RF Float Localization for Precise Fluid Level Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid level measurement technologies, such as float systems, ultrasonic, radar, and pressure transducers, suffer from inaccuracies due to mechanical failures, environmental interference, and maintenance issues, while UWB technology offers centimeter-level accuracy but is not effectively utilized for fluid level measurement.
Innovation Solution
A system using UWB positioning with anchor and remote float devices that emit RF signals, allowing for precise calculation of fluid level through time-of-flight, phase-difference-of-arrival, and angle-of-arrival measurements, integrated with processors for accurate fluid level determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If float systems with rods and resistors are used to measure fluid level, then the measurement can be made over a large depth range, but the system has numerous moving parts that are prone to failure and require maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float-rod-resistor system with a wireless RF-based measurement system. The float device contains an RF transmitter that communicates with an anchor device via radio frequency signals, eliminating mechanical connections and moving parts while maintaining measurement capability over large depth ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF signals as an intermediary medium to transfer measurement data between the float device and the anchor device. This wireless communication pathway replaces the direct mechanical connection, allowing the float to move freely without physical constraints while still enabling accurate position measurement.
2Ease of operation
If ultrasonic waves are used to measure fluid level by time-of-flight, then the measurement can be made without contact, but the system is affected by environmental conditions such as temperature and dust that result in inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from acoustic wave frequency (ultrasonic) to radio frequency electromagnetic waves. This parameter change makes the measurement system immune to environmental factors like temperature and dust that affect ultrasonic waves, while maintaining non-contact measurement capability through RF signal transmission.
3Ease of operation
If radar waves are used to measure fluid level by time-of-flight, then the measurement can be made remotely, but RF reflections off environmental objects make it difficult to distinguish the desired signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the float device as a mobile RF transmitter that actively emits signals. The anchor device receives these signals and calculates the float's position based on the time-of-flight and known positions of multiple anchors. This active signaling approach with multiple reference points creates distinct signal patterns that easily differentiate the desired measurement signal from environmental reflections.
4Measurement precision
If pressure transducers are submerged directly in the fluid to measure hydrostatic pressure, then the fluid level can be measured, but the sensor orifice and vent tube become clogged requiring frequent servicing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the submersible pressure transducer with a wireless RF positioning system. The float device containing an RF transmitter is positioned on the fluid surface, and its vertical position is determined through RF time-of-flight measurements from multiple anchor devices. This eliminates the need for submerged sensors with orifices and vent tubes that are prone to clogging, while maintaining accurate fluid level measurement capability.
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
Provides centimeter-level accuracy in fluid level measurement, reducing mechanical failures and environmental interference, and enabling real-time monitoring with reduced maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one remote float device configured to emit at least one RF signal
Implementation Method 2
measuring the time-of-flight of the at least one RF signal between the at least one remote float device and the at least one anchor device
Implementation Method 3
A transducer then captures the RF microwave reflected by the fluid's surface
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for accurately determining fluid level using Ultra Wideband (UWB) positioning or localization. UWB utilizes a radio-frequency (RF) technology to enable the accurate measurement of the time-of-flight of a radio signal and UWB positioning can operate in Time-Difference-of-Arrival (TDoA) mode, Two-Way-Ranging (TWR) mode, and Phase-Difference-of-Arrival (PDoA) mode. The systems disclosed herein include multiple anchor devices having a UWB antenna(s) and positioned in fixed location(s) over the fluid to be measured. The anchor devices serve as reference points for UWB communication with a remote float device, which emits RF signals and floats on the surface of the fluid to be measured. The anchor devices may include, or be in communication with, a processor which receives and/or measures RF signals, generates timestamps, calculates distance(s) between the remote float device and an anchor device, calculates fluid level, calculates an angle-of-arrival (AoA), or any combination thereof.