Clearance Measurement Using Standing Wave Null Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave-based or RF sensor systems for measuring clearance between objects face inaccuracies and high complexity, leading to high costs, power consumption, and calibration drift issues.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system that uses a standing wave null detection technique by exciting a sensor with an incident signal, generating a reflected signal, and processing the interference to determine clearance based on the frequency at which the standing wave exhibits a null, employing a simpler and cost-effective method.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If phase and magnitude measurements of incident and reflected signals are used to determine impedance, then clearance measurement is achieved, but measurement accuracy is insufficient and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the frequency information from the incident and reflected signals, ignoring phase and magnitude measurements. By using a frequency counter to measure the frequency of the standing wave formed by signal interference, the system achieves accurate clearance measurement without requiring complex phase and magnitude detection electronics, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic measurement systems with a simpler frequency-based measurement approach. Instead of using sophisticated electronics to measure phase and magnitude, the system uses a frequency counter to detect the frequency of the standing wave, substituting a simpler measurement mechanism that achieves the same clearance detection goal with reduced complexity
2Measurement precision
If high complexity electronics are used for accurate phase and magnitude measurements, then measurement accuracy improves, but power consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the frequency component from the signal, discarding the need for power-intensive phase and magnitude measurements. By using a frequency counter that simply measures the frequency of the standing wave, the system maintains measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing power consumption compared to complex electronic measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple frequency counter instead of expensive, power-hungry electronic measurement systems. This simpler, more cost-effective device achieves the required measurement accuracy without the high power consumption and cost associated with complex electronics, making the system more economically viable
3Measurement precision
If traditional impedance measurement techniques are used, then clearance measurement is achieved, but calibration drift and noise affect measurement reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from phase and magnitude to frequency. By measuring the frequency of the standing wave instead of relying on phase and magnitude measurements that are susceptible to calibration drift and noise, the system achieves more reliable and stable clearance measurements that are less affected by environmental variations and system aging
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 provides accurate and robust clearance measurements, minimizing calibration drift and noise, and enabling effective clearance control between objects, such as in aircraft engines and turbines, with reduced complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to receive an incident signal and to reflect the incident signal to generate a reflected signal
Implementation Method 2
The incident signal and the reflected signal interfere to form a standing wave
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided and includes exciting a sensor with an incident signal and generating a reflected signal by reflecting the incident signal from the sensor. The incident signal and the reflected signal interfere to form a standing wave. The method also includes processing the signals to determine a sensed parameter based upon a frequency at which the standing wave exhibits a null.