Feeder Rotor Position Measurement via Optical Laser and Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeder systems for pulp lines, particularly those with high and low pressure, face challenges in accurately measuring rotor position due to mechanical complexities and vulnerabilities to damage, requiring cumbersome cable installations and calibration processes.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, battery-powered measuring system with angle sensors based on gravity, gyroscope, or compass, integrated into a compact frame on the feeder's adjustment wheel or shaft, allowing for accurate axial position measurement and data logging without cables, enabling easy installation and reduced calibration complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical ruler and mechanical connection system are used to measure rotor position, then the measurement can be obtained, but the system becomes vulnerable to damages and makes feeder operation more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ruler and mechanical connection system with an optical measurement system. A laser device projects a laser line onto the rotor surface, and a camera captures the laser line position to determine rotor angular position. This eliminates mechanical contacts that are vulnerable to damage while maintaining measurement precision.
2Loss of information
If cable arrangements are installed for power and data transmission in the magnetic position sensor system, then continuous measurement data can be obtained, but the system complexity increases and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates cable arrangements by using wireless communication. The camera device captures laser line positions and transmits measurement data wirelessly to a computer or control system, removing the need for physical cable installations for both power and data transmission.
3Measurement precision
If a magnetic position sensor system with rod and flange translation mechanism is used, then rotor position can be measured, but careful calibration is required to eliminate installation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic position sensor system with rod and flange translation mechanism with a direct optical measurement system. The laser and camera directly measure rotor position without mechanical translation components, eliminating the need for careful calibration to eliminate installation errors.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the rotor with full thickness of wear surfaces is maintained, then the wear compensation range is sufficient, but the rotor cannot be moved the full movement span due to mechanical constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical measurement that can track rotor position throughout the full movement span without mechanical constraints. The laser line and camera system can measure rotor position at any angular location, allowing complete movement range for wear compensation.
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 continuous, accurate rotor position data with high precision, minimizing maintenance disruptions and operational costs, and allowing for optimized feeder operation with reduced risk of damage and improved calibration efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the measuring device comprises at least one angle sensor configured to measure angular movement of the adjustment wheel or the adjustment shaft, when the adjustment wheel is rotated, to define the axial movement of the feeder rotor
Implementation Method 2
the measuring device comprises a battery configured to provide power for the measuring device and for the sensor/-s thereof
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring system of a feeder, which feeder (10) comprises a feeder rotor (17) located inside a feeder housing (16), an adjustment shaft (12), on which the feeder rotor (17) is mounted and which is rotatable, an adjustment wheel (11) mounted at a first end of the adjustment shaft and configured to move the feeder rotor (17) in an axial direction inside the feeder housing (16) of the feeder (10), when the adjustment wheel (11) is rotated. The measuring system (20) comprises a measuring device (21) located on the adjustment wheel (11) or on the adjustment shaft (12). The measuring device (21) comprises at least one angular sensor configured to measure angular movement of the adjustment wheel (11) or the adjustment shaft (12), when the adjustment wheel (11) is rotated, to define the axial movement of the feeder rotor (17), when the adjustment wheel (11) is rotated.