Two-Wire Radiometric Measuring Device Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiometric measuring devices with a two-wire supply face challenges of high power consumption, self-heating, and circuit complexity, limiting their performance compared to four-wire designs.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a two-wire supply that includes a processor capable of switching to a power-saving mode, an energy storage unit, and a signal amplifier/comparator that can be intermittently operated to reduce power consumption, along with a measuring system using a radioactive source and scintillation principle for level/density measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a four-wire technique is used for radiometric measuring devices, then the measurement performance and signal transmission capability are improved, but the power consumption, self-heating, and circuit complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function and signal transmission function into a single two-wire interface, merging previously separate functions (power supply lines and signal lines) to reduce overall system complexity and power consumption while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both power supply and bidirectional signal transmission (measurement signals and control signals), making the interface universal and eliminating the need for separate dedicated lines for each function
2Use of energy by moving object
If a two-wire supply is used for radiometric measuring devices, then the power consumption and circuit complexity are reduced, but the measurement performance and signal transmission capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation modes (active mode and power-saving mode) that allow the measuring device to adapt its performance characteristics to available power conditions, enabling optimal measurement performance within the constraints of limited power supply from the two-wire interface
Solution Approach 2:
The processor operates in periodic cycles, switching between active measurement modes and power-saving modes, allowing the system to perform measurements intermittently while reducing average power consumption to match the limited power availability from the two-wire supply
3Speed
If the processor operates continuously in active mode, then the measurement response time is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor switches between active mode (for measurements requiring fast response) and power-saving mode (for periods without measurement signals), creating a periodic operation pattern that balances response time requirements with power consumption constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the presence of measurement signals and dynamically adjusts the processor operating mode based on this feedback, activating the processor only when measurement signals are detected and switching to power-saving mode when no signals are present
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 approach reduces energy consumption, simplifies circuits, and improves measurement accuracy by dynamically adapting power usage, enabling efficient operation even with limited power availability.
Implementation Method 1
the energy storage unit is designed as a buffer capacitor. The energy storage unit can be designed as a capacitor, in particular as a double-layer capacitor
Implementation Method 2
a measuring system with a radioactive source
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The device (100) has a processor (102) for changing the device from an active mode to a power-saving mode. An energy storage unit (103) e.g. electrolytic power capacitor, is provided for storing of energy. The energy storage unit collects currents from components of the device and supplies the device with current. The processor switches off one of a signal amplifier (104) and a comparator (105). A switch (106) regulates the energy supply of one of the comparator and the signal amplifier using the energy storage unit, where the switch is controlled by the processor. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a measuring method for a radiometric measuring of a filling level and a density of a feed material (2) a program element executed on a processor of a measuring device for radiometric measuring of a filling level and a density of a feed material (3) a computer-readable medium with program element executed on a processor of a measuring device for radiometric measuring of a filling level and a density of a feed material.