Flying Level Meter for Bulk Material Heap Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bulk material level measurement technologies are inefficient and costly due to the need for mechanical fastening devices and multiple level measuring devices to accurately determine fill levels on uneven surfaces, especially for open bulk material heaps.
Innovation Solution
A flying level measuring device equipped with a transceiver module and flight drive module that positions itself above the bulk material in three dimensions, using radar or other signals to determine fill levels at multiple positions without mechanical attachments, allowing for cost-effective and reliable measurements over large areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a distance is determined with a fill-level measuring device at only one point on a surface of the bulk material, then the measurement can be performed with a single device, but the fill level can usually only be determined imprecisely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-point measurement to multi-point measurement by moving the measuring device through three-dimensional space above the bulk material. The flight drive module enables the device to assume multiple positions along a trajectory, capturing distance measurements at various locations to determine the complete surface topology and fill level across the entire heap.
2Measurement precision
If radar signals are transmitted from above onto the surface of the bulk material to measure the surface, then fill level can be determined, but a mechanical attachment device above the bulk stockpile is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical attachment system with an autonomous flying device equipped with a flight drive module. The device uses its own propulsion system to position itself above the bulk material heap and perform measurements without requiring any mechanical fastening structures to be installed on or above the heap.
Solution Approach 2:
The flying level measuring device is self-propelled and self-positioning through its flight drive module, enabling it to autonomously navigate to measurement positions above the bulk material heap without external mechanical support structures or attachment devices.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple level measuring devices are installed to cover spatially extended heaps of bulk material, then the entire area can be monitored, but the installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-position measurement approach into a dynamic system where a single measuring device can move freely through three-dimensional space. The flight drive module enables the device to traverse the entire heap area, sequentially measuring different locations and compiling a complete topographical map without requiring multiple stationary devices.
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 and efficient determination of bulk material fill levels across large areas without the need for mechanical fastening devices, reducing installation and maintenance costs while improving measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission signal is a radar signal
Implementation Method 2
receiving a signal reflected on a surface of the bulk material
Implementation Method 3
determine a distance of the fill-level measuring device from the surface of the bulk material and/or a fill level of the bulk material based on the transmitted signal and the reflected signal, for example using a transit time method
Data Source
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AI summary
A level measuring device (100) for determining the fill level of a bulk material (102) is proposed, which has a transmit-receive module (106) for sending a transmit signal and for receiving a signal reflected from a surface (103) of the bulk material (102), a control unit (112) which is configured to determine a distance (116) of the level measuring device (100) to the surface (103) of the bulk material (102) based on the transmit signal and the reflected signal, and a flight propulsion module (130) for positioning the level measuring device (100) above the bulk material (102). The control unit (112) is configured to control the flight propulsion module (130) such that the level measuring device (100) occupies a plurality of positions above the bulk material (102) along a flight path (134), wherein the control unit (112) is configured to determine the fill level of the bulk material (102) at least at some of the plurality of occupied positions.