Rotating Level Indicator Antenna Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level measuring devices face challenges in accurately determining the topology of a product or bulk material surface over a wide range of fill levels, often resulting in measurement inaccuracies due to limited measuring ranges and interference from energy transmission methods.
Innovation Solution
A level measuring device equipped with a rotating antenna unit and energy stores, where the antenna unit emits and receives measurement signals while rotating, and energy is supplied via a two-wire connection or wireless stator-rotor coil pairs, allowing for high-quality topology recording without external power during measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a four-wire interface is used to supply electrical energy and transmit data, then the measuring device can operate with sufficient power and communication capability, but the device complexity increases and sliding contacts are required which reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy transmission function from the signal transmission function by using a dedicated high-power cable for energy supply and a separate low-power communication cable for data transmission. This separation eliminates the need for complex sliding contacts that would be required if both functions used the same connection, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary energy storage unit (capacitor) that stores energy during periods when the high-power cable is connected and supplies power during measurement phases when the cable is disconnected. This intermediary component enables the system to operate with high power when needed without requiring continuous high-power connections, thus eliminating sliding contacts and improving reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna unit rotates during measurement, then the measuring range is enlarged and topology can be recorded for large fill levels, but the energy supply becomes more complex requiring rotation-capable connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between a connection phase (where the antenna rotates and charges the energy storage unit) and a measurement phase (where the antenna rotates freely without power connection). This periodic connection/measurement cycle enables the antenna to achieve full rotation for extended measuring range while avoiding the need for complex continuous power transmission during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the energy connection temporary and periodic rather than continuous. The antenna unit rotates during measurement without a physical power connection, dynamically switching between connected (charging) and disconnected (measuring) states. This dynamic approach simplifies the energy supply system while maintaining adaptability for large fill level measurements.
3Measurement precision
If external power supply is used during measurement, then continuous operation is possible, but interference from energy transmission affects measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by charging the energy storage unit (capacitor) before the actual measurement takes place. During the connection phase, energy is stored in advance; during the measurement phase, this pre-stored energy powers the antenna without external power interference. This preliminary energy storage ensures measurement accuracy by eliminating electromagnetic interference from active power transmission while maintaining energy availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the operational cycle into distinct connection/charging phases and measurement phases. During connection phases, energy is transferred and stored; during measurement phases, the stored energy is used without external connection. This temporal segmentation separates the interfering energy transmission from the sensitive measurement process, improving measurement precision while ensuring continuous energy availability through the segmented cycle.
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 solution enables accurate determination of surface topology and fill levels with reduced measurement inaccuracies and interference, allowing for efficient operation in two-wire technology and eliminating the need for sliding contacts.
Implementation Method 1
emit electromagnetic waves or ultrasonic waves in the form of a transmission signal that are at least partially reflected on the product surface or the corresponding object
Implementation Method 2
The at least partially reflected transmission signal (measurement signal) can then be picked up by the antenna unit of the measuring device
Implementation Method 3
at least one stator-rotor coil pair for contactless energy transfer from the stationary area to the rotating area
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a level indicator for acquiring a topology of the surface of a material that is filled into something, said level indicator comprising a rotating antenna device. An energy accumulator which is mounted on the antenna device is charged in a first period of time and supplies the energy required by the high-frequency unit during the measurement process. Thus, there is no need for wireless energy transmission to the rotating sensor component during the measurement process, so the measurements are not distorted by EMC interference.