Modular Pneumatic Device for Compact Object Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic devices for object sorting, such as those in the pharmaceutical industry, face challenges in achieving both high-speed and precise sorting while maintaining a compact design, as they often require numerous air jets with uniform volume, leading to bulkiness and imprecision.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic device with modular design, where each module has variable intensity air jets controlled by a combination of valves, and outlet nozzles with aligned orifices, allowing for adjustable air jet intensity and number, enabling quick and accurate sorting with reduced overall dimensions. The device includes pressure sensors for precise control and a control unit that activates modules and valves based on object characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of air jets with uniform volume are used for sorting seeds, then the sorting coverage is improved, but the device becomes bulky and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple modules, each module containing a limited number of air jets (e.g., 3-5 jets per module). These modules can be selectively activated based on sorting requirements, providing comprehensive coverage without requiring all jets to be active simultaneously, thus reducing the effective device volume in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The air jet system transitions from a static configuration of uniformly active jets to a dynamic system where individual jets and modules can be independently controlled and activated. This allows the device to adapt its effective size and jet configuration to match the specific sorting task, providing versatility without permanent bulkiness.
2Ease of manufacture
If uniform volume air jets are used across all positions, then the device structure is simplified, but sorting precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different air jets within the device are equipped with different orifice diameters tailored to their specific positions and sorting functions. Jets closer to the target position or requiring finer control have smaller orifices, while others have larger orifices for broader coverage, optimizing precision without complicating the overall modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system varies the orifice diameter parameter across different air jets to optimize sorting precision for different positions and object types. This parameter differentiation allows each jet to be optimized for its specific role while maintaining a relatively simple modular device structure.
3Productivity
If high production rates are maintained, then productivity is improved, but the time available for object sorting is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device operates in periodic cycles where groups of modules are activated in sequences rather than continuously. This allows rapid switching between different sorting configurations, enabling high-speed sorting that keeps pace with production rates while minimizing the time each object spends in the sorting zone.
Solution Approach 2:
While individual modules are activated and deactivated, the overall sorting action continues without interruption as objects move through the device. Multiple modules operate in overlapping sequences, ensuring that sorting action is continuous and keeps pace with the continuous flow of objects from production lines.
4Manufacturing precision
If variable intensity air jets are implemented, then sorting accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable intensity control is achieved by segmenting the air supply system into multiple independently controllable modules, each with its own valve. This segmentation allows simple on/off control of individual modules to create variable intensity patterns without requiring complex continuous modulation of each jet, reducing overall control complexity while maintaining sorting accuracy.
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
Enables efficient and accurate sorting of objects by varying air jet intensity and number, ensuring precise deflection forces adapted to object characteristics while maintaining a compact device size, suitable for high-speed sorting in industries like pharmaceuticals.
Implementation Method 1
modules, each module having valves for supplying compressed air, the intensity of the compressed air jet delivered by each module being variable
Implementation Method 2
outlet nozzles for discharging one or more air jets coming from the modules... the nozzles directing one or more air jets in the channel towards the objects to be sorted
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pneumatic device (10) comprising modules (100), each module having compressed air supply valves (12), the intensity of the compressed air jet supplied by each module (100) being variable according to the combination of valves (12) activated, and outlet nozzles (14) of one or more air jets coming from the modules (100), according to the number of modules (100) activated, the nozzles having aligned outlet orifices. The invention also relates to an object sorting system comprising the pneumatic device.