Vibratory Conveyor Control Network for Decentralized Phase Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing control systems for oscillating conveyors require extensive cabling and centralized control, making it difficult to adjust parameters like amplitude and frequency, and synchronization of oscillation phases, especially in complex automated production systems, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a control device with a communication interface into the oscillating conveyor base, allowing for decentralized control and communication between conveyors, using FPGA or microcontroller for embedded intelligence, enabling network communication and reducing the need for star-shaped cabling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized control system with star-shaped cabling is used to control multiple oscillating conveyors, then reliable control and synchronization can be achieved, but the amount of cabling and system complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into decentralized control units, with each oscillating conveyor equipped with its own control device. This segmentation eliminates the need for extensive star-shaped cabling while maintaining control reliability through autonomous operation of each unit and selective communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Each oscillating conveyor is equipped with an integrated control device that can autonomously control its own drive device. The control device includes embedded intelligence (FPGA or microcontroller) that enables self-service operation, reducing dependence on centralized control infrastructure and minimizing cabling requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional centralized control is used, then parameter adjustment for individual conveyors is possible, but the cost and effort for adjusting multiple conveyors increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Each control device is equipped with embedded intelligence that enables autonomous parameter adjustment and adaptation. The control devices can independently configure their operating parameters without requiring centralized intervention, significantly reducing the cost and effort associated with adjusting multiple conveyors while maintaining full adaptability.
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 simplifies cabling, enhances control flexibility, and allows for efficient synchronization of oscillation phases, reducing costs and improving the management of multiple oscillating conveyors in automated systems.
Implementation Method 1
stimulates vibration of the conveyor device with respect to a base of the vibratory conveyor in order to convey objects supported by a conveying surface of the conveyor device by means of this vibration
Implementation Method 2
periodically attract a yoke attached to their conveyor, such as an oscillating rail, by a periodically energized electromagnet to excite vibrations of the conveyor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A vibratory conveyor with a conveying device (4) and a drive unit (5), which, when the drive unit (5) is controlled by a control unit (12), excites a vibration of the conveying device (4) with respect to a base (9) of the vibratory conveyor (1, 2, 3) in order to convey objects (10) supported by a conveying surface (11) of the conveying device (4) by means of this vibration, wherein the control unit (12) is integrated into or attached to the base (9) and comprises at least one communication interface (13, 14) for communication with an external communication unit (15, 16, 17), in particular with a communication unit (16, 17) of another vibratory conveyor (2, 3), wherein the control unit (12) is configured, upon receipt of a communication message (18) comprising address information (20) and control information (19), to communicate via the communication interface (13, 14)14) to check an addressing condition, the fulfillment of which depends on the address information (20), and only if the addressing condition is fulfilled to change the control of the drive unit (5) depending on the control information (19) and/or to set an internal control parameter, on which at least one subsequent control of the drive unit (5) by the control unit (12) depends, to a value dependent on the control information (19).