Switchable Radar Antenna for Bulk Solids Fill Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radar level measuring devices struggle to precisely determine the fill level of bulk solids and are affected by internal components that disrupt the beam path, leading to inaccurate measurements due to their inability to handle wavy surfaces and strong reflections.
Innovation Solution
A device with a second switchable mode that adjusts the radiation lobe, allowing for precise identification of disruptors and improved measurement accuracy by switching between narrow and wide lobes, and using dielectric materials in waveguides to enhance radiation characteristics and reduce device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single rigidly mounted antenna is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different measurement scenarios (bulk solids with wavy surfaces, disruptors in beam path)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by enabling the antenna to switch between different radiation patterns (narrow and wide lobes) based on measurement requirements. This allows the single antenna structure to adapt to different scenarios such as bulk solids with wavy surfaces or disruptors in the beam path, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If broadband transmission signals are used to change radiation characteristics, then the device can adapt to different scenarios, but measurement precision is reduced due to inability to finely resolve distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of radiation pattern (narrow vs. wide lobe) while maintaining a fixed center frequency. This approach provides adaptability to different measurement scenarios without using broadband signals, thereby preserving fine distance resolution capability. The system switches between radiation patterns rather than changing frequency bands.
3Device complexity
If conventional echo detection methods are used, then the measurement process is simple, but measurement accuracy is poor for bulk solids with mountain or valley-shaped cones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching between narrow and wide radiation lobes to improve measurement accuracy for bulk solids. The wide lobe captures reflections from wavy surfaces and disruptors, while the narrow lobe provides precise distance measurement. This dynamic approach enhances accuracy without significantly complicating the measurement process.
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
Enables precise fill level determination in containers with bulk solids and reduces interference from internal components, improving measurement accuracy and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a first waveguide (2) with a first coupling element P1 for coupling out and coupling in electromagnetic waves
Implementation Method 2
The first waveguide 2 is designed such that first electromagnetic wave modes can be generated in the first waveguide 2 and the second waveguide 5 is designed such that second electromagnetic wave modes can be transmitted in the second waveguide 5
Implementation Method 3
the first waveguide 2 is at least partially filled with at least a first dielectric material and/or the second waveguide 5 is at least partially filled with at least a second dielectric material
Implementation Method 4
Device having two coupling elements for determining and monitoring a fill level by means of transit times of the EM waves
Implementation Method 5
Conventional pulse radar level measuring devices regularly have a transmitting device with a pulse generating device connected to a controller
Implementation Method 6
The antenna then receives the signal components reflected back from the filling material in the direction of the level measuring device as received signals after a transit time
Data Source
Figure 1~2d
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves (EM-waves) for determining and monitoring a fill level of a medium in a container by means of travel times of the EM waves, comprising a first waveguide (2) having a first coupling element (P1) for decoupling and coupling EM-waves, at least one second waveguide (5) having a second coupling element (P2) for decoupling and coupling EM-waves, a horn radiator (8) for emitting and focussing EM-waves, wherein the first and second waveguides (2, 5) are dimensioned such that EM-waves decoupled from the first and second coupling element (P1, P2) are emitted from the horn radiator (8) in a scattered and low-intensity manner, or scattered and low-intensity EM-waves that are received by the horn radiator (8) couple onto the first and second coupling element (P1, P2), and only EM-waves decoupled from the first coupling element (P1) are emitted from the horn radiator (8) in a focused and high-intensity manner, or focused and high-intensity EM-waves that are received by the horn radiator (8) only couple onto the first coupling element (P1).