Method and apparatus for monitoring conveyor belts

• US 20080006513A1
• Filed: 06/22/2007
• Published: 01/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 06/23/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Korber Supply Chain LLC (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Siemens Energy & Automation Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Inventors: Dwivedi, Rajeev, Stolyar, Mark, Kelly, Daniel
• Granted Patent: US 7,494,004 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 198/810.01
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 43/02 detecting dangerous physical condition of load carriers, e.g. for interrupting the drive in the event of overheating

Abstract

A smart belt consists of a standard belt with an embedded sensor capable of wireless communication or visual indicators to notify maintenance for a need for maintenance or replacement. The sensor measures material properties, cycles of operation etc. using a self energizing power source. When the belt requires replacement or maintenance a mode of indication will notify proper personnel.

Claims

1. A method of monitoring a conveyor including a conveyor belt comprising:

attaching a sensor to the conveyor belt, the sensor generating a signal indicating a condition or state of the conveyor; and

monitoring the signal generated by the sensor to determine the condition or state.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the sensor includes a piezoelectric element.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the sensor measures belt tension.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the sensor measures belt scalloping.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the sensor records the number of cycles the belt has traveled.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the sensor measures belt stretching.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the sensor generates a radio frequency signal.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein the sensor generates a visual signal.

9. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of attaching the sensor to the belt comprises embedding the sensor in the belt.

10. A system for monitoring a conveyor including a conveyor belt, comprising:

a sensing element attached to conveyor belt for sensing a state or condition of the conveyor during operation; and

an indicator connected to the sensing element for generating a signal indicating the state or condition.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the sensing element is a piezoelectric element.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the piezoelectric element senses deflection of the conveyor belt.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein the indicator is a transmitter for generating a radio frequency signal.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein the indicator is a light source.

15. The system of claim 11 wherein the sensor is embedded in the belt.

16. The system of claim 11 further comprising an inductor attached to the conveyor belt such that the inductor produces an electric current when carried past a magnet by the belt to power the sensor or indicator.

17. The system of claim 11 further comprising one or more magnets mounted in proximity to the belt for generating an magnetic field that interacts with the sensor attached to the belt.