method 2
a propagation device connected to the transmit signal generating circuitry and arranged to propagate the transmit signal towards a surface of a product contained in a tank and to return an electromagnetic reflection signal resulting from reflection of the transmit signal at the surface
Implementation Method 3
frequency control circuitry connected to the comparing circuitry, to the memory, and to at least one of the transmit signal generating circuitry and the reference signal generating circuitry
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a pulsed level gauge system comprising frequency control circuitry. If an acquired signal indicates that the time between the previous filling level determination and the present filling level determination is shorter than a predefined time, the frequency control circuitry controls at least one of a transmit signal generating circuitry and a reference signal generating circuitry comprised in the pulsed level gauge system using previous frequency control settings stored in memory. If the acquired signal indicates that the time between the previous filling level determination and the present filling level determination is longer than the predefined time, the frequency control circuitry iteratively regulates at least one of the transmit signal generating circuitry and the reference signal generating circuitry towards achieving a desired pulse repetition frequency difference between the pulse repetition frequency of the transmit signal and the pulse repetition frequency of the reference signal.