Mixer Drum Discharge Control via Acceleration Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concrete mixer vehicles lack an efficient method to determine if the concrete within the mixer drum is adequately mixed before discharge, leading to potential inconsistencies and inefficiencies in material delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a mixer drum, sensors, and a controller that uses accelerometers to measure and analyze the acceleration signals within the drum, determining the presence and properties of the concrete, and preventing discharge until the material is sufficiently mixed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual monitoring of concrete mixing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but mixing precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual monitoring with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors detect concrete properties (such as slump, consistency, or other measurable characteristics) during mixing, and a controller automatically determines when mixing is complete and controls discharge. This substitution eliminates manual inspection while providing precise, objective measurement of mixing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors concrete properties during mixing through sensors and uses this feedback to automatically control the discharge process. The controller receives real-time data about concrete mixing status and makes decisions about when to discharge based on measured properties, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures consistent mixing quality.
2Reliability
If automatic sensor-based mixing control is implemented, then mixing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system performs self-monitoring and self-evaluation of its own performance. Sensors automatically measure concrete properties, the controller analyzes the data to determine mixing completion status, and the system autonomously controls discharge without external intervention. This self-service capability ensures reliable mixing consistency while managing system complexity through automation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If discharge is limited based on mixing status, then material consistency is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from sensors about concrete mixing status to dynamically control discharge timing. The controller continuously monitors mixing progress and only allows discharge when mixing criteria are met, ensuring material consistency. This feedback-based control prevents premature or inconsistent discharge while maintaining efficient operation by enabling discharge as soon as mixing is adequate.
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
Ensures accurate and consistent concrete mixing by preventing discharge until the concrete is adequately mixed, reducing the need for manual monitoring and improving delivery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to obtain values of one or more properties of the material within the mixer drum
Implementation Method 2
A system comprising a mixer drum, sensors, and a controller that uses accelerometers to measure and analyze the acceleration signals within the drum
Data Source
AI summary
A mixer vehicle includes a mixer drum, a sensor, and a controller. The mixer drum is configured to rotate to mix a material within the mixer drum. The sensor is configured to obtain values of one or more properties of the material within the mixer drum. The controller is configured to receive the one or more properties of the material, and receive a user request to discharge the material within the mixer drum. The controller is configured to determine if the material requires additional mixing to obtain accurate values of the one or more properties of the material or to sufficiently mix the material, and limit discharge of the material from the mixer drum in response to a determination that the material requires additional mixing to obtain accurate values of the one or more properties of the material or to sufficiently mix the material.