Gravity-Tipping Dosing Container for Plastic Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dosing systems for plastics recycling, particularly for washing and recycling PET, are complex, costly, and require frequent maintenance due to their delicate nature and operation in corrosive environments, making them inefficient and costly to manage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus utilizing a freely oscillating container supported by a programmable weighing and control unit, which autonomously overturns by gravity to unload substances once a preset weight is reached, eliminating the need for mechanical actuating mechanisms and allowing for precise dosing of chemicals like liquid detergent and caustic soda without physical contact, using weight sensors and position sensors for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated flowmeter sensors and volumetric pumping members are used for dosing chemical solution, then dosing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical dosing systems (flowmeters, volumetric pumps) with a gravity-based mechanical container system. The container is designed to tip over when a preset weight is reached, automatically unloading the chemical solution without requiring sophisticated sensors or pumping mechanisms. This substitution of mechanical gravity-based action for electronic/mechanical dosing systems reduces complexity while maintaining dosing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The dosing system is designed to be self-regulating through the gravity-based tipping mechanism. The container automatically stops filling when the preset weight is reached because the tipping point is physically determined by the container's geometry and weight distribution, eliminating the need for external control systems to regulate the dosing process.
2Measurement precision
If sophisticated flowmeter sensors and volumetric pumping members are used for dosing chemical solution, then dosing precision is improved, but maintenance requirements and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces delicate electronic sensors and pumping mechanisms with a robust gravity-based mechanical tipping container. This mechanical system has fewer moving parts, no electronic components exposed to the corrosive environment, and no pumps or sensors that require maintenance. The simplicity of the design inherently reduces maintenance requirements while preserving dosing precision through physical geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The container can be designed as a simple, inexpensive component that is easier to replace than to repair. Given the corrosive environment in plastics recycling facilities, the simple mechanical design allows for easy replacement of the container and associated components, reducing overall maintenance costs and improving ease of repair.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical actuating mechanisms are used to move containers in dosing systems, then dosing operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to corrosion and dust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical actuating mechanisms (motors, actuators, locking-releasing devices) by using pure gravity-based action. The container is positioned on a pivot point such that when it reaches the preset weight, gravity automatically causes it to tip over and unload. This substitution of active mechanical actuation for passive gravitational action removes components that are susceptible to corrosion and dust, thereby improving reliability in the harsh plastics recycling environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the natural force of gravity to perform the dosing operation automatically, without requiring external mechanical actuators. The container self-regulates the dosing process through its own weight and geometry, eliminating the need for separate actuating mechanisms that would be exposed to corrosive conditions and require maintenance.
4Productivity
If heavy duty dosing systems are used in corrosive environments, then dosing capability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance needs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex heavy-duty dosing systems with a simple gravity-based container mechanism. The dosing capability is maintained through the physical design of the container (weight, geometry, pivot point) rather than through complex mechanical or electronic systems. This substitution achieves productive dosing capability while minimizing system complexity, making the system more suitable for corrosive environments where simpler designs are more reliable and easier to maintain.
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
The solution simplifies the dosing process, enhances operational reliability, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures precise dosing in corrosive environments, providing a cost-effective and versatile system for plastics recycling.
Implementation Method 1
said container being overturnable by gravity between a loading position and an unloading position of said one or more treatment substances
Implementation Method 2
supplying a first treatment substance to said container detecting the weight thereof
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method for dosing one or more treatment substances (S1, S2) in a system for washing and recycling plastics, comprises the steps of: - providing a container (2) supported in a freely oscillating manner and operationally connected to a programmable weighing and control unit (3), in which the container (2) is overtumable by gravity between a loading position (PI) and an unloading position (P2) of the treatment substances; - storing in the programmable weighing and control unit (3) a reference value (VR) of a suitable weight for overturning the container (2) to the unloading position (P2); - supplying a treatment substance (S1) to the container (2) detecting the weight thereof, and stopping the supply upon reaching a preset weight value (V1); and - supplying to the container (2) a washing substance (W) until the reference value (VR) is reached causing the container (2) to overturn through the force of gravity in the unloading position (P2) for unloading and sending the treatment substances (S1, S2) to plastics washing modules. The apparatus (1) for implementing this method is also disclosed.