Multi-system Radar Filling Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current level radar devices face limitations in measurement quality due to differences in hardware structure between pulse and FMCW radar systems, particularly in high-frequency front ends and control, leading to issues with noise levels, sensitivity, and multiple reflections.
Innovation Solution
An electronic module with a signal generating device and a switching device that alternates between FMCW and pulse transmission signals based on echo signal amplitude or fill level, allowing for adaptive selection of measurement methods to optimize measurement results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single radar method (pulse or FMCW) is used, then the hardware structure is simpler, but measurement quality is limited due to noise levels and sensitivity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The radar device is designed to perform multiple measurement functions by integrating both pulse and FMCW radar methods in a single system. The signal generating device can produce either pulsed transmission signals or FMCW transmission signals, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different measurement conditions and optimize measurement quality across varying fill levels and echo situations.
2Measurement precision
If pulse radar method is used, then sensitivity is improved for certain conditions, but noise levels increase in other conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between pulse and FMCW radar methods based on real-time measurement conditions. The switching device monitors echo signal amplitude and fill level, then activates the appropriate subassembly (first for FMCW, second for pulse) to optimize the balance between sensitivity and noise levels for the current operating conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If FMCW radar method is used, then noise levels are reduced, but multiple reflections interfere with measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between pulse and FMCW radar methods based on real-time measurement conditions. The switching device monitors echo signal amplitude and fill level, then activates the appropriate subassembly (first for FMCW, second for pulse) to optimize the balance between sensitivity and noise levels for the current operating conditions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed radar method is used, then device control is simpler, but adaptability to varying fill levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between pulse and FMCW radar methods based on real-time measurement conditions. The switching device monitors echo signal amplitude and fill level, then activates the appropriate subassembly (first for FMCW, second for pulse) to optimize the balance between sensitivity and noise levels for the current operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching device uses feedback from echo signal amplitude detection and fill level measurement to automatically select the appropriate radar method. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to varying conditions without complex manual control, improving adaptability while keeping the control structure manageable through automated decision-making.
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
Enhances measurement quality by selectively activating FMCW or pulse methods based on conditions, reducing noise and improving sensitivity across varying fill levels and echo situations, while filtering out multiple reflections.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission antenna (108) which emits a transmission signal (303) in the direction of the filling material (302)
Implementation Method 2
These impulses are then (at least partially) reflected by the filling material surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The electronic module has a signal generating device (113) with two subassemblies, and a switching device for selectively activating the subassemblies. The former subassembly generates a frequency-modulated continuous-wave transmission signal, which is emitted in the direction of a filling material upper surface through an antenna (108,114,115) of the radar (100), and generates an intermediate frequency-receiving signal, which moves back to the reflected transmission signal. An independent claim is included for a method for measuring a filling level.