Separation Device with Internal Ridge for Diaper Recycling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional separation devices for defective disposable diapers have limitations in separation efficiency, particularly in effectively separating water-absorbent materials from plastic components.
Innovation Solution
A separation device with a shredding unit and multiple separation units, each with a tubular portion and ridges on the inner surface, rotates to separate water-absorbent polymers from plastic fragments, enhancing separation efficiency by distributing fragments evenly and promoting dissociation through centrifugal force and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional separation devices are used to separate water-absorbent materials from plastic components, then separation can be performed, but separation efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The separation device is divided into multiple independent separation units (first separation unit, second separation unit, third separation unit), each with its own tubular portion and mesh structure. This segmentation allows different materials to be separated at different stages, improving overall separation efficiency and effectiveness simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by stacking multiple separation units at different heights. The first, second, and third separation units are arranged vertically, creating a multi-level separation system that enhances separation efficiency by processing materials through multiple stages in the vertical direction.
2Productivity
If the first tubular portion rotates to separate second material, then separation occurs, but processing target collects in lower portion due to gravity, reducing separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
A ridge is introduced into the tubular portion, creating an asymmetric internal structure. This ridge disrupts the symmetric gravitational collection of materials at the bottom, forcing materials to be distributed more uniformly along the inner circumferential surface of the tubular portion, thereby maintaining consistent separation efficiency throughout the rotation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular portion is designed with a curved, cylindrical geometry rather than a flat or angular shape. This curved structure, combined with the ridge, helps distribute materials evenly along the curved inner surface during rotation, preventing gravitational collection at specific points and maintaining uniform separation performance.
3Productivity
If multiple separation units are added to improve separation efficiency, then separation effectiveness increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separation units are merged into a single integrated device structure. The first, second, and third separation units share common structural elements such as the rotating shaft, drive mechanism, and housing, reducing overall device complexity compared to having completely separate separation devices for each stage.
Solution Approach 2:
Each separation unit is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The tubular portions with meshes serve both as structural elements and as separation surfaces, while the rotating shaft provides both mechanical support and rotational drive for all units, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure.
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 device achieves a higher separation efficiency by distributing fragments over a wider surface area and prolonging contact time, allowing for effective separation of water-absorbent polymers from plastic, which can be reused in high-quality products.
Implementation Method 1
the first tubular portion is rotated, and thus the second material dissociated from the first material is discharged to the outside of the first tubular portion through the first holes
Implementation Method 2
If the first ridge is not provided, the processing target tends to collect in a lower portion of the first tubular portion due to the effect of gravity
Implementation Method 3
promoting dissociation through centrifugal force and friction
Data Source
AI summary
A separation device includes a first shredding unit, a first separation unit, and a first ridge. The first shredding unit shreds a processing target containing a first material and a second material. The first separation unit rotates a first tubular portion in a state in which the processing target shredded by the first shredding unit is accommodated therein, thereby separating the second material passing through first holes from the processing target. The first ridge is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the first tubular portion, and extends in a direction in which the central axis of the first tubular portion extends.