Automated Bottle Sorting via Chip Reader and Guiding Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing logistics processes for wine production and distribution are inefficient in terms of accelerating the pace of operations without compromising quality, particularly during the crating stage where order verification is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A sorting device equipped with an electronic chip on each bottle, a conveyor system with multiple paths, and an arm that moves based on data read from the chip to direct bottles along different paths for sorting and verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual checking of container orders is used, then quality control is maintained, but productivity is low and time consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical checking with an automated system comprising a chip reader that reads electronic chips on containers, a calculator that processes data, and a sorting arm that physically directs containers. This substitution eliminates manual labor while maintaining quality control through automated verification of container identification data.
Solution Approach 2:
Each container is equipped with an electronic chip that contains its identification data, enabling the container to be automatically identified and sorted without human intervention. The system uses the chip's data to automatically determine sorting actions, making the container essentially self-identifying and self-sorting through automated reading and processing.
2Productivity
If automated sorting is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system is divided into distinct functional modules: a chip reader for data acquisition, a calculator for data processing and decision-making, and a sorting arm for physical execution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system design while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic chip serves multiple functions: it stores container identification data, enables automated recognition, and provides information for sorting decisions. The conveyor belt also serves dual purposes by both transporting and positioning containers for sorting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If checking rate is accelerated, then productivity improves, but error rate may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the chip reader continuously reads and verifies container identification data, the calculator processes this data in real-time to determine sorting actions, and the system can detect and correct errors through continuous monitoring. This feedback loop ensures high checking speed while maintaining accuracy by immediately identifying and addressing potential errors.
Data Source
AI summary
A device is for sorting a container for a conveyor. The container includes an electronic chip storing at least one data item relating to the container or to the chip. The conveyor is capable of driving the container and has a first and a second path. The sorting device includes a chip reader configured to read the stored data, which can be referred to as read data. The device also has an arm, which is movable between a first position and at least one guiding position. In the guiding position, the arm is configured to force the container of the first path to follow the second path. The device further includes a calculator adapted to output a control law for the arm, which controls the position of the arm and depends on the read data.