3D Radar Fill Level Measurement Linearization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing level measurement technologies in containers lack precision in determining the fill level due to manual methods and inability to account for container geometry and internal installations, requiring complex manual inputs and additional devices.

Innovation Solution

A method using a 3D radar measuring device to systematically scan the container's interior, creating a three-dimensional model and determining a linearization curve without manual inputs, incorporating changes in container position and internal installations through database-supported three-dimensional data and phased array antennas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurements and linearization tables are used to determine the fill level, then the method is simple to implement, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to account for container irregularities and internal components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefill level determination accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional one-dimensional fill height measurements to three-dimensional spatial mapping of the container interior. By systematically scanning and creating a 3D model of the container's actual geometry including all internal components, the system captures volumetric information that enables precise fill level calculation regardless of container irregularities or internal installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital 3D copy or model of the container's actual interior geometry through systematic scanning. This digital replica accurately represents the container's shape, internal components, and irregularities, allowing the system to calculate fill levels based on the modeled geometry rather than relying on idealized assumptions or manual measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If systematic scanning with radar level gauge is used to create 3D model, then the measurement precision improves, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming scanning process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefill level determination accuracyVSAvoidcommissioning speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs the time-consuming 3D scanning and model creation during the commissioning phase before actual operation begins. By completing this preliminary action upfront, the system establishes an accurate digital model that can then be used for rapid, continuous fill level measurements during operation without repeating the scanning process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a periodic execution strategy where the 3D scanning and model updating is performed at scheduled intervals or triggered by specific events during operation. This allows the system to maintain measurement precision by updating the container model periodically while minimizing disruption to normal productivity through event-driven or time-based scheduling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 precise and automatic determination of fill levels and volumes, accounting for irregularities and changes in container geometry and installations, without additional devices or complex manual inputs, ensuring accurate and robust level measurements.

Implementation Method 1

determination of the distance between a sensor position and a surface of the filling medium, starting from the top of the container, using radar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

phased array antennas. With these antennas, which have a plurality of patch elements arranged in an array, the main radiation direction can be shifted by cleverly controlling the individual patch elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhased array beam steering: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3730908B1Method for determining a linearisation curve for determining the fill level in a container and use of a fill level measuring device for this method
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 VEGA GRIESHABER GMBH & CO
  • EP3730908B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3730908B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3b)
  • EP3730908B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining a linearization curve (L) for determining the fill level (F) in a container (10) from a fill height (h) using a radar measuring device (1), and comprises the following steps: - Acquiring three-dimensional data of the container (10) with the radar measuring device (1) by systematically scanning an interior of the container (10) and of internal components (3) using the radar measuring device (1), - Determining a three-dimensional model of the container (10), - Determining the linearization curve (L) from the three-dimensional model.