Series Functional Units with Decoupling Circuits for Energy Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Level measuring devices, such as those using radar, TDR, or ultrasonic principles, face fluctuating energy consumption due to varying power requirements of their functional units, leading to energy deficits when connected to two-wire loops with constant power supply, necessitating an energy buffer to bridge temporary power deficits.
Innovation Solution
A fill level measuring device with a series arrangement of functional units and energy stores, utilizing decoupling circuits to manage energy distribution from an external power supply, ensuring priority energy supply to critical units and buffering energy demand peaks with dedicated energy stores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central energy buffer is used to compensate for fluctuating energy consumption, then energy deficits can be bridged, but the device complexity and resource occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the energy buffer into multiple distributed energy storage devices, each assigned to specific functional units. Instead of one central buffer, each functional unit has its own dedicated energy storage device, which localizes energy management and reduces the complexity of controlling a single large buffer while maintaining reliable energy supply to each unit independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized energy buffer architecture to a distributed architecture by adding the dimension of spatial distribution. Each functional unit is paired with its own energy storage device in series, creating a modular structure that distributes energy management across multiple independent units rather than managing one large buffer centrally.
2Reliability
If functional units are arranged in series with preferential energy supply, then critical units receive priority energy, but the energy distribution control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a predetermined series arrangement of functional units with defined energy supply priority before energy deficits occur. The decoupling circuits are pre-configured to automatically enforce this priority sequence, so that when energy becomes limited, the system already has the control logic in place to redirect energy to critical units without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a large central energy buffer is used, then energy peaks can be compensated, but the occupation of resources and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total energy storage capacity into multiple smaller distributed energy storage devices, each assigned to specific functional units. This segmentation allows the system to compensate for energy peaks using smaller, more efficiently utilized storage units rather than requiring one large central buffer, thereby reducing overall resource occupation while maintaining the same energy peak compensation 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
This solution efficiently manages energy distribution, prioritizing essential functional units and effectively compensating for fluctuating energy consumption, reducing the need for large central energy buffers and minimizing mutual influence between units, thereby optimizing energy usage and reducing resource occupation.
Implementation Method 1
The first energy storage unit (113, 213, 218) acts as an energy buffer to compensate for fluctuating energy consumption by the second functional unit (111, sensor electronics)
Implementation Method 2
The first decoupling circuit (202, 208) is arranged between the first functional unit (113, communication circuit) and the second functional unit (111, sensor electronics) and is designed to distribute the available electrical energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A level gauge with at least two functional units connected in series with respect to the external power supply. A decoupling circuit is located between the functional units to distribute the available energy between them as needed. Furthermore, at least the second functional unit has an energy storage device that acts as an energy buffer to compensate for fluctuating energy demands. This reduces the start-up time of the level gauge.