Vibronic Sensor Dual Oscillating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibronic sensors face limitations in accurately measuring density beyond a certain viscosity, as the measurement principles become unreliable due to interactions between the oscillatable unit and the medium, leading to inaccurate determination of process variables like fill level, density, and viscosity.
Innovation Solution
The device employs at least two oscillating elements that are excited and evaluated separately to produce mechanical oscillations, allowing for the comprehensive evaluation of oscillation behavior and enabling the simultaneous determination of multiple process variables without interference, using different excitation methods and geometries to optimize sensitivity to density and viscosity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single oscillating unit is used to measure process variables, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision deteriorates when the medium viscosity exceeds a certain threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The single oscillating unit is divided into multiple oscillating elements (first oscillating element and second oscillating element), each capable of being excited and evaluated separately. This segmentation allows independent measurement of different process variables, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple oscillating elements are designed to serve multiple functions: one element can measure density while another measures viscosity, or both can contribute to fill level detection. This multi-functionality enables accurate determination of multiple process variables simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple process variables are measured simultaneously using a single oscillating unit, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of measurement deteriorates due to interference between variables
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented across multiple oscillating elements, with each element dedicated to specific measurement tasks. This reduces interference between measurements of different process variables, improving reliability while keeping device complexity low through efficient use of separate elements for different measurement purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
Each oscillating element is optimized with specific geometric properties tailored to its measurement function. For example, elements have different orientations or dimensions that make them selectively sensitive to density or viscosity, ensuring reliable measurements without cross-interference while maintaining simple device architecture.
3Measurement precision
If the oscillating unit is designed with optimized geometry for density measurement, then the measurement precision for density is high, but the ability to measure viscosity accurately deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple oscillating elements with different geometric optimizations. One element can be designed with geometry optimized for density measurement while another is optimized for viscosity measurement, allowing both measurements to be performed accurately without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by combining multiple oscillating elements with complementary geometric properties. This allows the sensor to accurately measure both density and viscosity across a broad viscosity range, resolving the contradiction between specialized optimization and measurement versatility.
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
This approach enhances measurement accuracy and expands the range of applications by allowing for precise determination of fill level, density, and viscosity across a broader viscosity range, independent of the medium's properties.
Implementation Method 1
which in turn can be, for example, a piezoelectric drive or an electromagnetic drive
Implementation Method 2
which in turn can be, for example, a piezoelectric drive or an electromagnetic drive
Implementation Method 3
this unit is excited to mechanical vibrations by a drive/receiver unit
Implementation Method 4
For example, for a resonant oscillation, the oscillating circuit condition, according to which the gain factor is ≥1 and all phases occurring in the oscillating circuit are multiples of 360°, must be met
Implementation Method 5
the drive/receiver unit can receive the mechanical vibrations of the mechanically oscillating unit and convert them into an electrical reception signal
Implementation Method 6
the drive/receiver unit can receive the mechanical vibrations of the mechanically oscillating unit and convert them into an electrical reception signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for determining and/or monitoring at least one process variable of a medium (2) in a container (3), comprising a first (11a) and a second vibrating element (11b), a first (12a) and a second drive/receiving unit (12b), and an electronics unit (6), wherein the first drive/receiving unit (12a) is configured to excite the first vibrating element (11a) by means of a first electric excitation signal (UA1) to excite mechanical vibrations, and to receive the mechanical vibrations the first vibrating element (11a) and to convert the same into a first electric received signal (UE1), wherein the second drive/receiving unit (12b) is configured to excite the second vibrating element (11b) by means of a second electric excitation signal (UA2) to excite mechanical vibrations, and to receive the mechanical vibrations of the second vibrating element (11b) and to convert the same into a second electric received signal (UE2), and wherein the electronics unit (6) is configured to determine the process variable by using the first (UE1) and/or second received signal (UE2).