Conveyor Segment Control for Self-Learning Anomaly Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveyor systems lack efficient methods for identifying data patterns in real-time operations, relying on predefined reference values for error detection, which limits their adaptability and effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A method that utilizes self-learning systems, such as neural networks, to identify conveyor segment-specific and conveyed material-specific data patterns without prior training, allowing for continuous data pattern generation and anomaly detection based on continuity criteria, enabling dynamic analysis of large data volumes generated during normal operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If predefined reference values are used for error detection, then the system structure remains simple, but the adaptability and effectiveness of anomaly detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of anomaly detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of data analysis system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-learning by automatically generating reference values from operational data without requiring external training or manual configuration. The conveyor system itself serves as the training data source, enabling the algorithm to adapt to specific operational patterns autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system collects and stores operational data in advance during normal operation, building a database of reference patterns before anomaly detection is needed. This preliminary data accumulation enables rapid adaptation when anomalies occur

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If large volumes of operational data are collected and analyzed, then the precision of anomaly detection improves, but the processing time and computational resources increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of anomaly detectionVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts only the most relevant features and patterns from the large volume of operational data, focusing analysis on key parameters that indicate anomalies. This selective extraction maintains detection precision while reducing processing requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies analysis selectively to specific conveyor segments or time periods when anomalies are suspected, rather than continuously analyzing all data. This partial application reduces processing time while maintaining detection effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If conveyor segments are operated with high productivity, then the output increases, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring anomalies increases due to reduced continuity of patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyor outputVSAvoiddifficulty of anomaly detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors operational parameters and provides feedback when deviations from learned patterns are detected. This real-time feedback enables anomaly detection even during high-speed operation by comparing current state against reference patterns

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines multiple data sources and parameters (motor current, speed, position, sensor readings) into a composite analysis model. This multi-parameter approach detects anomalies more reliably even when individual parameters vary during high-productivity operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4452788B1Method for operating a conveyor
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 INTERROLL HLDG
  • EP4452788B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4452788B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4452788B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a conveyor assembly (1), in particular comprising controlling and/or monitoring the conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly (1) comprises a plurality of conveyor segments (2a..e), and each conveyor segment (2) is designed to convey a material (9) to be conveyed in a conveying direction (F); the conveyor segments (2) are arranged one after the other such that the material (9) to be conveyed is transferred from an upstream conveyor segment (2a..2d) to a downstream conveyor segment (2b..e), and each conveyor segment (2) has a conveyor segment drive (3M) which is designed to provide a driving force, in particular isolated for this conveyor segment, in order to convey the material (9) to be conveyed on this conveyor segment; a zone controller (11) for controlling the conveyor segment drive (3M) is assigned to each conveyor segment (2). The method comprises the following method steps: detecting conveyor segment data (R) which are generated during the operation of a conveyor segment (2); and collecting conveyor segment data (R) from a plurality of conveyor segments.