Segmented Roller Compression for Mixed Container Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reverse vending machines face inefficiencies in compressing and handling containers of varying materials and shapes, leading to jams and increased operational costs due to the wear and tear of existing roller arrangements, which are not well-suited for processing metal cans and plastic bottles simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A device with a container compressing arrangement featuring two rotatable rollers with annular segments and protruding elements, arranged in a specific configuration to facilitate the compression of metal, plastic, paper, and cardboard containers, reducing the risk of jamming and improving handling efficiency by distributing force and providing extra space for container material to move during compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pressure rollers are used to compress containers, then containers are flattened, but the rollers wear quickly causing machine standstill
Solution Approach 1:
The roller surface is segmented into multiple protruding elements (teeth) arranged in annular segments, which distribute the compression force across multiple contact points rather than a continuous surface, reducing wear on individual elements and extending overall roller lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The rollers are designed with protruding elements that dynamically engage and disengage from container surfaces during rotation, allowing the container to be compressed while maintaining continuous motion and preventing static wear patterns
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional roller arrangements are used, then containers are compressed, but containers of varying materials and shapes cause jams
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the roller surface have different properties through the annular segments with protruding elements, allowing localized adaptation to different container types and shapes while maintaining overall compression function
Solution Approach 2:
The roller is divided into multiple annular segments with protruding elements that can independently engage with different container geometries, enabling the same roller to handle various container types without causing jams
3Volume of moving object
If containers are compressed tightly, then storage space is reduced, but containers may not stay flattened after release
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding elements apply compression force in a controlled sequence during rotation, preliminarily shaping the container walls and ensuring that the flattening is permanent before the container exits the compression zone
Solution Approach 2:
The curved surfaces of the protruding elements and annular segments apply distributed compression force that evenly flattens the container while maintaining structural integrity and ensuring the container remains flattened after release
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 compression of diverse container types, reducing jamming and extending the lifespan of the machine by distributing force and providing sufficient space for material movement, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second rollers cooperate in the feeding of containers between the rollers... Each protruding element comprises a base from which the protruding element extends radially outwards... the junction between said leading surface and said top surface forms a first ridge for urging the emptied containers between said rollers
Implementation Method 2
Each of said side surfaces comprises a slanting portion, which slanting portion is slanting outwards from said top surface towards said base and Lslanting > 0.5*E, where Lslanting is the length of the slanting portion in a center plane intersecting the center of said top surface and the rotation axis of the roller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~16
Figure 4
AI summary
A device (1) for compression of emptied containers (9), said device (1) comprising a container compressing arrangement (2) provided with a first (3) and a second (4) roller, each roller (3, 4) having annular segments (10) provided with specially shaped protruding elements (11). The device (1) is for compression of plastic bottles (9) as well as metal cans (9).