Vibronic Multisensor Piezoelectric Element Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-sensor devices for measuring process variables in media are complex and costly, requiring multiple components and separate units for different measurement principles.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sensor unit that includes a mechanically vibrating unit, at least one reflection unit, and a piezoelectric element, which excites vibrations and emits a transmission signal for dual-mode measurement of process variables using a single piezoelectric element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate units are used for different measurement principles, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (vibration-based measurement and ultrasonic transmission measurement) into a single sensor unit. The piezoelectric element serves dual purposes: exciting the mechanically vibrating unit and emitting ultrasonic transmission signals. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a drive element for mechanical vibrations and a transmitter for ultrasonic signals. The single sensor unit can measure different process variables using different measurement principles, making it a universal measuring device that eliminates the need for multiple separate sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate units are used for different measurement principles, then measurement versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement functions into a single sensor unit with a shared piezoelectric element. This reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to perform multiple types of measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing a universal sensor unit that can perform both vibration-based measurements and ultrasonic transmission measurements, the patent eliminates the need to manufacture and stock multiple different sensor types, reducing inventory costs, assembly complexity, and overall manufacturing expenses.
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 device simplifies the design and reduces costs by using a single piezoelectric element, achieving high measurement accuracy and reliability while covering a wide application range.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element (5) which is attached to the membrane (8)... The device (1) is designed to excite the mechanically vibrating unit (4) to mechanical vibrations by means of an excitation signal
Implementation Method 2
the driving/receiving unit can receive the mechanical vibration of the mechanically vibrating unit and transduce these into an electrical reception signal
Implementation Method 3
at least one reflection unit (10, 10b)... to emit a transmission signal, and to receive a second reception signal
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for measuring and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium is provided. The device comprises a sensor unit with a mechanically vibrating unit, at least one reflection unit, a piezoelectric element which is attached to the membrane, and an electronic. The device is designed to excite the mechanically vibrating unit to mechanical vibrations using an excitation signal, to receive the mechanical vibrations of the vibrating unit and convert them into a first reception signal, to emit a transmission signal, and to receive a second reception signal. The electronic unit is designed to determine the at least one process variable of the medium based on the first and/or second reception signal.