Mixing Plant Feeder Locking for Automated Maintenance Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices for feeders in mixing plants are prone to errors, leading to potential damage due to incomplete removal, and lack automation for safe positioning and movement control.
Innovation Solution
A staking device with automatic movement means and interrogation means to determine the position of the feeder, utilizing a locking plate and pneumatic cylinder for secure positioning, ensuring safe movement and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual locking device is used to secure the feeder, then the feeder can be held in position, but the risk of incomplete removal and operational errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically engages and disengages based on the feeder's position. The system self-verifies through sensors that detect whether the locking device is engaged, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing human error in the locking process.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor the position of the locking device and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism ensures that the locking device is properly engaged before allowing feeder movement, preventing operational errors and ensuring safety.
2Ease of operation
If the locking device is manually positioned by an operator, then position control is achieved, but automation and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically positions the locking device based on the feeder's location without requiring manual intervention. The control system autonomously manages the locking process, improving automation while maintaining precise position control through sensor feedback.
3Ease of operation
If the feeder can move freely in the travel path, then operational flexibility is improved, but the risk of collision with locking device increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect the position of the locking device and provide real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback prevents the feeder from moving into the locking device by controlling the feeder's movement based on the locking device's status, eliminating collision risk while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by verifying the locking device's position before allowing feeder movement. This preventive measure ensures that the feeder will not collide with the locking device, as the system checks and controls movement based on the locking device's engaged or disengaged state.
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 safe and automated positioning of feeders, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing operational safety by preventing unintended movements and providing redundant position queries.
Implementation Method 1
the movement means comprise or are a pneumatic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
The locking device is usually a plug or bolt that can be sensed via an inductive proximity switch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mixing plant with a feeder (7), a positioning device, wherein the positioning device comprises holding means (4) and moving means (6), and sensing means (8, 9), wherein the holding means (4) in a maintenance position of the positioning device are configured to hold the feeder (7) in a maintenance position and/or to prevent uncontrolled movement of the feeder (7), preferably downwards, wherein the positioning device in an operating position of the positioning device is configured not to prevent intended movement of the feeder (7) from an operating position, wherein the moving means (6) are configured to automatically move the positioning device into the maintenance position or into the operating position, and wherein the sensing means (8, 9) are configured to determine the position of the positioning device and/or the position of the feeder (7).