UWB RF Localization for Accurate Fluid Level Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring fluid levels, such as using floats, ultrasonic waves, radar, and pressure transducers, suffer from inaccuracies due to environmental conditions, mechanical failures, and maintenance issues, while UWB technology offers centimeter-level accuracy but is underutilized for fluid level measurement.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing UWB antennas and processors to calculate fluid level by analyzing RF signals from a floating device, incorporating time-of-flight, phase-difference-of-arrival, and angle-of-arrival measurements, with anchor devices and remote float devices for precise localization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic or radar waves are used for fluid level measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental conditions and RF reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical float-based measurement systems with RF signal-based localization. Instead of using physical floats, ultrasonic waves, or radar, the system uses RF signals transmitted between anchor devices and float devices to calculate fluid level through time-of-flight measurements, eliminating mechanical moving parts and reducing sensitivity to environmental factors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from wave-based (ultrasonic/radar) or mechanical-based (float position) to RF signal time-of-flight based on the speed of light. This parameter change enables centimeter-level precision by measuring the time for RF signals to travel between anchor devices and float devices, providing immunity to environmental conditions that affect other measurement methods
2Measurement precision
If pressure transducers are submerged in fluid for measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to clogs in sensor orifices and vent tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pressure transducer-based measurement system with an RF localization system. Instead of submerging sensors that are prone to clogging, the system uses RF signals transmitted through air between anchor devices and float devices to calculate fluid level, completely eliminating the need for submerged sensor orifices and vent tubes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces float devices as intermediaries that carry RF transceivers on the fluid surface. These float devices act as mediators between the anchor devices and the fluid, enabling measurement without direct contact between sensors and fluid, thus preventing clogs in sensor orifices
3Measurement precision
If float-based measurement systems are used, then fluid level measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases due to numerous moving parts prone to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical float-and-rod system with an RF-based electronic measurement system. Instead of using physical floats attached to rods with swivel points and variable resistors, the system uses RF signals transmitted between anchor devices and float devices with RF transceivers, eliminating mechanical moving parts while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the float devices to autonomously transmit their position information via RF signals to anchor devices. The system automatically calculates fluid level based on the RF signal time-of-flight measurements, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages and manual reading mechanisms
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
Provides accurate, reliable fluid level measurements with centimeter-level precision, reducing maintenance needs and environmental sensitivity, and enabling automated fluid control systems.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the time-of-flight of a radio-frequency signal between the UWB antenna and the floating device
Implementation Method 2
analyzing the at least one RF signal received by the RF antenna, measuring a phase-difference-of-arrival of the at least one RF signal
Implementation Method 3
at least one remote float device configured to emit at least one RF signal and configured to float on the surface of a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for accurately determining fluid level using Ultra Wideband (UWB) positioning or localization. UWB utilizes a radio-frequency (RF) technology to enable the accurate measurement of the time-of-flight of a radio signal and UWB positioning can operate in Time-Difference-of-Arrival (TDoA) mode, Two-Way-Ranging (TWR) mode, and Phase-Difference-of-Arrival (PDoA) mode. The systems disclosed herein include multiple anchor devices having a UWB antenna(s) and positioned in fixed location(s) over the fluid to be measured. The anchor devices serve as reference points for UWB communication with a remote float device, which emits RF signals and floats on the surface of the fluid to be measured. The anchor devices may include, or be in communication with, a processor which receives and/or measures RF signals, generates timestamps, calculates distance(s) between the remote float device and an anchor device, calculates fluid level, calculates an angle-of-arrival (AoA), or any combination thereof.