External Vibration Sensors for Bulk Material Blockage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bulk material distribution devices face challenges in detecting blockages in the flow path, leading to yield losses due to incomplete or excessive distribution, especially with increasing line lengths and complex soil conditions, and existing blockage detection methods are either invasive or inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A device with a sensor system that detects mechanical vibrations outside the flow path, using a signal-conducting connection to an evaluation unit to identify blockages based on vibration frequency and amplitude, without affecting the flow and reducing the risk of clogging, and includes multiple sensors for reliable detection across the distribution system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors are arranged within the flow path to detect blockages, then blockage detection capability is improved, but the risk of flow path clogging increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblockage detection capabilityVSAvoidflow path clogging risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the line itself as an intermediary element to detect blockages. Sensors are attached to the outside of the line to detect vibrations transmitted through the line by flowing bulk material, eliminating the need to place sensors directly in the flow path while maintaining blockage detection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical intrusion into the flow path with external vibration sensing. Instead of placing physical sensors in the bulk material stream, the system uses accelerometers or vibration sensors mounted on the line exterior to detect changes in vibration patterns that indicate blockages

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If blockage detection devices protrude into the flow path to detect acoustic signals, then blockage detection is enabled, but the flow path becomes more prone to clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblockage detectionVSAvoidflow path obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing sensors inside the flow path to detect blockages, the patent inverts the approach by attaching sensors to the outside of the line. The sensors detect vibrations transmitted through the line wall, reversing the traditional sensor placement methodology to avoid flow path intrusion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If sensors detect mechanical vibration of the line, then blockage detection reliability is improved, but the sensor may be affected by operating condition fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblockage detection reliabilityVSAvoidresistance to operating condition fluctuations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors vibration patterns and compares them against established norms or thresholds. When vibration patterns deviate from expected ranges, the system triggers blockage detection alerts, using feedback mechanisms to distinguish between normal operating variations and actual blockage conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent monitors changes in vibration parameters such as frequency, amplitude, and pattern over time. By analyzing how these parameters change rather than relying on absolute values, the system can detect blockages while compensating for variations in operating conditions like pressure, temperature, and material flow rate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution enables rapid and reliable detection of blockages, minimizing yield losses by interrupting operation and preventing oversaturation, while being resistant to fluctuations in operating conditions and reducing maintenance costs through precise localization of issues.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor (21) attached to the outside of a line (12) of the flow path (10), which is set up to detect a mechanical vibration that is dependent on the delivery flow in the flow path (10)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3639643B1Device for distributing bulk material with a device for detecting blockages

Publication Date: 2023.04.12 HUGO VOGELSANG MASCHINENBAU GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device (101) and a method for distributing bulk material, in particular seeds, onto agricultural land, comprising a bulk material source (23) for providing bulk material, a flow path (10) connected to the bulk material source (23), wherein the flow path (10) has at least one line for conveying the bulk material from the bulk material source (23) towards the agricultural area, and a device for blockage detection (15) in the at least one, several, or all lines of the flow path (10). The invention proposes that the device for blockage detection (15) comprises at least one sensor (21 ad) attached to the outside of the line and configured to detect mechanical vibrations of the line, and an evaluation unit (17) connected to the sensor (21 ad) via a signal conductor, which is configured to detect a blockage depending on the detected mechanical vibration.