Reverse Vending In-Feed Locking for Bulk Container Singulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse vending machines are bulky and require users to feed containers one by one, which is inefficient and can lead to contact with food and drink residues.
Innovation Solution
A compact device with a first receiving area for bulk container intake, a transporting device with a container elevating member that moves along an inclined path, and a control circuit to manage container processing, allowing simultaneous intake and individual processing of multiple containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are fed one by one through a single inlet, then individual processing is simplified, but productivity decreases and user contact with residues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single inlet is segmented into multiple inlets (first inlet and second inlet), allowing multiple containers to be fed simultaneously. The closing device is also segmented with first and second closing elements that can independently control each inlet, enabling parallel container processing while maintaining individual control over each feeding channel.
2Productivity
If a bulk receiving area is introduced for simultaneous container intake, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first receiving area serves as a combined bulk storage zone that receives containers from both the first inlet and second inlet simultaneously. This merging of receiving functions into a single shared space allows multiple containers to be accumulated and processed in parallel without requiring separate receiving areas for each inlet, thereby increasing productivity while controlling structural complexity.
3Productivity
If the closing device is manually operated, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases due to continuous user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuitry automatically controls the closing device based on sensor input from the receiving area. When containers are detected in the first receiving area, the system automatically closes the in-feed to prevent overfilling, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention. This self-service automation increases productivity while maintaining ease of operation through simple container placement.
4Ease of operation
If the in-feed remains open for bulk loading, then ease of operation improves, but container singulation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The closing device dynamically transitions between open and closed states based on real-time container levels in the receiving area. During bulk loading, the in-feed remains open for easy container placement. Once a predetermined level is reached, the system automatically closes the in-feed to enable proper singulation and individual processing, thereby balancing ease of operation with processing efficiency.
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 user-friendly recycling by allowing bulk container intake, reducing contact with residues, and minimizing space consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first axis (x) being inclined at an angle of 1° to 45° relative the horizontal plane
Implementation Method 2
the container elevating member, when arranged at a container drop-off point along said circumferential path, slopes downwardly as seen radially inwards
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A reverse vending machine comprising: a first receiving area arranged for simultaneously receiving and keeping a plurality of containers which are to be singulated; a first singulation transporting device comprising a container singulator, for transporting individual containers from the first receiving area to a second receiving area, and a front comprising an in-feed for guiding a bulk of containers towards the first receiving area, wherein the front further comprises: a movable closing device for closing the in-feed, which closing device is movable between an open state wherein the in-feed is open, and a closed state wherein the in-feed is closed, automatic locking device configured to lock the movable closing device in the closed state after the start of a container singulation session, and unlock the movable closing device at the end of the container singulation session and wherein said container singulation session is configured to be started before said movable closing device is closed.