Slat Conveyor Diverting Assembly Feedback for Outlier Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diverting assemblies in slat conveyors lack feedback on proper functioning, limiting operating efficiency due to the inability to predict system downtime from failures.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates an outlier indication signal by using a diverting assembly with a diverting element, actuator, sensor, and controller to detect contact with objects and determine time differences or load/vibration parameters, alerting to potential failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple actuator assembly is used in the diverting assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability is worsened due to lack of feedback on proper functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements sensors that detect the position of the diverting element and provide feedback signals to a controller. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor whether the diverting element is in the correct position, enabling detection of outliers or failures without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If no sensor or feedback system is implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is worsened due to inability to predict system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system detects position deviations and generates outlier indication signals before actual system failure occurs. This preliminary detection allows for proactive maintenance scheduling, preventing unexpected downtime and maintaining productivity without requiring complex real-time control systems.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring and feedback systems are added, then the reliability is improved through outlier detection, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a diverting element that serves as an intermediary mechanical component whose position can be easily sensed. By monitoring the position of this single critical element rather than the entire system, the patent achieves reliable failure detection with minimal sensor and controller complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating an outlier indication signal to a slat conveyor is provided. The system includes a diverting assembly including an actuator that is structure do divert objects that are traveling on the slat conveyor. The system also includes at least one sensor and a controller that is connected to the sensor of the diverting assembly. The at least one sensor is positioned to detect a contact between the diverting assembly and at least one of a plurality of objects being conveyed. The controller is configured to receive first and second signals associated with first and second objects of the plurality of objects striking the diverting assembly, the control system also being configured to generate an outlier indication signal based on a time difference between the first and second signals.