Columnar Device Level Measurement for Dry Bulk Solids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring the depth of dry bulk particulate materials in containers are complex, expensive, unreliable, and prone to wear in harsh environments, and are affected by temperature changes and material flow characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A columnar device with a closed lower end and sidewall openings is used within the container, supported by a load cell to measure the weight of the material, providing a reliable and accurate method that is not affected by external factors, with various shapes and configurations to ensure proper material flow and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional measuring devices are used to measure the level of dry bulk material in containers, then measurement capability is provided, but the devices are complex, expensive, and unreliable in harsh environments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential measurement function from complex conventional devices. By using a simple columnar structure with openings that allows material to flow in and out, coupled with a load cell, the system isolates the core measurement capability while eliminating unnecessary complexity, resulting in a reliable and simple device suitable for harsh environments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a load cell, which is a relatively simple and cost-effective sensor compared to conventional measuring devices. The columnar structure with openings is designed to be simple and maintenance-friendly, effectively treating the measurement system as a cost-efficient solution that can be replaced if needed, rather than investing in complex, expensive conventional devices
2Reliability
If conventional measuring devices are used, then measurement is possible, but they are affected by temperature changes and have moving parts subject to wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes moving parts from the measurement system entirely. The columnar structure with openings has no moving components, and the load cell provides a static measurement method. This extraction of moving parts eliminates wear and damage issues, making the system highly reliable in harsh environments with temperature variations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical measuring mechanisms with a load cell that measures weight directly. This substitution eliminates the need for moving mechanical parts that would be subject to wear, friction, and temperature-related failures, providing a more reliable measurement system
3Ease of manufacture
If simple measurement methods are used, then cost is reduced, but measurement accuracy and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a columnar structure with openings as an intermediary element between the bulk material and the load cell. This intermediary ensures that material flows into and out of the columnar device, allowing the load cell to accurately measure the weight of material at a specific level, thereby maintaining measurement precision while keeping the overall system simple and cost-effective
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
The solution provides a simple, cost-effective, and reliable method for measuring the level of dry bulk solids, offering a linear correlation between weight and level height, reducing errors and ensuring accurate inventory management and refilling operations.
Implementation Method 1
A load cell is used to measure a weight of the dry bulk material within the columnar device
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for measuring a level of dry bulk material within a container (10) has a columnar device (20) supported vertically within the container. The columnar device (20) has a closed lower end (23) and openings (21) through a sidewall (22) thereof for allowing dry bulk material within the container (10) to flow into and out of the columnar device (20). A load cell (25) is used to measure a weight of the dry bulk material within the columnar device (20), which is then correlated to the level of dry bulk solids within the container (10). The columnar device (20) and the sidewall openings (21) therein can be provided in various shapes and configurations.