Conveyor Transfer Point Positioning via Radar Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for positioning transfer points on belt conveyor systems in opencast coal mines are inefficient due to high personnel costs, mechanical destruction, and sensitivity to contamination, making manual or mechanical solutions impractical.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing a radar sensor system to automatically position the transfer point by detecting its position relative to the conveyor belt, generating control signals to maintain alignment and prevent material loss, with Doppler and distance radar sensors ensuring precise and reliable operation even in harsh conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual positioning of the transfer point is used, then personnel costs are incurred and operating errors occur, but the system is simple to implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated radar-based detection and control system. The radar sensor system detects the position of the conveying conveyor belt without mechanical contact, and the control device automatically generates control signals to position the transfer point, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a radar sensor system as an intermediary between the transfer point positioning system and the conveying conveyor belt. The radar sensors detect the belt position and transmit this information to the control device, which then adjusts the transfer point position accordingly, enabling automatic positioning without direct mechanical interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If mechanical scanning or mechanical connections are used for positioning, then the system can detect position, but mechanical destruction occurs due to bulk material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical scanning and connection systems with a radar-based detection system. The radar sensors detect the position of the conveying conveyor belt and the transfer point without physical contact, eliminating mechanical wear and destruction caused by bulk material while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If optical sensors are used for positioning, then automation is achieved, but the sensors fail due to climatic conditions and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning automation levelVSAvoidsensor operational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical sensors with radar sensors for automated positioning. Radar sensors operate reliably in harsh climatic conditions and are insensitive to contamination from bulk material, maintaining both high automation level and operational reliability in mining environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of substance

If the transfer point position is not accurately maintained, then bulk material falls next to the conveyor belt, but positioning control becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebulk material lossVSAvoidposition control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where radar sensors continuously detect the position of the conveying conveyor belt and the transfer point, and the control device automatically generates control signals to adjust the transfer point position. This closed-loop feedback mechanism minimizes bulk material loss while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 high degree of operational reliability and safety by automatically maintaining the transfer point above the conveyor belt, ensuring efficient loading and minimizing material loss, even under varying climatic conditions and mechanical stress.

Implementation Method 1

a radar sensor system (40, 42, 44), which detects the position of the transfer point (30) relative to the conveying conveyor belt (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

the radar sensor system (40, 42, 44) includes a Doppler effect radar sensor (40)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2199236B1Positioning device for conveyer belt assemblies
Publication Date: 2013.01.09 BEA ELEKTROTECHN & AUTOMATION TECHN DIENSTE LAUSITZ
  • EP2199236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2199236B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2199236B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a control device detecting a position of a position-variable transfer point (30) relative to a discharging conveyor (20) by a Doppler-effect radar sensor (40) and two distance radar sensors (42, 44). The control device generates control signals for positioning of the transfer point based on the detection of position of the transfer point. The control device generates the control signals in order hold the transfer point over a longitudinal axis i.e. middle axis (22), of the discharging conveyor.