Ultrasonic Fill Level Sensor with Dynamic Power Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting the fill level in collection containers face challenges in accurately measuring both close and far ranges while suppressing undesired interference signals, and they often require numerous measurements, which can be inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method using an ultrasonic sensor device that adapts transmission power, reception gain, and transmission burst for individual measurements within measurement cycles, with initialization to calibrate the sensor for specific container types and a plausibility check to filter out invalid measurements, allowing for precise fill level determination with reduced measurement cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If constant transmission power is used during measurements, then the measurement process is simple, but significant signal losses occur at close range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transmission power variable rather than constant. The system dynamically adjusts the transmission power of ultrasonic signals based on the measured distance to the collection container bottom, using higher power for close-range measurements and lower power for far-range measurements, thereby optimizing signal quality across all distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of transmission power from a fixed value to a variable that depends on distance. By modifying this physical parameter based on measurement conditions, the system achieves both simple operation and reduced signal loss
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement cycles are performed to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing an initialization process that calibrates the sensor device for a specific collection container type before actual measurements. This pre-calibration stores reference data that enables more accurate measurements with fewer cycles, reducing the time penalty associated with multiple measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by evaluating measurement results and using this information to optimize subsequent measurements. The plausibility check provides feedback on measurement quality, allowing the system to determine when sufficient accuracy has been achieved without requiring a fixed number of measurement cycles
3Measurement precision
If plausibility checks are performed on all measurement values, then measurement accuracy improves, but computational effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing plausibility checks selectively rather than uniformly on all measurement values. The system applies different evaluation criteria based on the specific measurement context and characteristics, focusing computational resources where they are most needed to ensure accuracy
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 and efficient fill level measurement by minimizing the number of measurement cycles and ensuring only valid data is used, improving the accuracy and computational efficiency of the process.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer arranged in the sensor device emits signals which are reflected as echo signals by the contents or by the bottom of the collection container
Implementation Method 2
The distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the content or the distance between the ultrasonic transducer and the bottom of the collection container is determined via the echo signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for detecting a fill level in a collecting vessel by means of a sensor device, wherein the collecting vessel has m detection regions which are measured by means of ultrasound, said method comprising the following steps: 1. a measurement cycle is performed for each of the m detection regions, where m = 1, 2, 3,...; 2. n individual measurements are performed in each measurement cycle, where n = 1, 2, 3,..., wherein a transmission power and/or a reception gain and/or a transmission burst is varied in each of the n individual measurements, as a result of which the individual measurements are distinguished from one another in terms of the transmission power and/or in terms of the reception gain and/or in terms of the transmission burst.