Pneumatic Empties Transport System for Reverse Vending Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional reverse vending machines require manual handling of filled bags, leading to inefficient space utilization in collection containers, ergonomic issues due to heavy and awkward transport, and temporary unavailability of machines during bag exchange.
Innovation Solution
An automated empties transport system with an airstream generator and airlock device that allows for the automatic transport of empties from reverse vending machines to collection containers, utilizing an airstream to move empties through a conduit with adjustable diameter for efficient transport and minimizing blockages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual handling of filled bags is used, then the system is simple, but space utilization in collection containers is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic conveying system where containers are transported through pipelines using air pressure differentials. A suction device creates negative pressure to draw containers from the reverse vending machine through the pipeline to the collection container, eliminating manual handling and optimizing space utilization through automated container delivery.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual transport of heavy bags is performed, then equipment cost is low, but ergonomic performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical transport with an automated pneumatic conveying system. The suction device and pipeline infrastructure substitute for human physical labor, automatically transporting containers from the reverse vending machine to the collection container, thereby eliminating ergonomic strain while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If manual bag exchange is performed, then the system is simple to operate, but productivity decreases due to machine unavailability
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic conveying system operates continuously, maintaining a constant flow of containers from the reverse vending machine to the collection container. This eliminates interruptions caused by manual bag exchange, ensuring the reverse vending machine remains continuously available to serve consumers while automatically managing container transport.
4Device complexity
If containers are transported manually, then the system is simple, but transport time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic conveying system rapidly transports containers through the pipeline using controlled air pressure differentials. The suction device creates efficient airflow that quickly moves containers from the reverse vending machine to the collection container, dramatically reducing transport time compared to manual handling while maintaining system simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An empties transport system has an airstream transport device with an empties transport conduit, which has a first attachment point for attachment to the reverse vending machine and a second attachment point for attachment to the empties collection container, and an airstream generator, which is attached to the empties transport conduit and is designed to make available, in the empties transport conduit, a transporting airstream by means of which the empties passing via the first attachment point from the reverse vending machine the empties transport conduit are moved to the empties collection container, and an airlock device which is arranged on the first attachment point and via which the empties are transferable from the reverse vending machine to the empties transport conduit.