Concrete Pump Stroke Detection via Pressure Signal Filtering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the delivery rate of liquid delivery means, such as concrete pumps, are cumbersome and prone to time delays due to the complexity of detecting pump strokes, especially in mobile setups, where direct measurement via limit switches requires intricate cable arrangements or radio links.
Innovation Solution
A method using series-connected mean value filters with adapting filter lengths and variable detection limits to calculate the number of pump strokes based on pressure measurements, allowing for indirect and precise determination of the delivery rate, even in noisy conditions, without prior knowledge of the pump frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement via limit switches is used to detect pump strokes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to intricate cable arrangements or radio links required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical limit switch system with a computational method that analyzes pressure sensor signals. Instead of using physical switches and complex cable arrangements, the system uses software-based detection of pressure curve characteristics (peaks and valleys) to determine pump strokes, thereby eliminating the mechanical detection hardware and its associated complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure curve analysis as an intermediary between the pump operation and stroke detection. Rather than directly detecting strokes with limit switches, the system uses pressure measurements as an intermediate signal that correlates with pump stroke events, allowing indirect but accurate detection without physical contact with moving parts
2Measurement precision
If multiple filters with adapting lengths are used in series to analyze pressure signals, then measurement precision is improved under noisy conditions, but computation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure signal processing into multiple sequential stages using different filter types (moving average filter, median filter, derivative filter). Each filter segment addresses specific signal characteristics - smoothing, noise removal, and feature enhancement - allowing complex signal analysis to be broken down into manageable computational steps that can be implemented efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adapting filter lengths that change based on the detected pump frequency. When the pump operates at different speeds, the filter parameters are dynamically adjusted to maintain optimal signal processing performance, ensuring accurate stroke detection across varying operating conditions without requiring fixed, overly complex filtering
3Device complexity
If computational determination based on pressure curves is used, then device complexity is reduced, but time delay in delivery rate determination may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs continuous pressure signal filtering and analysis in real-time during pump operation. By continuously processing the pressure curves and maintaining updated filters, the system prepares the detection mechanism in advance, allowing immediate determination of delivery rate as soon as sufficient data is available, rather than requiring post-processing of recorded data
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for determining the delivery rate of a liquid conveying device, in particular a concrete pump, wherein, based on measured values concerning the pressure of the liquid, the number of pump strokes of the concrete conveying device is determined by connecting several filters with adapting filter lengths and variable detection limits in series, and in particular is determined essentially computationally. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a liquid conveying device and a construction vehicle with a liquid conveying device.