Radiometric Device Powered via 4-20 mA Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiometric measuring devices require separate power supplies due to high energy needs, limiting their flexibility and increasing costs, especially in potentially explosive areas where additional safety measures are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A radiometric measuring device that is powered exclusively through its electrical interface, utilizing semiconductor photodiodes and a signal evaluation unit, with an integrated voltage supply device and energy management system to derive necessary voltages from the interface, allowing for continuous operation without separate power sources and enabling safe use in explosive zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional radiometric measuring devices use separate power supplies, then they can provide sufficient power for high energy consumption components, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function and signal transmission function into a single electrical interface (4-20 mA current loop). The interface serves dual purposes: providing power to the measuring device and transmitting measurement signals, thereby eliminating the need for separate power supplies and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical interface is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a power supply connection and a signal transmission channel. This multi-functionality allows the single interface to replace what would traditionally require separate power supply and signal wiring
2Use of energy by moving object
If separate power supplies are used, then energy consumption requirements can be met, but installation flexibility and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power supply and signal transmission into one interface, the patent enables simpler installation with fewer wiring requirements. The 4-20 mA current loop simultaneously delivers power and carries measurement data, increasing installation flexibility and reducing costs
3Power
If separate power supplies are required, then sufficient power is available, but safety requirements in explosive areas increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intrinsically safe 4-20 mA current loop that combines power and signal transmission within certified safety limits. This single interface design eliminates additional power supply components that would require separate safety certifications, thereby reducing explosion risks in hazardous areas
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
This design enhances flexibility and reduces costs by eliminating the need for separate power supplies and allows safe operation in all zones, including zone 0, with reduced energy consumption and enhanced safety features.
Implementation Method 1
one or more semiconductor photodiodes, wherein the semiconductor photodiode(s) is/are optically coupled to the scintillator(s)
Implementation Method 2
The radiometric measuring device incorporates one or more conventional scintillators
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Radiometric measuring device (1) having: - a scintillator (2), - at least one semiconductor photodiode (3), wherein the at least one semiconductor photodiode (3) is optically coupled to the scintillator (2), - a signal evaluation unit (4) which is electrically coupled to the at least one semiconductor photodiode (3) and is designed to determine a measurement variable on the basis of a measurement signal produced by means of the at least one semiconductor photodiode (3), and - an interface (5), wherein the radiometric measuring device (1) can be coupled to at least one receiver (6) by means of the interface (5) for the purpose of interchanging data, characterized in that - the radiometric measuring device (1) is designed to be supplied with electrical energy solely via the interface (5) thereof.