Non-Invasive Radar Level Gauge With Suction Cup Tank Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radar level gauging technologies require penetration of tank walls for installation, which is not feasible for tanks made of non-metallic, radar-transmissive materials, especially in smaller, cost-pressured series production and portable tanks where structural integrity and cost-effectiveness are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive radar level gauging arrangement using a suction cup attachment device that creates a partial vacuum to secure a directional antenna to the tank wall without penetration, allowing radar signals to pass through for level measurement, featuring a bellows mechanism for adjustable vacuum creation and adhesive reinforcement for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radar level gauge is mounted in an opening in the tank wall, then radar signals can enter the tank for level measurement, but the tank wall structure is damaged and structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a radar-transmissive window as an intermediary component that allows radar signals to pass through the tank wall without creating an opening. The window is made of material that is transparent to radar waves while maintaining the structural integrity of the tank wall, thus enabling level measurement without compromising structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank wall is segmented into two functional zones: a radar-transmissive window area that allows signal passage and the remaining opaque tank wall that maintains structural strength. This segmentation enables the coexistence of measurement functionality and structural integrity by isolating the transmissive function to a specific localized area.
2Ease of manufacture
If an opening is created in the tank wall for mounting, then radar level gauge can be installed, but manufacturing complexity increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The radar-transmissive window is integrated into the tank wall during the manufacturing process itself, rather than requiring post-manufacturing modification. This preliminary action ensures that the window is seamlessly incorporated into the tank structure, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar-transmissive window serves multiple functions: it allows radar signal transmission, maintains tank wall structural integrity, and can be manufactured as part of standard tank production. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized modifications and simplifies the overall system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tank wall is made flexible for portability, then the tank can be transported easily, but creating an opening compromises structural strength
Solution Approach 1:
The radar-transmissive window is implemented as a flexible or thin-film component that can be integrated into flexible tank walls. This allows the tank to maintain its portability and flexibility while the window provides the necessary radar signal transmission capability without compromising the overall structural integrity.
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 reliable, non-invasive radar level measurement in tanks without damaging the tank structure, suitable for various materials and configurations, including flexible and cost-sensitive applications, by providing a secure and durable attachment method for the radar level gauge.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup configured to be secured to the tank wall by means of partial vacuum, wherein the suction cup is configured to allow a user to create the partial vacuum by mechanical operation of the suction cup
Implementation Method 2
a directional antenna, the radar level gauge being mounted to the attachment device, such that, when the attachment device is secured against the tank wall, the directional antenna is positioned so as to enable transmission of radar signals through the tank wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A radar level gauging arrangement for performing radar level gauging in a tank having a tank wall (5) which is impermeable to a product held in the tank and transmissive to radar signals, comprising an attachment device (3) configured to be secured to a substantially flat portion of said tank wall, without penetration of the tank wall, and a radar level gauge (4) including a directional antenna, the radar level gauge being mounted to the attachment device, such that, when said attachment device is secured against the tank wall, the directional antenna is positioned so as to enable transmission of radar signals through the tank wall. By mounting a radar level gauge to an attachment device which can be secured to the tank wall without penetrating the tank wall, radar level gauging can thus be provided without damaging or interfering with the tank.