RFID Screen Basket Monitoring for Fiber Sorters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing basket sorters for fiber suspensions face challenges in reading technical data from screen baskets, which are complex and lack wear state monitoring due to the absence of a history or operating data, making it difficult to ensure error-free and extensive condition monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A system with a wireless identification unit using RFID technology for contactless data reading and connection to an external database, allowing for the collection and display of technical data, manufacturing, life cycle, and operating data of the screen basket, enabling remote monitoring and wear assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If technical data is hammered onto the end ring of the screen basket, then the data is permanently attached to the basket, but reading the data becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata permanenceVSAvoiddata reading time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical hammering method with an RFID identification unit that stores technical data electronically. This allows contactless, rapid reading of data through electromagnetic fields without the time-consuming process of physically accessing and reading hammered data on the end ring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID identification unit acts as an intermediary between the screen basket and the reading device. It stores technical data and enables wireless communication, facilitating quick data retrieval without direct physical contact or complex reading procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If no monitoring system is implemented, then the system remains simple, but the wear state of the screen basket remains uncertain and cannot be tracked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear state monitoringVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the screen basket's technical data through RFID reading and comparing it against wear criteria in the database. This enables tracking of wear state over time and provides feedback on when maintenance or replacement is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The external database serves as an intermediary that stores and manages wear criteria, operating data, and technical specifications. It processes the RFID data and provides comprehensive monitoring capabilities without adding significant complexity to the physical screen basket itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the screen basket is arranged inside the housing, then it is protected and functional, but accessing and reading its data requires opening the housing and is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen basket protectionVSAvoiddata accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID identification unit and external reading device act as intermediaries that enable data access without physical access to the screen basket. The electromagnetic field penetrates the housing, allowing data retrieval while the basket remains protected inside.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical access (opening housing, physically reaching the end ring) with electromagnetic communication. The reading device communicates wirelessly with the RFID unit, eliminating the need to open the housing for data access.

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

Facilitates quick, reliable, and extensive monitoring of screen basket conditions, improving data accessibility and enabling timely maintenance decisions through wireless and contactless data retrieval, even from outside the sorter housing.

Implementation Method 1

A respective reading unit preferably comprises a display for displaying further data relating to the sorter and retrieved from the external database. The identification unit comprises at least one RFID chip (RFID = radiofrequency identification). The coupling can take place by means of magnetic alternating fields of short range generated by the reading unit or by high-frequency radio waves.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3533925B1System for monitoring the state of a screen basket
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 VOITH PATENT GMBH
  • EP3533925B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A system for monitoring the condition of a sieve basket of a sorter for the treatment of a fibrous suspension comprises a wireless identification unit assigned to the sieve basket arranged in a housing of the sorter and an external, in particular mobile, reading unit for non-contact reading of the technical data relating to the sieve basket from the identification unit and for establishing a connection with another external database containing data relating to the sorter.