Conveyor Spout Positioning via GNSS-RTK Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aligning a conveyor with a bin, particularly aligning a spout of the conveyor with a bin opening, is difficult and time-consuming, often requiring two persons and is not efficiently automated.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor positioning system utilizing a Global Navigation Satellite System-Real Time Kinematic (GNSS-RTK) system, which includes a fixed base station and a GNSS receiver on the conveyor, to automatically or semi-automatically position the conveyor spout relative to the bin opening, allowing for fully automatic, semi-automatic, or user-assisted alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment method is used with spotter and driver, then alignment can be achieved, but it is difficult and time-consuming requiring two persons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical alignment system (spotter visual guidance and driver control) with an automated GNSS-RTK positioning system that uses satellite signals and real-time kinematic correction to automatically determine conveyor position and guide alignment with the bin opening
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the conveyor to self-position and self-align using the GNSS-RTK positioning system, eliminating the need for external human operators (spotter and driver) to manually guide the alignment process
2Extent of automation
If manual alignment method is used, then alignment can be achieved, but it requires two persons to perform the alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex human coordination system (spotter communication and driver operation) with an automated electronic positioning system using GNSS-RTK technology, which manages the complexity through standardized satellite positioning protocols and automated control algorithms
3Measurement precision
If automated positioning system is implemented, then alignment speed and accuracy are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a base station as an intermediary component that receives GNSS signals and generates real-time kinematic correction data, which is then transmitted to the mobile receiver on the conveyor. This intermediary system enables high-precision positioning (centimeter-level accuracy) by correcting satellite signal errors without requiring direct complex processing on the conveyor itself
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 efficient and precise alignment of the conveyor spout with the bin opening, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving the speed and accuracy of material loading and unloading processes.
Implementation Method 1
The conveyor positioning system in one implementation comprises a Global Navigation Satellite System-Real Time Kinematic (GNSS-RTK) positioning system that includes a fixed base station and a GNSS receiver on the conveyor
Data Source
AI summary
A material-conveying system comprising a conveyor for conveying material to a bin and a conveyor positioning system associated with the conveyor. The conveyor positioning system comprises a processor for positioning the conveyor relative to the bin. The conveyor comprises a spout and the bin comprises an opening. The conveyor positioning system positions the spout of the conveyor over the opening of the bin. The conveyor positioning system in one implementation comprises a Global Navigation Satellite System-Real Time Kinematic (GNSS-RTK) positioning system that includes a fixed base station and a GNSS receiver on the conveyor.