System and method for processing reusable containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The processing of reusable containers is inefficient and labor-intensive, as it often requires manual handling, inspection, and sorting, leading to high labor costs and resource wastage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically processing reusable containers, which includes a scanning module for identifying containers, a loading module for determining the container's state and loading or discarding it, a washing, rinsing, and drying module for processing the containers, and an unloading area for delivering processed containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual processing of reusable containers is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but processing efficiency is low and labor costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables containers to be automatically processed through self-identification using RFID tags or barcodes. Containers autonomously navigate through washing, rinsing, and drying stations without manual handling, significantly improving processing efficiency while reducing labor costs. The automatic identification and tracking system eliminates the need for manual sorting and monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling of containers is replaced by an automated control system that uses sensors, RFID readers, and conveyor mechanisms. The control unit coordinates various processing stations (washing, rinsing, drying) to handle containers automatically, substituting human labor with an integrated mechanical and control system that improves productivity.
2Loss of substance
If all containers are processed through washing, but some are defective, then resource waste occurs, but manual inspection is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary inspection of containers before they enter the washing process. Sensors detect defects such as cracks, excessive soil, or damage that would prevent proper cleaning. Containers identified as defective are automatically diverted or rejected before resource-intensive washing begins, preventing waste of water, energy, and time on unusable containers.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors container status throughout the processing line using sensors and RFID tracking. Based on feedback from inspection points, the system dynamically adjusts processing - diverting defective containers from the washing sequence and routing them to separate handling. This feedback mechanism ensures resources are only consumed by containers that can be successfully processed and reused.
3Ease of operation
If automatic processing system is implemented, then labor costs are reduced, but initial system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated processing system is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit that combines washing, rinsing, drying, inspection, and container tracking in a single coherent system. The control unit manages multiple processing stations and container types through a unified interface, reducing the need for separate manual operations while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2d
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a system (100) for processing reusable containers comprising a scanning module (110) comprising a reader (111) configured to read identification (201) information registered on a used container (200), a loading module (120) configured to determine a state of a container interior, based on information from at least one sensor (121), and to load or discard the container (200), a washing module (130) configured to wash the container (200) from the loading module (120), a rinsing module (140) configured to rinse the container (200) from the washing module (130), a drying module (150) configured to dry the container (200) from the rinsing module (140), an unloading area (160) configured to deliver the processed container (200) to a user, and a conveying module (170) configured to convey the container (200) from the loading module (120) to the unloading area (160).