Grain Granulometry Measurement via Vibration Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring grain particle granulometry, such as cracked soybeans, are non-automated and prone to human errors, leading to inefficiencies and losses in the agricultural industry, as they require skilled workers and are not suitable for precise and continuous measurement.
Innovation Solution
A grain particle granulometry measurement system that utilizes a vibration measurement device with an accelerometer to capture the vibration characteristics of grain flows impacting a surface, coupled with a processing unit that applies a mathematical model to estimate granulometry, allowing for automated and continuous measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-automated measurement methods are used with skilled workers, then measurement capability is available, but human errors increase and process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual measurement system with an automated vibration-based measurement system. The grain flow's natural vibration characteristics are captured through sensors and processed to determine granulometry, eliminating the need for manual measurement while improving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The grain flow itself serves as the measurement source by generating vibration signals as it moves through the conduit. The system utilizes the grain's own motion and vibration characteristics rather than requiring external active measurement mechanisms, enabling automated continuous measurement.
2Productivity
If automated measurement devices are introduced, then process efficiency improves, but measurement precision for cracked grains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct physical observation (which fails for irregular cracked grains) to vibration frequency analysis. By measuring the vibrational response of the grain flow and analyzing frequency spectra, the system achieves precise granulometry measurement for cracked grains with varying shapes and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes mechanical vibration principles by measuring the natural vibration frequencies generated by grain flow through the conduit. The vibration characteristics, particularly frequency spectra, provide information about grain size distribution and granulometry that is independent of grain shape irregularities.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If pseudofruit devices are used to simulate produce characteristics, then detection capability is improved, but suitability for cracked grain measurement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex pseudofruit devices and simplifies it to a vibration-based detection system. By removing unnecessary complexity and focusing on the fundamental vibration characteristics of grain flow, the system achieves both detection capability and adaptability to various grain types including cracked grains.
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 system provides precise and efficient measurement of grain particle granulometry, reducing human error and enabling continuous monitoring, thus improving process efficiency and accuracy compared to prior art methods.
Implementation Method 1
measure the vibration characteristics of a vibration caused by impacts generated by the grain flow
Implementation Method 2
vibration caused by impacts generated by the grain flow on the impact plate
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system (100), a measurement method, and a calibration method for a grain particle granulometry measurement system run through a cracking process, in order to define their particle granulometry and analyze its functioning. The grain particle granulometry measurement system (100) comprises: a vibration measurement device (110); and the processing unit (150) connected to the vibration measurement device (110), wherein the vibration measurement device (110) is configured to measure the vibration characteristics of a vibration caused by impacts generated by the grain flow in the vibration measurement device. The grain particle granulometry measurement method comprises: measuring (320) the vibration characteristics caused by the impact of the grain flow; and calculating (370) the grain particle granulometry in the grain flow. The calibration method for a grain particle granulometry measurement system comprises: classifying (220) grain samples by particle granulometry; measuring (240) the vibration characteristics of a vibration caused by the impact of the grain flow of each one of the samples; and creating (280) a mathematical model, based on the measured vibration characteristics for each one of the grain samples.