Solar Panel Glass Recycling Mechanism for Automated Crushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The recycling of discarded solar panels is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and inefficient, posing safety risks and requiring significant space and manpower due to their large size and weight, with current methods causing environmental harm and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A glass panel recycling mechanism comprising a transfer unit, processing unit, and recycling area, utilizing transfer wheel sets, crushing wheel cutter sets, and conveyor belts to efficiently break down glass panels into recyclable fragments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual disassembly and processing methods are used for discarded solar panels, then workers can handle and sort the components, but the process becomes labor-intensive, time-consuming, and requires significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated crushing mechanism. The solar panels are fed into a crushing chamber where rotating crushing wheels with cutters automatically break down the panels into fragments, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and significantly improving processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service processing where the solar panels are automatically fed, crushed, and sorted without continuous human intervention. The automated feed mechanism and crushing system allow the equipment to process materials independently, reducing labor requirements while maintaining high productivity
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar panels are processed in batches with separate handling operations, then each component can be treated appropriately, but the process requires more space and time for transfer and stacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing functions into a single integrated machine. The crushing chamber simultaneously performs size reduction, separation, and size classification of different solar panel components (glass, metal frames, plastic encapsulants) in one operation, eliminating the need for separate handling and stacking spaces for different materials
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms the processing approach from horizontal batch processing requiring multiple workstations to vertical through-feeding where materials are continuously processed in one dimension. The elongated crushing chamber allows materials to be fed in and processed sequentially, reducing the footprint required for batch operations
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional crushing methods are used for solar panels, then glass panels can be broken down, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The crushing mechanism uses periodically rotating crushing wheels with cutters that continuously engage and break down solar panels as they pass through the chamber. This periodic crushing action, combined with continuous material feed, enables rapid size reduction compared to static or manual crushing methods
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary size reduction through the crushing chamber before any further processing or sorting. By pre-crushing the solar panels into manageable fragments early in the process, subsequent handling and sorting operations are significantly accelerated, reducing overall processing time
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
Facilitates safe, efficient, and space-efficient recycling of glass panels from discarded solar panels, reducing manual labor and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a power unit (32) for driving a plurality of crushing wheel cutter sets (31) to press and break the glass panels of the preset waste materials into glass waste
Implementation Method 2
a transfer unit (2) provided on the base (1) on one side of the material inlet (11) for driving a plurality of transfer wheel sets (22) to transport the preset waste materials
Implementation Method 3
a conveyor belt (42) for sending the waste to the outside
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a glass panel recycling mechanism, which includes a material inlet provided on one side of a working space of a base for preset waste materials to enter, a transfer unit provided on the base to transport the preset waste materials by driving a plurality of transfer wheel sets through a driving device, a processing unit installed on the base below the transfer unit, a power unit for driving multiple crushing wheel cutter sets to press and break the glass panels on the surfaces of the preset waste materials, a collection device installed at the bottom of the base below the processing unit for collecting the waste of the preset waste materials to sent the waste to the outside by a conveyor belt so that the glass panels on the surfaces of the preset waste materials can be processed.