Miniature Wireless Density Meter Ultrasonic Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional density meters are often large and invasive, requiring liquid sampling or disturbance, and struggle to differentiate between liquids with similar dielectric constants, making them unsuitable for hazardous chemicals like hydrogen peroxide solutions.
Innovation Solution
A miniature wireless density meter with transducers and a controller that determines liquid density based on ultrasonic transmission and reflection measurements, allowing for non-invasive, real-time monitoring of liquids, even in rotating containers, using a compact capsule package that can fit through small openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional density meters are used, then density measurement capability is provided, but the device size is large and requires liquid sampling or disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical density measurement systems with ultrasonic transducers that use acoustic waves to measure density. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical sampling hoses and liquid disturbance, allowing non-invasive measurement through the container wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the container wall itself as an intermediary medium for ultrasonic wave transmission. Instead of requiring direct contact with the liquid through sampling hoses, the ultrasonic waves pass through the container wall to reach the liquid, eliminating the need for invasive sampling mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If sampling technologies are used, then density measurement is possible, but the ability to distinguish between liquids with similar dielectric constants is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from dielectric constant (which is similar for many liquids) to ultrasonic wave transmission characteristics (velocity, attenuation). This parameter change enables differentiation between liquids with similar dielectric constants by measuring how ultrasonic waves propagate through them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electrical measurement systems that rely on dielectric constant differences with ultrasonic acoustic measurement systems. This substitution simplifies the measurement approach while improving the ability to distinguish between different liquids based on their acoustic properties.
3Productivity
If wireless transmission is implemented, then real-time monitoring capability is provided, but device power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement and transmission cycles rather than continuous operation. The ultrasonic transducers transmit waves at intervals, and the controller processes and transmits data periodically, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining real-time monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing container and its wall structure to serve the measurement function, eliminating the need for additional power-intensive sampling and handling systems. The container itself becomes part of the measurement pathway.
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 efficient, safe, and cost-effective monitoring of hazardous liquid concentrations without disrupting distillation processes, effectively distinguishing between liquids with similar dielectric constants, such as hydrogen peroxide solutions, by using a compact, wireless device that can operate submerged or floating in containers.
Implementation Method 1
a first transducer disposed in the housing at a first position, and a second transducer disposed in the housing at a second position located a distance from the first transducer. The device also includes a controller that reads a first output from the first transducer, and a second output from the second transducer, and determines a density of a liquid based on the first output, the second output, and the distance.
Implementation Method 2
a transducer disposed in the housing at a first position, and a reflector disposed in the housing at a second position located a distance from the transducer. The device also includes a controller that reads output from the transducer and determines a density of a liquid based on the output and the distance.
Implementation Method 3
a wedge structure coupled to the housing. The wedge structure includes an exposed surface to come in contact with a liquid, and a plurality of facets. The device includes a first transducer disposed in the housing coupled to a first facet of the wedge structure at a first angle of incidence relative to the exposed surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A device to determine density includes a housing, a first transducer disposed in the housing at a first position, and a second transducer disposed in the housing at a second position. The second transducer is located a distance from the first transducer. The device also includes a controller that reads a first output from the first transducer, and reads a second output from the second transducer. The controller determines a density of a liquid based on the first output, the second output, and the distance.