Plastic Waste Collection Segregation Ophthalmic Lens Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for collecting plastic waste from ophthalmic lens manufacturing, such as machining, grinding, and trimming operations, result in a mixed waste that is difficult to recycle due to the differences in chemical nature between thermoplastics and thermosets, leading to inefficient and low-value recycling.
Innovation Solution
A plastic waste collection apparatus that segregates plastic waste based on material type by using a dispatching unit to direct waste to specific collection areas within a lens manufacturing station, utilizing data from a job database to determine the material type of each lens being manufactured, and employing suction units and flaps to manage waste flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If all plastic waste is collected and mixed together, then the collection process is simple, but the recycling value and efficiency are reduced due to chemical nature differences between thermoplastics and thermosets
Solution Approach 1:
The waste collection system is segmented into multiple separate collection areas (first collection area for thermoplastics, second collection area for thermosets) instead of a single mixed collection point. This segmentation allows different plastic materials to be collected separately, maintaining collection simplicity while enabling high-value recycling through material-specific processing.
2Ease of operation
If sorting is performed after mixing all waste types, then the collection process remains simple, but complex separation methods are required and acceptable composition is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sorting action at the source by providing separate collection areas for different plastic material types before the waste is fully collected. This preliminary separation eliminates the need for complex post-collection separation methods, as the waste is already segregated by material type when stored in the collection areas.
3Device complexity
If thermoplastics and thermosets are collected together, then the collection system is simple, but the resulting plastic mix is difficult to reuse and of little value
Solution Approach 1:
Different collection areas are provided with specific local qualities suited to their intended purpose - the first collection area is configured for thermoplastic waste while the second collection area is configured for thermoset waste. This local quality differentiation ensures that each collection area optimally handles its specific material type, enabling feasible and high-value recycling processes.
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
Enhances the recycling efficiency and value of plastic waste by preventing contamination and enabling targeted recycling, reducing the need for complex separation methods and minimizing storage and transport costs through precise waste segregation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one suction unit connected to at least one collection area for suction of generated waste towards the collection area(s)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plastic waste collection apparatus (15) configured to cooperate with a lens manufacturing station (1), the lens manufacturing station (1) being configured to shape a lens (3) by mechanical material removal like machining, grinding and/or trimming, and comprises an interface (9) to receive data information relative to a lens manufacturing job related to lenses to be shaped by the lens (3) manufacturing station (1), said data information comprising for each lens (3) manufacturing job at least a material type parameter of a lens to be shaped, the plastic waste collection apparatus (15) comprising - at least a first collection area (17A) for collecting plastic waste according to a first material type parameter, - at least a second collection area (17B) for collecting plastic waste according to a second material type parameter, - a dispatching unit (31) configured to receive said material type parameter for each lens manufacturing job and to dispatch the waste generated towards the first or the second collection area (17A, 17B) depending on the received material type parameter.