Single Sensor Fill Level Measurement with Dynamic Rate Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing level measuring devices for storm overflow basins require two sensors, leading to increased maintenance, installation effort, and high energy consumption, making them inefficient, especially in battery-operated setups.
Innovation Solution
A level measuring device with a single continuously measuring sensor that operates in two modes: a low-energy mode for normal conditions and a high-accuracy mode for critical fill levels, using a low-power processor for energy-saving operation and switching to a higher-power processor only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two sensors (continuously measuring fill level sensor and limit level sensor) are used, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the single continuously measuring sensor to operate in variable measurement rates based on fill level conditions. The sensor switches between first measurement rate (normal operation) and second measurement rate (critical conditions), allowing the system to adapt its measurement behavior dynamically rather than maintaining fixed high-rate measurement continuously, thus reducing overall energy consumption while preserving reliability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement rate parameter of the continuously measuring sensor based on the fill level detected by the limit level sensor. When the fill level exceeds a threshold, the measurement rate increases; when below, it decreases. This parameter change allows the system to achieve high measurement reliability during critical events while maintaining low energy consumption during normal operation, resolving the contradiction between reliability and energy efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If two sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the continuously measuring sensor operate at high measurement rate only periodically when critical conditions are detected (when limit level sensor is triggered), rather than continuously. During normal operation, the sensor operates at low measurement rate. This periodic high-precision measurement ensures measurement precision is maintained when needed while significantly reducing average energy consumption compared to continuous high-rate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement rate of the continuously measuring sensor is made dynamic, adjusting between low and high rates based on operational conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to allocate measurement resources (energy) efficiently, maintaining high precision only when the fill level indicates potential overflow conditions, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while preserving measurement precision for critical events.
3Measurement precision
If continuously measuring sensor operates at high measurement rate continuously, then measurement accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by having the continuously measuring sensor operate at high measurement rate only partially (when critical conditions occur) rather than excessively (continuously). The limit level sensor triggers the high-accuracy measurement mode only when necessary, avoiding excessive energy consumption while ensuring measurement accuracy is maintained during critical overflow events. This partial application of high-precision measurement resolves the contradiction between continuous accuracy and energy efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
Level measuring device with a single continuously measuring level sensor (200) and at least one processor (500) for controlling the level sensor (200) and for evaluating the measurement results, wherein the level measuring device has at least a first operating mode (300) and a second operating mode (301) for determining the level, wherein the measuring device has a first measurement rate and a first measurement accuracy in the first operating mode (300) and has a second measurement rate and a second measurement accuracy in the second operating mode (301), wherein the first measurement rate is lower than the second measurement rate and/or the first measurement accuracy is lower than the second measurement accuracy.