Wireless Sensor Resonating in Magnetic Field for Non-Invasive Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid level and attribute monitoring systems often require invasive installation within containers, which is not feasible or safe for all scenarios, especially when dealing with electrically conductive containers or hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A wireless sensing system using an environmentally-sealed, electrically non-conductive housing with a spiral trace sensor that resonates in a time-varying magnetic field to non-invasively monitor attributes like level, temperature, magnetic permeability, and dielectric constant of materials in both non-conductive and conductive containers, employing a magnetic field response recorder for wireless data transmission and detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fluid level measurement system is positioned inside the container, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by placing the sensor outside the container and using electromagnetic fields as a mediator to sense fluid level through the container wall. The sensor detects changes in electromagnetic field properties caused by the fluid's presence, eliminating the need for direct insertion into the container while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sensing systems (floats, probes) with an electromagnetic field-based sensing system. Instead of mechanical contact with the fluid, the system uses electromagnetic induction to detect fluid level, thereby simplifying installation and improving safety while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If a conventional sensor is used in an electrically conductive container, then measurement capability is maintained, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the container wall as an intermediary barrier that isolates the sensor from the hazardous environment inside the conductive container. The electromagnetic fields penetrate the container wall and interact with the fluid, allowing safe remote sensing without direct exposure to dangerous conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical contact-based sensing with electromagnetic field-based sensing that can operate through non-conductive container walls. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards associated with placing electrical sensors inside conductive containers while maintaining fluid monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If an invasive sensor system is installed, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the container structure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary that can penetrate the container wall without requiring physical penetration or modification of the container structure. The sensor remains external, and the container wall serves as a transparent medium for field transmission, preserving structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor insertion with electromagnetic sensing that requires no physical breach of the container. The system leverages the container wall's properties to transmit electromagnetic fields, thereby maintaining full structural integrity while achieving accurate measurements.
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 non-invasive, wireless monitoring of container contents from outside, effectively addressing the limitations of traditional systems by providing accurate and safe measurements without the need for direct contact or modification of the container.
Implementation Method 1
The conductor resonates in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field to generate a harmonic response
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the time-varying magnetic field to power the conductor
Implementation Method 3
The conductor in the geometric pattern defines an open-circuit that can store and transfer electrical and magnetic energy
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless sensing system monitors the level, temperature, magnetic permeability and electrical dielectric constant of a non-gaseous material in a container. An open-circuit electrical conductor is shaped to form a two-dimensional geometric pattern that can store and transfer electrical and magnetic energy. The conductor resonates in the presence of a time-varying magnetic field to generate a harmonic response. The conductor is mounted in an environmentally-sealed housing. A magnetic field response recorder wirelessly transmits the time-varying magnetic field to power the conductor, and wirelessly detects the harmonic response that is an indication of at least one of level of the material in the container, temperature of the material in the container, magnetic permeability of the material in the container, and dielectric constant of the material in the container.