Air Jet Array Sorting for Compact, Low-Maintenance Material Separation

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional industrial screens for material separation have large footprints and require high maintenance due to clogging, necessitating a more efficient and flexible method.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a series of air jet array sorting devices coordinated by a management control system (MCS) that employs machine learning to identify designated categories and divert objects using controllable air streams, with quality control mechanisms to refine separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If industrial screens are used for material separation, then separation function is achieved, but device footprint and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation functionVSAvoiddevice footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical industrial screen system with an air jet array sorting system. Instead of using physical screens that require large footprints and frequent maintenance, the invention uses controlled air jets to separate materials based on aerodynamic properties, thereby eliminating the need for large mechanical screening surfaces while maintaining separation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using air jets to separate materials. The air jet array generates controlled airflow that interacts with materials based on their aerodynamic characteristics, allowing separation without mechanical contact. This pneumatic approach eliminates the need for large physical screens and reduces maintenance requirements associated with mechanical wear and clogging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If industrial screens are used for material separation, then separation function is achieved, but maintenance burden increases due to clogging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation functionVSAvoidmaintenance burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical industrial screen system with an air jet array sorting system. Instead of using physical screens that require large footprints and frequent maintenance, the invention uses controlled air jets to separate materials based on aerodynamic properties, thereby eliminating the need for large mechanical screening surfaces while maintaining separation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using air jets to separate materials. The air jet array generates controlled airflow that interacts with materials based on their aerodynamic characteristics, allowing separation without mechanical contact. This pneumatic approach eliminates the need for large physical screens and reduces maintenance requirements associated with mechanical wear and clogging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If air jet array sorting devices are used, then separation efficiency and flexibility improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sorting system into multiple independent air jet devices arranged in an array, with each device capable of being controlled separately. This segmentation allows the system to handle different material types and sorting requirements simultaneously, improving overall separation efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control of the air jet array through coordinated operation of multiple devices. The system can adaptively adjust airflow parameters and device activation in real-time based on material characteristics, enabling flexible and efficient separation while managing complexity through automated coordination mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances separation efficiency by dynamically adapting to material variations and optimizing load balancing, reducing maintenance needs, and improving precision in sorting.

Implementation Method 1

firing a controllable area of 2D air space over a time period at a target object to change the trajectory of the target object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic force: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentUS20250387805A1Separation of materials using sorting devices

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 AMP ROBOTICS CORP

AI summary

Separation of materials using sorting devices is disclosed, including: receiving image data from sensors, wherein the image data corresponds to a set of objects being transported through a base sorting line; determining a subset of objects from the set of objects that are associated with a designated category based on the image data; sending a first set of data to a first sorting device to perform a diverting action on the subset of objects, wherein the first sorting device and a second sorting device are located along the base sorting line, wherein each of the first and second sorting devices is configured to perform diverting actions to separate materials associated with the designated category off from the base sorting line; and sending a second set of data to the second sorting device to perform a second action, wherein the second action is determined based on the image data.