Conveyor Discharge Container Coupling for Automated Waste Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems for processing units require manual handling for positioning collection containers, which is inefficient and limits automation, especially when dealing with multiple waste types from different materials.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor system with a detachable collection container and positioning unit featuring a sword-like coupling element and a stationary coupling element, along with a traction device and sensor unit, allowing for automated positioning and exchange of containers without manual operation, enabling better space utilization and waste separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual handling is used for positioning collection containers, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced and automation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collection container is equipped with a coupling element that automatically engages with the positioning unit's coupling element when the container is placed in position. The system serves itself by using the container's own structural features (coupling element) to achieve automatic positioning and securing, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical positioning operation is replaced by a mechanical coupling system consisting of a sword-shaped coupling element on the container and a corresponding coupling element on the positioning unit. This mechanical substitution automates the positioning function while maintaining simple operational characteristics
2Adaptability or versatility
If one large collection container is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different waste types and space utilization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is segmented into multiple separate collection containers instead of one large container. Each container can be independently positioned and removed by the positioning unit, allowing different waste types from different materials to be separated into different containers, thereby increasing adaptability without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning unit is designed with universal coupling elements that can handle multiple different collection containers. The sword-shaped coupling element and corresponding receptacle design allows the same positioning mechanism to work with various container types and sizes, enabling multi-functionality and adaptability across different waste types
3Ease of operation
If detachable coupling elements are used for container exchange, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is extracted as a separate, standardized component feature rather than an integrated complex system. The sword-shaped coupling element is a simple geometric form that can be easily manufactured and attached to containers, while the corresponding receptacle is a simple receiving structure on the positioning unit. This extraction approach simplifies the overall design by using basic geometric forms rather than complex mechanical interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the positioning unit actively grasp or clamp the container, the design inverts the approach: the container has an active coupling element (sword-shaped) that inserts into a passive receptacle on the positioning unit. This inversion simplifies the positioning unit's structure while maintaining ease of container exchange operation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
For a processing unit (1) a conveying system comprising a conveyor (2) with a discharge area (3), at least one collection container (4, 4.1-4.3) which can be positioned adjacent to the discharge area (3) and at least one positioning unit (5) by means of which the collection container (4, 4.1-4.3) can be positioned is proposed.