Pulsed Waveguide Liquid Quality Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid quality measurement systems in urea tanks for SCR systems are inadequate in accurately determining the quality of urea solutions, affecting the operation and effectiveness of emissions reduction systems.
Innovation Solution
A pulsed waveguide (PWG) system with a conductive coil wound around an inner core is used to measure liquid quality by transmitting an initial voltage pulse and detecting reflection signals based on changes in impedance and permittivity, allowing for the determination of liquid quality through characteristics of the reflected wave.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional liquid quality measurement systems are used in urea tanks, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical or electrical measurement systems with an electromagnetic wave-based measurement system. A waveguide transmits electromagnetic waves through the liquid, and changes in wave characteristics (reflection, transmission, impedance) indicate liquid quality changes. This substitution enables precise measurement of urea concentration and contamination levels without complex mechanical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electromagnetic wave parameters (impedance, permittivity, reflection coefficient) to detect liquid quality. As urea concentration or contamination changes, the liquid's electromagnetic properties change, which are detected by analyzing the reflected or transmitted wave characteristics. This parameter-based approach provides accurate quality measurement while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
2Speed
If high-speed pulse propagation is used, then the response time is fast, but the electronics complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulsed wave transmission through the liquid rather than continuous wave transmission. By sending discrete pulses and measuring the reflected or transmitted pulses, the system achieves fast response while using simpler timing and signal processing electronics compared to continuous high-speed systems. The pulsed operation allows for easier synchronization and measurement of wave 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 enables accurate and cost-effective measurement of liquid quality, compatible with commercial electronics, and is applicable to various liquids, including urea solutions, by slowing the propagation velocity of pulses, simplifying electronics, and correlating pulse amplitudes with liquid concentration.
Implementation Method 1
measure the quality of a liquid based on reflections due to a change in impedance and/or permittivity between the liquid and another medium
Implementation Method 2
measure the quality of a liquid based on reflections due to a change in impedance and/or permittivity between the liquid and another medium
Implementation Method 3
measure the quality of a liquid based on reflections due to a change in impedance and/or permittivity between the liquid and another medium
Implementation Method 4
a conductor wound around the inner core in conductive coils having a coil length, wherein a voltage pulse received by the pulsed waveguide propagates as an induced wave having a group velocity
Data Source
AI summary
A waveguide system may include an inner core, and a conductor wound around the inner core in conductive coils having a coil length, wherein a voltage pulse received by the pulsed waveguide propagates as an induced wave having a group velocity, the group velocity being below a threshold velocity, wherein a reflection signal or an end of line signal generated within the conductor from the induced wave is detectable from the initial voltage pulse.