Reverse Vending Machine Vertical Transport Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reverse vending machines (RVMs) inefficiently utilize space due to the need for objects to be manually fed and transported at a fixed height, limiting the effective use of storage bins and increasing operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact transport device integrated into the RVM that combines sorting and vertical transport, allowing objects to be lifted from a lower level to a higher level, enabling the use of taller storage bins without increasing the machine's footprint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If objects are manually fed and transported at a fixed height of 900-1400mm, then ease of operation is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal transport at fixed height to vertical transport, utilizing the height dimension to move objects from lower level positions to higher level positions. This dimensional change allows storage bins to be positioned at different heights, dramatically improving space utilization while maintaining operational efficiency through automated conveyor systems.
2Ease of operation
If storage bins are positioned below or at lower level than the conveyor, then ease of operation is improved, but volume of storage bins deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic conveyor system that can vertically transport objects to different height levels, allowing storage bins to be positioned at optimized heights rather than fixed below the conveyor. This dynamic positioning capability enables storage bins to utilize vertical space effectively, increasing their volume capacity while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
3Productivity
If a larger number of returned objects are stored in tall containers, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sorting and vertical transport functions into a single integrated device. The conveyor system simultaneously performs object sorting and vertical transportation to different storage levels, eliminating the need for separate sorting and lifting mechanisms. This merging of functions increases productivity by enabling tall storage bins while controlling device complexity through functional integration.
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
The solution enables efficient space utilization in RVMs, allowing for taller storage bins and improved operational efficiency by automating the transport of objects, thus enhancing the recycling process.
Implementation Method 1
a conveyor device (13) for conveying the object (11) from a lower level position to a higher level position
Data Source
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AI summary
A transport device for lifting an object (11) in a reverse vending machine has been disclosed. The transport device comprises a conveyor device (13) for lifting the object (11) from a lower level position to a higher level position in the reverse vending machine, and an object supporting device (12) arranged substantially parallel to the conveyor device (13) and arranged in such a way as to allow the object (11) to be held between the conveyor device (13) and the object supporting device (12) during the lifting of the object. The conveyor device (13) may include a first, endless conveyor belt (3) arranged about a first drive roller (5) and a first support roller (10). The object supporting device may either include a second, endless conveyor belt (2) arranged about a second drive roller (4) and a second support roller (7), or a clamping member (16) with a surface, the object (11) being clamped between the conveyor device (13) and the surface during the lifting of the object. A translational conveyor (6) may be included to transport the object (11) in a substantially horizontal direction to an entry location of the conveyor device (13) and the object supporting device (12).