Parallel Conveyor for Reverse Vending Machine Bottles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic empties return machines with bulk feed systems face low throughput due to serial separation of containers, leading to long waiting times for customers to receive deposit receipts.
Innovation Solution
A transport device that feeds empties in a field arrangement, allowing them to be transported and rotated in parallel, with rollers providing rotary momentum for detection, and a steep conveyor design to increase throughput and reduce structural depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are fed in bulk and transported serially one after another, then the machine structure is simpler, but the throughput is reduced and waiting time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from serial one-dimensional transport to parallel two-dimensional field arrangement. Multiple containers are transported simultaneously in parallel rows rather than sequentially, fundamentally changing the throughput dimension from single-file to multi-lane concurrent processing
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system is divided into multiple independent carrier units, each capable of transporting individual containers. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple containers simultaneously while maintaining individual control over each container's transport and rotation
2Productivity
If containers are transported in field arrangement in parallel, then throughput increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier design integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural support for containers, enables rotational movement for surface detection, and facilitates parallel transport arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The containers themselves serve as part of the transport mechanism through their geometric features. The shoulder and base of the containers interact with the carrier geometry to enable automatic positioning and rotation without requiring complex external actuation mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If containers rotate about longitudinal axis during transport, then surface detection is enabled, but additional energy is required for rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism utilizes the container's own geometric features (shoulder and base) interacting with the carrier geometry to generate rotational motion automatically during transport. This self-rotating mechanism eliminates the need for separate motors or actuators on each container, significantly reducing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier design creates a geometric potential field that naturally guides container rotation. By shaping the carrier surface to match container geometry, the system uses gravitational and contact forces to achieve consistent rotational positioning without requiring active energy input for each rotation event
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
Significantly increases the throughput of empties in reverse vending machines by enabling simultaneous detection and processing of multiple containers, reducing waiting times for customers.
Implementation Method 1
The rotational drive of the empty containers lying on the rollers can be easily achieved by frictional engagement between the rollers, which move translationally relative to the contact surface, and the contact surface. This causes the rollers to rotate and transfer an angular momentum to the empty containers.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for returning empties, in particular bottles and cans, having a bulk input, in which the empties (10) are moved from an input space (8) past a detection unit (14) by a conveyor device (1) rotating about the longitudinal axis thereof, and further having a conveyor device for implementing said method, comprising a plurality followers mounted transversely to the direction of conveyance and spaced a distance apart. An increased throughput is to be achieved with such a method and such a conveyor device. This is achieved in that the empties (10) are parallelized out of the input space (8) by the conveyor device (1) and fed to the detection unit (14) in a field array, or in that each follower (4) is designed to be wide enough to hold at least two empties (10) side by side, and that an angular momentum is applied to the empties (10) at least in the detection field (15) of the detection unit (14).