Infrared Feeder Controller Dust Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared sensors in feed delivery systems are prone to dust contamination, leading to operational issues and requiring disassembly of the drop tube for maintenance or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A control assembly with infrared emitters and receivers mounted on a removable tube member within a housing, protected from feed dust, allowing for easy cleaning and replacement without disassembling the drop tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If infrared sensors are placed directly in the feed path to detect feed flow, then detection capability is improved, but the sensors become contaminated with feed dust
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into two separate components: an infrared transmitter positioned outside the feed path and an infrared receiver positioned inside the feed path. This segmentation allows the transmitter to remain clean while the receiver performs the actual detection, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared light beam acts as an intermediary between the external control system and the feed flow. By using infrared radiation to detect feed presence without direct contact between the primary control components and the feed, the system achieves accurate detection while preventing contamination of the controller.
2Volume of moving object
If the controller is integrated into the drop tube structure, then space utilization is improved, but replacement and repair require disassembly of the drop tube
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is segmented from the drop tube structure by housing it in a separate, removable enclosure that can be accessed independently. This allows the controller to be replaced without disassembling the drop tube, while still utilizing the available space efficiently through compact mounting within the removable housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller housing is designed with dynamic accessibility - it can be securely mounted during operation to save space, but can be quickly removed for maintenance. This dynamic design allows the system to switch between compact operation and easy maintenance modes.
3Device complexity
If the infrared transmitter and receiver are housed together in the same enclosure, then device complexity is reduced, but both components are exposed to feed dust
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the transmitter and receiver into separate physical locations - the transmitter is positioned externally while the receiver is positioned internally within the feed path. This spatial segmentation protects the transmitter from dust while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable housing serves multiple functions: it protects the receiver, provides mounting for the transmitter, allows for easy maintenance, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functional design compensates for the increased complexity of having separated components.
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 effectively prevents dust from reaching the electronic components, ensuring reliable operation and simplifying maintenance by allowing the control assembly to be removed and replaced without disassembling the drop tube.
Implementation Method 1
At least one infrared emitter and at least one infrared receiver are mounted on the tube member tube and are positioned to be opposed to each other such that the receiver will receive and detect light from the emitter
Data Source
AI summary
A control assembly for use in a feed delivery assembly comprises a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber between said inlet and outlet. The chamber is opened in a plane parallel, but radially offset from, an axis of the inlet and outlet. A tube member is removably receivable in the chamber. The removable tube member includes a tube having a length sufficient to span a distance between the inlet and outlet tubes. At least one infrared emitter and at least one infrared receiver are mounted on the tube member tube and are positioned to be opposed to each other such that the receiver will receive and detect light from the emitter. The emitter and receiver are operatively connected to a controller. The controller emits a signal when it is determined that the light from the emitter to the receiver is interrupted.