Silo Transfer Detection via Deformation Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for estimating the fill level of transportable silos require tedious and costly human intervention to recalibrate the mathematical model when the silo is moved to a new operating site due to changes in local terrain and soil conditions, affecting the accuracy of fill level estimation.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes deformation sensors on the ground support feet of the silo, ground support control sensors on the silo, wireless communication devices, and a remote server to automatically detect and adapt the fill level estimation model to new operating site conditions by analyzing time-stamped deformation values and control data, eliminating the need for human recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human operators manually recalibrate the mathematical model when the silo is moved to a new operating site, then the fill level estimation accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes tedious and costly due to considerable human and technical resources required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic recalibration of the mathematical model by detecting transfer events through deformation sensors and autonomously adapting to new operating site conditions, eliminating the need for manual human intervention in the recalibration process
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors deformation values from sensors on the silo structure and uses this feedback to automatically detect when the silo has been moved to a new site, triggering the recalibration process based on actual measured data rather than manual assessment
2Measurement precision
If human operators manually recalibrate the mathematical model when the silo is moved to a new operating site, then the fill level estimation accuracy can be maintained, but considerable human and technical resources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic recalibration by detecting transfer events through sensor data and autonomously adapting the mathematical model to new conditions, reducing the complexity of manual recalibration procedures and eliminating the need for specialized human intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual human assessment and recalibration procedures with an automated electronic system that uses sensor data and computational algorithms to detect transfers and update the mathematical model, substituting mechanical/human operations with automated electronic control
3Productivity
If the mathematical model is recalibrated automatically upon detection of transfer, then the recalibration process becomes efficient and resource-optimized, but the system complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation sensors serve multiple functions: they monitor the structural integrity of the silo during operation, detect transfer events by identifying abnormal deformation patterns, and provide data for automatic recalibration, eliminating the need for separate detection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the deformation monitoring function with the transfer detection function and the recalibration trigger mechanism into a single integrated system, where the same sensor data serves multiple purposes and reduces overall system complexity
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 system efficiently and accurately adapts the fill level estimation to new site conditions without human intervention, optimizing resource use and ensuring precise fill level calculations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one deformation sensor designed to be fixed to at least one ground support foot, detect and time-stamped deformations of the ground support foot
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a system that uses an innovative mechanism for detecting the transfer of a transportable silo from a first operating site to a second operating site, involving a change in the local conditions at the new operating site. This system aims to adapt intelligently to these new conditions without requiring tedious human intervention. In practice, such a transfer often involves the silo being elongated on a truck or lifted off the ground by a crane. For this purpose, the inventor proposes a system which comprises a control sensor acting as an indicator which detects whether the ground support foot, on which the system is installed, effectively supports the transportable silo during the transfer of the silo.