Multi-channel Radar Level Gauge Using Hollow Waveguide Feeding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar level gauging systems with multiple independent channels are complex, costly, and prone to signal errors due to the use of coaxial cables and turn-style junctions, especially at higher frequencies, which complicates the implementation of redundant and accurate level measurements in containers.
Innovation Solution
A radar level gauging system with separate and functionally independent channels using a single antenna and hollow waveguides, where each channel's transceiver and feeding circuitry are integrated on a printed circuit board, reducing signal errors and costs by eliminating coaxial cables and ensuring galvanic and electrical separation, allowing for distinguishable microwave signals with different polarizations or frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If coaxial cables and turn-style junctions are used to connect multiple sensors to one antenna, then the system can achieve multiple independent measurement channels, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sensor channels into a single integrated electronics unit with a common antenna, eliminating the need for separate feed lines, combiners, and couplers for each channel. This consolidation reduces system complexity while maintaining functional independence of measurement channels through electronic signal processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single antenna and feeding system serve multiple measurement channels simultaneously, making the feeding arrangement universal for all channels. The electronics unit processes multiple independent measurement signals through a single integrated system, reducing the need for channel-specific components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coaxial cables and turn-style junctions are used to connect multiple sensors to one antenna, then the system can achieve multiple independent measurement channels, but the cost increases due to additional connectors and cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple sensor channels into a single integrated electronics unit, eliminating the need for multiple coaxial cables, connectors, and junctions. This merging of components directly reduces material costs and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically replicating separate feed line assemblies for each channel, the patent uses a single feeding system that electronically supports multiple independent channels, reducing the need for expensive duplicate hardware components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coaxial cables and turn-style junctions are used, then multiple sensors can be connected to one antenna, but signal errors and measurement inaccuracies increase due to high VSWR and internal length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the problematic coaxial cables and turn-style junctions from the system, replacing them with an integrated waveguide-based feeding system. This removal of harmful components eliminates the source of VSWR-related errors and internal length discrepancies that degrade measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an integrated waveguide feeding system as an intermediary between the antenna and multiple sensor channels. This intermediary structure provides superior electromagnetic field control and lower VSWR compared to coaxial connections, thereby improving signal integrity and measurement accuracy.
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 system provides improved accuracy and cost-effectiveness by reducing Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) and offset errors, ensuring functional independence of channels and enabling reliable operation across various frequencies, thus enhancing the reliability and precision of level measurements.
Implementation Method 1
radar level gauging system for determining a filling level of a filling material contained in a container by transmitting and receiving microwave signals
Implementation Method 2
an antenna for emitting microwave signals transmitted from each transceiver circuitry towards a surface of the product and for receiving echo signals resulting from reflections at impedance transitions encountered by the transmitted microwave signals
Implementation Method 3
a hollow waveguide for guiding microwave signals between the each transceiver circuitry and the antenna
Implementation Method 4
the feeding circuitry comprising at least one feeding probe protruding into the waveguide for feeding the microwave signals into the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A radar level gauging system for determining a filling level of a product contained in a tank by transmitting and receiving microwave signals over at least two functionally independent channels. Each channel has an electronics unit with transceiver circuitry arranged on a printed circuit board and processing circuitry connected to the transceiver circuitry for determining the filling level based on a relation between transmitted signals and received signals, and each electronics unit is electronically and galvanically separated from other electronics units. The system further comprises a single antenna for emitting microwave signals into the tank, and a hollow waveguide for guiding microwave signals between each transceiver circuitry and the antenna. Each electronics unit further comprises feeding circuitry arranged on the printed circuit board, the feeding circuitry comprising at least one feeding probe protruding into the waveguide for feeding the microwave signals into the waveguide.The present invention enables a very simple, cost-effective and reliable feeding for each channel.