Conveyor-Mounted Sensor for Fibre Blanket Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of new alternative binders in mineral or plant fibre blankets, such as those derived from renewable sources, requires precise temperature control during curing to achieve optimal crosslinking, as the temperature range for curing is narrow, and existing methods struggle to maintain consistent conditions throughout the thickness and width of the blanket.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sensor and actuator system mounted on a conveyor belt to measure internal temperatures within the fibre blanket during processing, allowing for real-time temperature monitoring and adjustment, ensuring precise crosslinking of the binder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional heating methods are used with alternative binders, then the binder can be cured, but the temperature control precision deteriorates because the narrow curing range (around 20°C or less) cannot be maintained throughout the blanket thickness and width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements temperature sensors that continuously monitor the blanket temperature during curing and feed this information back to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the heating system to adjust its operation in real-time, maintaining the narrow curing temperature range (around 20°C or less) consistently throughout the blanket thickness and width, thereby resolving the contradiction between temperature control precision and curing consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic heating control where the heating intensity and distribution are continuously adjusted during the curing process based on real-time temperature measurements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to respond to local temperature variations and maintain precise control throughout the blanket, overcoming the limitations of static heating methods
2Adaptability or versatility
If the blanket thickness, density, or moisture content changes, then the manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates making consistent crosslinking difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized heating zones and localized temperature monitoring points distributed throughout the blanket thickness and width. Each zone can be independently controlled based on its specific thermal requirements, allowing the system to adapt to variations in blanket thickness, density, or moisture content while maintaining uniform temperature distribution across the entire blanket
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts heating parameters in different zones based on real-time temperature feedback and blanket characteristics. When blanket thickness, density, or moisture content changes, the control system modifies the heating intensity and distribution pattern accordingly, ensuring consistent crosslinking conditions are maintained despite variations in blanket properties
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
This approach enables optimized heating and drying of the blanket, ensuring consistent crosslinking across its thickness and width, even with changing thickness, density, or moisture content, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the final product.
Implementation Method 1
A method for measuring inside a blanket of mineral and/or plant fibres being moved by at least one conveyor with a conveyor belt, in particular in a crosslinking oven, uses a measuring system comprising a sensor and an actuator for introducing the sensor into the blanket
Implementation Method 2
the actuator being mounted on the conveyor belt and configured to be able to move the sensor between a retracted position and a measuring position inside the blanket under the effect of the movement of the conveyor belt
Implementation Method 3
a conveyor with a conveyor belt for moving the blanket
Implementation Method 4
the blanket is simultaneously dried and subjected to a specific thermal treatment which brings about the polymerization (or 'curing') of the thermosetting resin of the binder present on the surface of the fibres
Data Source
AI summary
A method measures inside a blanket of mineral and/or plant fibres being moved by at least one conveyor with a conveyor belt. The method uses a measuring system including a sensor and an actuator for introducing the sensor into the blanket, the actuator being mounted on the conveyor belt and able to move the sensor between a retracted position and a measuring position inside the blanket. The method also includes introducing the sensor into the blanket by the actuator under the effect of the movement of the conveyor belt.