Multi-Channel Radar Level Gauge Using Segmented Transmission Line Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar level gauges face challenges in achieving functional independence between measurement systems due to shared electrical circuits and cabling, which can lead to system failures and increased costs when trying to implement redundant systems for safety and regulatory compliance.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel level gauge system using a transmission line probe that allows for multiple transmission modes, enabling functionally independent channels by coupling signals into the probe in different propagation modes, ensuring isolation and allowing for identical electronics units to be used, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent level gauges are installed to ensure functional independence and safety, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functionally independent measurement channels into a single physical probe structure. The probe contains multiple electrically isolated transmission lines that share the same physical housing and mounting structure, allowing multiple independent measurements to be taken through one integrated device rather than multiple separate gauges.
Solution Approach 2:
The single probe structure is designed to perform multiple independent measurement functions simultaneously. Each transmission line within the probe provides an independent measurement channel, allowing the same physical device to serve multiple measurement purposes while maintaining functional independence between channels.
2Reliability
If multiple independent level gauges are installed to ensure functional independence, then system reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement channels into a single manufactured probe unit. By integrating multiple electrically isolated transmission lines within one probe housing, the manufacturing cost is reduced compared to producing and installing multiple separate gauges, while still achieving the required functional independence for safety applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single probe is used for multiple channels to reduce cost, then manufacturing cost decreases, but achieving functional independence becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into multiple electrically isolated transmission lines within a single housing. Each transmission line is electrically separated from the others, creating distinct measurement channels that are functionally independent. This segmentation allows cost-effective single-probe manufacturing while maintaining the reliability requirements through electrical isolation between channels.
4Device complexity
If transmission line probe is used to guide multiple signals, then device complexity is reduced, but signal isolation between channels becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission line probe is divided into multiple separate transmission lines that are electrically isolated from each other. Each transmission line carries its own signal independently, and the electrical isolation between the lines ensures that signals do not interfere with one another, maintaining channel independence while using a single integrated probe structure.
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
The solution provides effective functional independence between measurement channels, reducing the risk of system failures and costs by allowing identical electronics units to be used, while maintaining accurate level measurements through distinct propagation modes.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission line probe with two or more conductors connected to the first and second circuitry arrangements, the transmission line probe extending into the content in the tank and being adapted to guide the first and second electromagnetic signals towards and into the content and to guide reflected signals back
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~4a
AI summary
A level gauge for detecting process variables related to a distance to a surface of a content in a tank, comprising a first and second functionally independent circuitry arrangements comprising transceiver circuitry and processing circuitry. The gauge further comprises a transmission line probe connected to the circuitry arrangements, the transmission line probe extending into the content in the tank and being adapted allow propagation of first and second transmission modes,and a feeding arrangement connected to couple electromagnetic signals into the probe in first and second propagation modes.