Shredder Fullness Detection Using Dual Optical and Weight Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shredders with optical sensors fail to detect fullness in the shredded waste housing box in some cases, leading to potential overflow and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
The shredder incorporates both a bulk height measurement section using an optical sensor and a weight measurement section, allowing for accurate detection of fullness by measuring the bulk height and weight of the paper pieces housed in the shredding apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical sensor is used to detect the bulk height of shredded waste, then the detection capability is provided, but the reliability of fullness detection fails in some cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an optical sensor (bulk height measurement section) and a weight sensor (weight measurement section) into a unified detection system. The control unit integrates signals from both sensors to determine fullness, thereby improving reliability by cross-validating detection results and compensating for the optical sensor's failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes and compares data from both the optical sensor and weight sensor. It mediates between the two detection methods, using the weight sensor's data to confirm or correct the optical sensor's readings, thus enhancing overall detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If only an optical sensor is used for fullness detection, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of fullness detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges optical sensing (bulk height measurement) with weight sensing to achieve more precise fullness detection. The combination allows the system to detect both the physical presence of waste and its mass, providing more accurate and reliable fullness determination compared to optical sensing alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters by introducing weight measurement in addition to bulk height measurement. This multi-parameter approach enables more precise fullness detection by considering both volume-based and mass-based characteristics of the shredded waste.
3Productivity
If the housing section is considered full based on optical detection, then the productivity is maintained, but the loss of substance occurs due to overflow
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring both optical and weight sensor data and using this information to dynamically determine when the housing is full. This feedback mechanism prevents overflow by triggering shutdown or alert signals based on the most accurate fullness assessment, thereby maintaining productivity while preventing waste loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-sensor detection system provides beforehand cushioning by detecting fullness more accurately and early, allowing the system to take preventive actions (such as stopping the shredding operation or alerting the user) before overflow occurs. This proactive approach ensures continuous productivity while preventing shredded waste loss.
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
This dual detection system ensures reliable detection of fullness, preventing overflow and optimizing the use of the shredding apparatus's capacity, thereby stabilizing the quality of recycled paper sheets.
Implementation Method 1
a bulk height measurement section that detects the bulk height of the paper pieces housed in the housing section
Implementation Method 2
a weight measurement section that detects the weight of the paper pieces housed in the housing section
Data Source
AI summary
A shredder includes a shredding section that shreds paper into paper pieces, a housing section that houses the paper pieces, a bulk height sensor that detects the bulk height of the paper pieces housed in the housing section, a weight sensor that detects the weight of the paper pieces housed in the housing section, and a processor that prohibits shredding by the shredding section in response to indicating fullness of the housing section by either the bulk height detected or the weight detected.