Conveyor Weighing Cell Array for Precise Bulk Mass Flow Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining mass flow in conveyor systems are imprecise, particularly due to uneven distribution and agglutination of bulk materials, and lack precise measurement of transport velocity, leading to inaccuracies in mass flow determination.
Innovation Solution
A method using an array of successive weighing cells to chronologically detect mass flow by comparing spatially and temporally resolved measuring values, allowing for precise determination of mass and transport velocity through spatial-temporal pattern recognition and autocorrelation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gravimetric weighing devices are used to measure mass flux, then continuous measurement is achieved, but precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor belt is divided into multiple sections, each equipped with its own weighing cell. This segmentation allows for localized measurement of material mass at different positions, enabling more precise determination of mass flow by comparing measurements across multiple points rather than relying on a single weighing point.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple weighing cells to continuously monitor and calculate mass flow. By comparing measurements from different weighing cells over time, the system can detect changes in material distribution and transport velocity, providing real-time feedback for improved measurement accuracy and reliability.
2Speed
If air flow measurements are used to detect flow velocity, then velocity detection is achieved, but mass flux detection is not precise
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines velocity detection capabilities with mass measurement capabilities by integrating weighing cells with belt velocity measurement. This merging allows simultaneous determination of both flow velocity and material mass, enabling precise calculation of mass flux (mass flow rate) by multiplying mass per unit length by velocity.
3Measurement precision
If conveyor belt weighing devices are used for dynamic measuring, then mass flux determination is possible, but belt velocity uncertainty affects accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor belt velocity at multiple points and use this information to correct mass flow calculations. By measuring velocity at different locations and times, the system can detect slippage and tension variations, providing real-time velocity information that compensates for uncertainties in mass flux determination.
4Measurement precision
If multiple weighing cells are used to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weighing cells serve multiple functions: they measure material mass at their respective positions, provide velocity information through temporal comparison of measurements, and detect material distribution patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate velocity measurement devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while still achieving improved measurement precision.
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 precise, cost-effective, and robust measurement of mass flow without affecting the conveyor line, capable of continuous operation and compensation for material accumulations and sensor drifts, facilitating accurate regulation of material feed and downstream processes.
Implementation Method 1
the weight on the belt can be determined by a weighing cell as a function of time
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a mass flow of bulk material in a conveyor line includes providing a conveyor line, continuously receiving bulk material, transporting the bulk material on the conveyor line, and discharging the bulk material at an end point of the conveyor line. The conveyor line includes an array of weighing cells having a plurality of weighing cells successive in a direction of transport.