Radar Measuring Device Cavity Detection Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level measurement sensors face challenges in accurately measuring difficult-flowing bulk materials due to bridging and cavity formation, especially in outdoor environments with temperature fluctuations, leading to incorrect fill level readings and exposure to external influences.
Innovation Solution
A radar measuring device with two radar circuits and a control device that detects echoes to determine the presence of layers or cavities, including ice, by sending and receiving radar signals from both the top and underside of the material, allowing for reliable measurement correction and activation of devices to eliminate cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single radar circuit is used for level measurement, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to detect cavities and layers
Solution Approach 1:
The radar measurement system is segmented into multiple independent radar circuits (first radar circuit for top surface measurement, second radar circuit for underside measurement), each performing specialized measurements that when combined provide comprehensive cavity and layer detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement approach transitions from single-direction (top-only) radar signaling to multi-directional signaling by adding a second radar circuit that measures from the underside, creating a three-dimensional measurement volume that enables cavity detection
2Measurement precision
If radar signals are transmitted only from the top surface, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to undetected cavities beneath slow-flowing bulk material
Solution Approach 1:
The radar signal transmission is segmented into two separate transmission paths: one from the top surface and another from the underside, allowing independent optimization of each transmission path for its specific measurement objective
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of only transmitting radar signals from the conventional top surface position, the system inverts the approach by adding a second transmission path from the underside, enabling detection of cavities that would be invisible to top-only transmission
3Measurement precision
If level measurement is performed in outdoor environments with temperature fluctuations, then the adaptability is high, but measurement precision deteriorates due to external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The control device processes echoes from both radar circuits and uses the combined information to compensate for environmental influences, creating a feedback mechanism that maintains measurement accuracy despite temperature fluctuations and other external conditions
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 detection and measurement of fill levels and cavity volumes in difficult-flowing bulk materials, even in harsh conditions, ensuring reliable and contactless monitoring and triggering corrective actions such as ventilation or shaking to prevent bridging and ensure accurate level measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a radar circuit configured to transmit a radar signal toward a surface of a medium and to receive a reflected radar signal
Implementation Method 2
The control device is configured to detect one or more echoes in the reflected radar signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~4a
Figure 4b~6
AI summary
A radar measuring device (100) is proposed, configured to detect a layer (300) in or above a fill material or a cavity below the fill material. The radar measuring device (100) has a radar circuit (102', 102) configured to transmit a radar signal towards a surface (202, 202') of a medium and to receive a reflected radar signal. Furthermore, the radar measuring device (100) has a control device (104) configured to detect one or more echoes (204, 206, 208, 208') in the reflected radar signal (210, 210'). The control device (104) is configured to detect the presence or absence of a layer (300) in or above the filling material or a cavity below the filling material, based on the detected echo(s) (204, 206, 208, 208').