Linear Vibratory Conveyor Mass Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass flow control systems for bulk materials in linear vibrating conveyors face challenges in accurately measuring conveying speed, especially for continuous material flow, due to complexities, high costs, and inaccuracy issues related to conveyor belt slippage and material properties, limiting their applicability to free-flowing materials.
Innovation Solution
A method using a single force sensor positioned off-center on a tiltable linear conveyor to measure the moment around its center of gravity, allowing for simultaneous determination of bulk material mass and speed by generating a moment through weight and flow rate vectors, with optional rotatable bearing for stability, and introducing a small mass discontinuity to create a detectable signal change for speed evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If belt scales are used to measure mass flow, then the construction is relatively simple and insensitive to bulk material type, but the speed determination is inaccurate due to conveyor belt slippage and material slipping on the belt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical belt scale system with a linear vibratory conveyor that uses vibration-based material advancement. The force sensor measures the weight of material on the vibratory conveyor, and the material flow speed is determined by measuring the vibration frequency and amplitude, eliminating the slippage problems inherent in belt-driven systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using controlled vibration frequency and amplitude to advance material through the conveyor channel. The force sensor detects weight changes, and combined with vibration parameter measurements, calculates mass flow rate without relying on mechanical belt movement, thus avoiding slippage errors.
2Measurement precision
If impact plate scales are used to achieve high measurement accuracy (approx. 1%), then the system is suitable for free-flowing bulk goods, but the construction is complex, material-intensive, and subject to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from the complex impact plate scale system. Instead of using a full impact plate scale with angled measuring plates, dust-tight housing, and dosing devices, the invention uses a simplified linear vibratory conveyor with a force sensor that directly measures the weight of material on the vibratory channel, achieving accurate mass flow measurement without the complexity of impact-based systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Coriolis scales are used to achieve universal applicability and high accuracy (0.5%), then the measurement range is extensive, but the construction is very complex and maintenance-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex Coriolis force-based measurement system with a simpler vibration-based approach. The linear vibratory conveyor uses controlled vibrations to advance material while a force sensor measures weight. The mass flow rate is calculated by combining weight measurements with vibration frequency and amplitude data, achieving universal applicability to various bulk materials without the complexity of Coriolis scales.
4Ease of operation
If worm or bucket wheel conveyors are used to determine speed by physical conditions, then the speed can be determined without direct measurement, but the system is only suitable for specific material types and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses controllable vibration frequency and amplitude as adjustable parameters to adapt the linear vibratory conveyor to different bulk material types. The force sensor measures weight, and combined with vibration parameter measurements, calculates mass flow rate for various materials including abrasive and hot materials, achieving versatility without relying on material-specific physical conditions.
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 accurate and cost-effective measurement of both mass and speed of bulk materials in continuous flow, overcoming previous inaccuracies and limitations, suitable for various bulk materials including abrasive and hot ones, with minimal impact on measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A method using a single force sensor positioned off-center on a tiltable linear conveyor to measure the moment around its center of gravity
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to a device for determining the mass and conveying speed of bulk material in a linear conveyor, wherein, from a bulk material container, the bulk material arrives at a conveyor chute via an opening.