Vibronic Sensor Phase Shift Decoupling Density Viscosity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vibronic sensors face limitations in accurately determining the density and viscosity of media due to the need to account for mutual influences between these variables and are restricted by empirically derived relationships, leading to inaccuracies and limited applicability.

Innovation Solution

A vibronic sensor system that sets specific phase shifts between excitation and reception signals to determine density and viscosity using analytical formulas, accounting for interactions between the oscillatable unit and the medium, allowing for universal application across various viscous media.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If empirical relationships are used to determine density and viscosity, then the measurement can be performed, but the accuracy is limited due to mutual influences between variables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of density and viscosity determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of accounting for mutual variable influences
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the determination of medium properties into two independent measurements: density is determined from frequency changes at a first phase shift, while viscosity is determined from frequency changes at a second phase shift. This segmentation eliminates the need to account for mutual influences between variables, as each property is measured independently through separate phase shift conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the phase shift parameter between excitation and reception signals to enable different measurement modes. By setting the phase shift to a first value (e.g., 0° or 180°) for density measurement and a second value (e.g., 90°) for viscosity measurement, the system can independently determine each property without interference from the other, thereby improving accuracy while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single phase shift method is used, then the device operation is simple, but the applicability is limited to specific media conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to various viscous mediaVSAvoidsimplicity of measurement method
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal measurement system that can determine both density and viscosity of various viscous media using a single vibronic sensor device. By incorporating multiple phase shift measurement capabilities, the system becomes multi-functional and adaptable to different media conditions, while the electronic control unit automatically manages the complexity of switching between measurement modes, maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic switching of phase shift values between excitation and reception signals based on measurement requirements. The electronic control unit dynamically adjusts the phase shift parameter to enable different measurement modes (density vs. viscosity), allowing the system to adapt to various media conditions while the automated control maintains operational simplicity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If density and viscosity are determined simultaneously using empirical formulas, then both variables can be measured, but inaccuracies occur due to mutual influences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of simultaneous variable measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of handling variable interdependencies
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the simultaneous measurement into sequential independent measurements by utilizing different phase shift conditions. Density is measured when the phase shift is at a first value, and viscosity is measured when the phase shift is at a second value. This temporal and conditional segmentation eliminates mutual variable influences, achieving high accuracy while the electronic control unit manages the switching complexity automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses phase shift as an intermediary parameter to decouple the measurement of density and viscosity. By introducing the phase shift condition as a mediator between the excitation signal and the measurement process, the system can selectively measure each property independently, eliminating the need to mathematically resolve complex interdependencies between density and viscosity variables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the accuracy of density and viscosity determination by independently measuring each variable and expands the sensor's applicability to all viscous media, improving precision beyond prior art methods.

Implementation Method 1

which in turn can be, for example, a piezoelectric or electromagnetic drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

which in turn can be, for example, a piezoelectric or electromagnetic drive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

this unit is excited into mechanical vibrations by a drive/receiver unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 4

the resonant circuit condition must be met, according to which the gain factor is ≥1 and all phases occurring in the resonant circuit are multiples of 360°

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 5

the drive/receiver unit can receive the mechanical vibrations of the mechanically vibrating unit and convert them into an electrical reception signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 6

the drive/receiver unit can receive the mechanical vibrations of the mechanically vibrating unit and convert them into an electrical reception signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3262395B1Vibronic sensor
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 ENDRESS & HAUSER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3262395B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3262395B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3c
  • EP3262395B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a vibronic sensor (1) and to a method for operating a vibronic sensor for monitoring at least the density (ρ) and/or the viscosity (η) of a medium (2) in a container (3), said vibronic sensor at least comprising a unit (4) that can vibrate mechanically, a driving/receiving unit (5), and an electronic unit (6), wherein the driving/receiving unit (5) is designed to excite the unit (4) that can vibrate mechanically to mechanically vibrate by means of an electrical excitation signal (UA), and to receive the mechanical vibrations of the unit (4) that can vibrate mechanically, and to convert said mechanical vibrations into an electrical reception signal (UE), wherein the electronic unit (6) is designed to produce the excitation signal (UA) on the basis of the reception signal (UE) in such a way that a specifiable phase shift (φ 45, φ 90) exists between the excitation signal (UA) and the reception signal (UE), wherein the electronic unit (6) is designed to set at least a first specifiable phase shift (φ 90) and a second specifiable phase shift (φ 45), and to determine a first frequency (ω90) and a second frequency (ω135) corresponding to the respective specifiable phase shifts (φ 90, φ 45), and to determine from the two frequencies (ω90, ω135) the density (ρ) by means of a first analytical formula and the viscosity (η) of the medium (2) by means of a second analytical formula.