Wireless Sensor Device for Vibratory Conveyor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices for oscillating conveyors face challenges in energy supply and signal transmission, particularly when wiring is complex and error-prone, and maintenance efforts are high due to the need for regular battery recharging or replacement.

Innovation Solution

A wireless sensor device that converts vibrations and electromagnetic radiation from the drive device into operating energy, eliminating the need for wiring and reducing maintenance, using a rectifying circuit and piezo elements to generate power and transmit operating parameters to a control device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor device is wired to the control device for signal transmission, then data transmission is reliable, but the wiring becomes complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The sensor device transmits operating parameters to the control device wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical connections. This substitution resolves the contradiction by removing the complex wiring while maintaining reliable data transmission through wireless protocols.

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

2Ease of operation

If batteries or accumulators are used to supply energy to the sensor device, then the device can operate autonomously, but regular recharging or replacement is required increasing maintenance effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidmaintenance effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by having the sensor device generate its own operating energy from the vibrations it detects. The energy supply device converts the mechanical vibrations into electrical energy to power the sensor and communication components. This eliminates the need for external battery replacement or recharging, achieving autonomous operation without increased maintenance effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the sensor device is made completely wireless to reduce maintenance, then wiring complexity is eliminated, but energy supply becomes more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidenergy supply
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful vibration (which can cause wear and instability) into a beneficial resource by using it to generate electrical energy through the energy supply device. The vibrations that were previously considered a source of mechanical stress are now harnessed to power the wireless sensor device, resolving the energy supply challenge while maintaining wireless operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 solution provides a maintenance-free wireless sensor device that efficiently supplies energy and transmits data, allowing for stable operation of oscillating conveyors with reduced energy consumption and increased reliability.

Implementation Method 1

an oscillating element, which can be caused to oscillate by vibrations when there is mechanical contact between the sensor device and the oscillating conveyor, and a rectifying circuit, with an alternating voltage being provided when the oscillating element oscillates

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a rectifying circuit, with an alternating voltage being provided when the oscillating element oscillates, and with the rectifying circuit for providing the operating energy by rectifying the AC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 3

an energy supply device for supplying the sensor device with operating energy, wherein the energy supply device for converting a vibration generated by the drive device and/or electromagnetic radiation is used in the operating energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3059187B1Sensor device for providing at least one operating parameter of a vibrator conveyor and vibratory conveyor
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 AFAG HLDG AG
  • EP3059187B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3059187B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3059187B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

Sensor device for providing at least one operating parameter of a vibratory conveyor (1) to a control device (6), wherein the control device (6) serves to control a drive device (5) for exciting vibration of a vibratory rail (2) as a function of the operating parameter, wherein the sensor device (8) comprises at least one sensor element (9) for detecting the operating parameter or at least one measured value from which the operating parameter can be determined, wherein the sensor device (8) comprises at least one communication device (11) for wireless transmission of the operating parameter to the control device (6) and a power supply device (12) for supplying the sensor device (8) with operating energy, wherein the power supply device (12) serves to convert a vibration and/or electromagnetic radiation generated by the drive device (5) into operating energy.