Vibrating Cap Antenna for Level Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave level measurement devices with dielectric antenna elements face reduced accuracy due to deposits from particles in the air, which affect transmission properties, and existing cleaning methods like pressurized rinsing systems are costly and require frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A level measurement device with a dielectric antenna element covered by a cap that vibrates when activated, using either an electromagnetic or piezoelectric drive, to prevent particle buildup and maintain signal transmission integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressurized rinsing system is used to clean the antenna, then deposits are removed from the antenna surface, but installation and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a piezoelectric transducer that generates ultrasonic vibrations at the natural resonance frequency of the horn antenna. This vibration causes deposits on the antenna surface to dislodge and be removed, providing continuous cleaning without requiring complex rinsing systems. The vibration frequency is specifically tuned to match the antenna's natural resonance for maximum cleaning effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressurized rinsing system with a piezoelectric-driven vibration system. Instead of using pressurized gas or liquid to remove deposits, the system uses piezoelectric elements to generate mechanical vibrations that naturally shed deposits from the antenna surface, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If a pressurized rinsing system is installed, then cleaning effectiveness is achieved, but maintenance requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration-based cleaning system operates autonomously without requiring external rinsing media or complex maintenance infrastructure. The piezoelectric transducer self-generates the cleaning action through electrical excitation at the antenna's resonance frequency, eliminating the need for pressurized gas supplies, liquid reservoirs, and associated maintenance procedures.
3Productivity
If the antenna is exposed to particles in the air, then measurement functionality is maintained, but deposits accumulate on the antenna surface
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration cleaning system operates continuously or periodically to prevent deposit accumulation before it significantly degrades measurement accuracy. By maintaining constant vibration at the resonance frequency, the system proactively prevents particles from adhering to and accumulating on the antenna surface, ensuring consistent transmission properties throughout operation.
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
The vibrating cap effectively prevents particle deposition on the antenna, ensuring consistent measurement accuracy without the need for costly pressurized rinsing systems and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The cleaning means for cleaning the cap are foreseen, which cause the cap to vibrate when they are activated... using either an electromagnetic or piezoelectric drive
Implementation Method 2
using either an electromagnetic or piezoelectric drive, to prevent particle buildup and maintain signal transmission integrity
Implementation Method 3
an antenna comprising a dielectric antenna element for transmitting microwave signals towards the product and/or for receiving echo signals resulting from reflections of the transmitted microwave signals
Data Source
AI summary
A level measurement device for measuring a level (L) of a product, in particular a product contained in a container, comprising: mounting means for mounting said measurement device at a measurement site, an antenna comprising a dielectric antenna element for transmitting microwave signals (S) towards the product and/or for receiving echo signals (R) resulting from reflections of the transmitted microwave signals, and measurement electronics for determining the level (L) of the product based on a transit time needed for the microwave signals to travel to a surface of the product and of their echo signals to return to the device, is described allowing to prevent deposits to build up, which may eventually impair transmission and/or reception of the signals. To this extent, the measurement device according to the invention comprises a cap covering said dielectric antenna element and cleaning means for cleaning said cap are foreseen, which cause said cap to vibrate when they are activated.