LED Sensor Shredder Detecting Articles and Bin Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shredders face challenges in accurately detecting a wide range of articles and media without generating false positive signals, particularly due to variations in electrical characteristics and sensitivities of optical sensors, which can lead to inefficient operation and wear on the shredder mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as dual-function sensors that alternate between forward-biased and reverse-biased directions to emit and detect radiation, allowing for the detection of articles in the shredder throat and the determination of shredded particle levels in the container, with a controller managing the shredder mechanism based on sensor input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical sensors with discrete components are used to detect articles, then the sensor can detect a wide range of articles and media, but the sensor generates false positive signals and has high complexity in assembly and construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the emitter and detector into a single LED component. The LED emits light in forward bias mode and detects light in reverse bias mode, eliminating the need for separate emitter and detector components. This merging reduces assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to detect various articles and media types.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light source (emitter) and the light detector. By alternating between forward bias (emission) and reverse bias (detection) modes, the single LED component performs the work of what would traditionally require separate discrete components, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatile detection capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical sensors with discrete components are used, then the sensor can detect various articles, but the assembly and construction cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emitter and detector functions into a single LED component, eliminating the need for separate discrete components and their associated wiring and alignment. This significantly simplifies assembly and construction processes while maintaining the capability to detect various articles including paper, CDs, and credit cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The single LED component performs both emission and detection functions, reducing the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This multi-functional approach lowers manufacturing complexity and construction costs while preserving versatile detection capabilities across different article types.
3Measurement precision
If the shredder mechanism operates frequently to detect articles, then detection sensitivity is high, but wear on the shredder mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with optical detection using LED sensors. Instead of using the shredder mechanism itself to detect articles (which would cause wear), the system uses non-contact optical sensing. The LED emits light and detects reflections or interruptions to determine article presence, enabling frequent detection without mechanical wear.
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
This solution enhances the sensitivity and accuracy of article detection and waste level monitoring, reducing false positives and wear on the shredder mechanism, while also simplifying sensor assembly and reducing costs, allowing for efficient operation and improved machine quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light-emitting diode being operable as a sensor, the at least one light-emitting diode sensor configured to be used as an emitter when operated in a forward-biased direction
Implementation Method 2
configured to be used as a detector when operated in a reverse-biased direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a shredder having a throat for receiving at least one article to be shredded therethrough and a shredder mechanism received in a shredder housing which is driven to shred the at least one article fed therein. At least one light-emitting diode (LED) acts as a sensor by emitting and detecting radiation when operated in a forward-biased and reverse-biased direction. The LED(s) may be used to detect the presence of the at least one article in the throat or an amount of shredded particles in a bin. The LED(s) communicate with a controller to operate the shredder mechanism. The controller may also calibrate an intensity of the radiation to or within a predetermined amount above a minimum level in order to reduce wear and run-on conditions.