Ultrasonic Detection System for Screening Material Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screening material handling systems face issues such as material build-up, overloaded screens, worn-out screen elements, and oversized materials getting stuck during transport, which affect operational efficiency and reliability.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic detection system comprising a transmitter and receiver, connected to a control unit, which sends and receives ultrasonic signals to detect parameters like time period, frequency, or amplitude to monitor the operational status of the screening material and report deviations from reference values, allowing for early detection of potential problems and enabling corrective actions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional monitoring methods are used for screening material handling, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to undetected operational problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with ultrasonic detection technology. The ultrasonic transmitter and receiver detect material properties, build-up, and operational status through acoustic waves, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensors and direct contact monitoring devices while improving reliability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasonic waves serve as an intermediary between the monitoring system and the screening material. Instead of direct mechanical contact or complex electrical sensors, the system uses acoustic waves to indirectly detect material properties, screen condition, and operational parameters, simplifying the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If no detection system is installed, then device complexity remains low, but loss of information about operational status increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational status informationVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses ultrasonic detection instead of complex electrical or mechanical sensors to obtain operational information. The ultrasonic transmitter and receiver provide comprehensive material and system status data through acoustic properties, reducing information loss while keeping the system relatively simple.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasonic detection system performs multiple functions simultaneously: detecting material properties (size, density, moisture), monitoring screen condition (build-up, wear), and identifying operational issues (jams, blockages). This multi-functionality reduces information loss across multiple parameters without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If manual inspection methods are used, then manufacturing precision of detection systems is reduced, but measurement precision of material parameters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial parameter measurement precisionVSAvoiddetection system precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual inspection with automated ultrasonic detection. The ultrasonic transmitter and receiver precisely measure material parameters such as size, density, and moisture content through acoustic wave interactions, achieving high measurement precision without the subjectivity and error associated with manual methods.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The ultrasonic detection system automatically measures and monitors material parameters without human intervention. The control unit processes ultrasonic signal data to continuously provide precise measurements of material properties and operational status, eliminating the need for manual measurement tools and personnel while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 ultrasonic detection system provides a cost-effective and reliable means to detect operational deviations, preventing issues like material build-up and stuck materials, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the screening process.

Implementation Method 1

an ultrasonic transmitter arranged at the arrangement, and adapted to send out an ultrasonic signal towards the surface, an ultrasonic receiver adapted to receive the ultrasonic signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The control unit is adapted to detect at least one parameter of the ultrasonic signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP4159328B1Arrangement for handling screening material having an ultrasonic detection system and method
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 METSO OUTOTEC FINLAND OY
  • EP4159328B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4159328B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4159328B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an ultrasonic detection system (140) in an arrangement (100) for handling screening material (102), e.g. aggregate, ore or similar. The ultrasonic detection system (140) comprises an ultrasonic transmitter (151a) arranged at a surface (142a) of the arrangement (100), and adapted to send out an ultrasonic signal (154a) towards the surface (142a), an ultrasonic receiver (152a) arranged at the surface (142a), and adapted to receive the ultrasonic signal (154a), and a control unit (160) connected to the at least one ultrasonic transmitter (151a) and the at least one ultrasonic receiver (152a). The invention also relates to a method for monitoring operation of an arrangement (100) for handling screening material (102).