Pivotable Ring Waste Separation for Multi-Container Vacuum Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current urban and industrial vacuum cleaners lack the ability to effectively sort waste based on its nature or composition during collection, due to constraints such as standardized container dimensions and hose diameters, which hinder efficient separation of waste once it is collected.
Innovation Solution
A waste separation apparatus integrated into vacuum cleaners, featuring a hose with a pivotable ring that can be positioned in multiple predefined spots to direct waste into different containers, utilizing electronic or optical detectors for automatic sorting based on waste characteristics, and including anti-vibration means to stabilize detection systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a sorting device is installed in or on the vacuum cleaner to separate waste by nature or composition, then waste separation capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration constraints with standardized container dimensions and hose diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting device is nested within the existing vacuum cleaner structure, with the hose integrated into the ring mechanism. The ring acts as a central hub that both guides the hose and provides pivot points for directing waste to different containers, effectively nesting multiple functions within a compact integrated unit that respects standardized dimension constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support element, a pivot mechanism for hose positioning, and a sorting director that guides waste to different containers based on detected waste characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving waste separation.
2Productivity
If the ring is made pivotable to position waste in different containers based on characteristics, then waste sorting efficiency is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates due to moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is designed as a dynamic component that can pivot to different positions based on waste characteristics detected by sensors. This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt its configuration in real-time during operation, enabling efficient waste sorting into different containers while maintaining mechanical stability through controlled movement rather than fixed rigid structures.
3Measurement precision
If electronic or optical detectors are used for automatic sorting control, then sorting precision is improved, but sensitivity to vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ring structure serves as an intermediary mechanical element between the detectors and the waste stream. It transmits the sorting decisions made by the detectors into physical action while being designed to minimize vibration transmission to the sensitive detection systems, thereby protecting measurement precision from vibration interference.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an appliance which is more particularly applicable in an urban or industrial vacuum cleaner into which the waste is sucked up and then collected in a container. The appliance comprises a flexible tube, the proximal end of which receives the waste and the distal end of which is held by a ring which is pivotable such that the ring can be positioned in one of several pre-defined positions. This variable positioning allows the waste to be deposited in different containers or compartments, according to the characteristics thereof. The appliance can be controlled manually or automatically on the basis of electronic or optical sensors.