Gyroscopic Rotational Monitoring for Concrete Mixing Drums

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current concrete mixing drum speed monitoring systems using magnetic markers and wireless accelerometers are prone to inaccuracies due to misalignment, environmental factors, and irregularities in the mixing drum's rotation, especially when the truck is in motion or on uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

A gyroscope-based system that measures the rotational speed of the mixing drum, optionally calibrated with an accelerometer, to provide accurate speed measurements even under varying conditions, and can be wirelessly connected to a processor for real-time adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If magnetic markers and electro-magnetic sensors are used to measure drum speed, then the system can provide automated monitoring of concrete mixing, but inaccuracies are introduced due to misalignment, dislodged markers, or environmental factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated monitoringVSAvoiddrum speed accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic sensor-based speed measurement system with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that uses gyroscopic and accelerometric sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for magnetic markers and electro-magnetic sensors, thereby removing the sources of measurement error associated with marker misalignment, dislodgement, and environmental interference while maintaining automated monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The IMU device is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures drum rotation speed, detects truck motion (acceleration, braking, turning), and compensates for environmental factors affecting measurement accuracy. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide robust speed measurement under varying operational conditions without requiring separate systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If wireless accelerometers are used for speed measurement, then the system can operate without magnetic markers, but large errors are introduced when the truck is in motion on non-level roads or irregular terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidspeed measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities (gyroscopic sensing for rotation measurement and accelerometric sensing for motion detection) into a single IMU device. The gyroscope provides accurate rotation speed measurement independent of truck motion, while the accelerometer detects and quantifies truck movements. By merging these sensors and processing their signals together, the system achieves both ease of installation and high measurement precision under all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If magnetic markers are mounted on the drum surface, then drum speed can be measured, but inaccuracies occur due to circumferential misalignment, uneven spacing, or imbalance of magnet strengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing monitoring capabilityVSAvoidspeed reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the magnetic marker system entirely by using an inertial measurement unit that measures drum rotation through gyroscopic and accelerometric sensing. This substitution removes the sources of measurement error associated with magnetic marker placement, spacing, and strength variations, while maintaining the ability to monitor mixing productivity through accurate speed measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enhances the accuracy and reliability of concrete mixing drum speed monitoring, reducing errors caused by misalignment and environmental factors, and allows for precise control of the mixing process, ensuring consistent concrete quality.

Implementation Method 1

A gyroscope-based system that measures the rotational speed of the mixing drum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGyroscope: Gyroscope

Implementation Method 2

optionally calibrated with an accelerometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3068596B1Gyroscopic rotational monitoring system

Publication Date: 2020.10.07 VERIFI LLC

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AI summary

A gyroscopic rotational monitoring system may be utilized for monitoring one or more properties of rotatable container or vessel (2), and/or one or more properties of a displaceable material contained in the rotatable vessels. An exemplary aspect relates to the use of a gyroscope (22) and periodicity sensor (e.g., accelerometer) (24) to determine rotational speed of a concrete mixing drum, so that the slump or other property of the concrete can be monitored or adjusted such as by dosing with water, chemical admixtures, or mixture thereof.