Vibronic Level Sensor Thermocouple Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibronic fill level measuring devices face challenges in integrating a temperature sensor without complicating the manufacturing process or compromising seal and hygiene, as the piezoelectric driving/receiving unit's mounting configuration hinders temperature sensor placement, and separate external temperature measurements can deviate from process temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A thermocouple is formed using existing components of the measuring device, such as the nose and membrane, which are made of materials with different Seebeck coefficients, generating a thermovoltage proportional to the temperature difference, allowing for internal temperature measurement without additional sensors, and the temperature determining unit is placed away from the process to protect it from high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a temperature sensor is integrated into the sensor housing of a vibronic fill level measuring device, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but the mounting of the piezoelectric driving/receiving unit becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensing function with the existing piezoelectric driving/receiving unit by mounting the temperature sensor on the same housing structure. The temperature sensor is positioned to detect process temperature while the piezoelectric unit is mounted on the opposite side of the housing, allowing both functions to coexist without requiring separate process connections. This merging approach enables temperature measurement capability while avoiding additional complexity in the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is placed close to the process area, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure of the vibronic measuring device is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the piezoelectric driving/receiving unit, houses the oscillatable unit, and simultaneously serves as the mounting structure for the temperature sensor. This multi-functionality allows the temperature sensor to be positioned close to the process area for accurate measurement while using the same structural components already present in the device, thereby avoiding additional structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an additional process connection is made for temperature measurement, then temperature sensing capability is improved, but seal and hygiene risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensing function into the existing sensor housing structure, eliminating the need for separate process connections. The temperature sensor is mounted on the housing wall opposite the piezoelectric unit, allowing temperature measurement without creating additional entry points into the process area. This approach maintains seal integrity and hygiene standards while providing temperature sensing capability.
4Device complexity
If the temperature sensor is removed from the process area, then device simplicity is improved, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is designed to provide multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical support for the piezoelectric unit, housing for the oscillatable unit, and mounting structure for the temperature sensor. This allows the temperature sensor to be positioned close to the process area for accurate measurement while using the same structural components already present in the device, thereby maintaining device simplicity without sacrificing measurement accuracy.
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 solution enables simple and accurate process temperature determination within the measuring device, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors and maintaining the device's integrity, while ensuring the temperature determining unit is protected from high process temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the first material and the second material are selected and matched to one another in such a manner that at the contact location between the first material and the second material a thermovoltage Uth dependent on the difference between the process temperature Tp and the reference temperature Tref arises
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for determining at least one process variable of a medium in a container or in a pipeline. The apparatus including: at least a first element and a second element, which are necessary components of the apparatus for determining the process variable and which contact at a contact location, which is exposed to a process temperature. The first element comprises a first material, and the second element comprises a second material. The first material and the second material are selected and matched to one another in such a manner that at the contact location between the first material and the second material a thermovoltage dependent on the difference between the process temperature and a reference temperature arises; and a temperature determining unit measures the thermovoltage and determines the process temperature therefrom.