Digital Evaluation Unit for Vibronic Sensor Parameter Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibronic sensors in automation technology require custom analog electronics for each sensor type and application, making them inflexible for measuring process-specific parameters like fill level, density, and viscosity.
Innovation Solution
A method using a digitized input signal and a mathematical model to adaptively determine process-specific parameters, eliminating the need for custom analog electronics by analyzing the oscillatory behavior of the vibronic sensor in interaction with the medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If custom analog electronics are used for each sensor type and application, then measurement precision for process-specific parameters is improved, but device complexity and lack of adaptability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal digital evaluation unit that can process multiple sensor types (vibronic sensors, membrane oscillators) and measure various parameters (fill level, density, viscosity, temperature) through a single integrated system. The digital signal processing architecture with configurable function blocks replaces multiple dedicated analog electronics, enabling one system to perform functions that previously required separate customized circuits for each sensor type and measurement parameter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom analog electronics are designed for each application, then adaptability to specific measurements is improved, but ease of operation and manufacturing flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves adaptability through digital parameter configuration rather than hardware redesign. The evaluation unit uses digitally stored oscillation characteristics (resonant frequency, damping factor, eigenfrequency) that can be programmed to match different sensor types and measurement conditions. This allows the same physical hardware to be adapted to various applications by changing digital parameters and selecting different evaluation algorithms, eliminating the need to manufacture custom analog circuits for each application.
3Reliability
If analog electronics are matched to each sensor type, then reliability for specific measurements is improved, but loss of time for system configuration and setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing oscillation characteristics and evaluation algorithms in digital memory for different sensor types and measurement parameters. During system setup, the appropriate pre-programmed parameters and evaluation routines are automatically selected and loaded based on the sensor type and desired measurement, eliminating time-consuming manual configuration and matching of analog electronics. The system is prepared in advance with multiple configuration options readily available for immediate deployment.
4Measurement precision
If multiple dedicated sensor systems are used for different parameters, then measurement precision for each parameter is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dedicated measurement functions into a single integrated digital evaluation unit. The system combines fill level detection, density measurement, viscosity measurement, and temperature compensation capabilities in one unified architecture that processes signals from a single oscillatable sensor element. Multiple parameters are extracted simultaneously through digital signal analysis of the sensor's oscillation behavior, replacing what would traditionally require separate dedicated sensor systems for each measurement type.
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 flexible use of oscillatable sensors for various process-specific parameter measurements with a single digital electronics setup, allowing simultaneous registration of multiple parameters and integration into conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitting/receiving unit is usually at least one piezoelectric, respectively electromechanical, element
Implementation Method 2
the oscillatable element of a vibronic sensor is connected with a membrane by material bonding and can be embodied as an oscillatory fork or as a single rod
Implementation Method 3
the sensor is operated with the resonant frequency of the oscillatable system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining and or monitoring at least one process- and/or system specific parameter in automation technology. An oscillatable system is provided, which interacts with a medium located in a container, wherein the oscillatable system is excited to oscillate via a real input signal, wherein the real output signal of the oscillatable system is ascertained, wherein the real output signal is digitized and a real output sequence yu(k) is produced. The real input signal is digitized and a digital input sequence (u(k)) is produced, wherein the digital input sequence (u(k)) is fed to a function block (model), which provides at least one mathematical model of the oscillatable system in interaction with the medium. The mathematical model is defined by a number of process- and/or system specific parameters, wherein via the mathematical model a virtual output sequence (ym(k)) is produced, wherein the virtual output sequence ym(k) is compared with the real output sequence yu(k). In the case of a deviation, at least one process- and/or system specific parameter of the mathematical model is adaptively changed, until the deviation between the virtual output signal and the real output signal of the oscillatable unit lies within a predetermined tolerance range and wherein at least one of the process- and/or system specific parameters is provided.