Sorting Device With Dual Discharge Means
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting devices using LIBS technology can only specifically remove a fraction of objects, limiting their efficiency in separating valuable materials, and require a more compact and adaptable design to handle varying object sizes and densities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second discharge means above the chute, controlled by the same LIBS laser device, to sort out an additional fraction of objects, allowing for targeted separation of valuable and non-valuable fractions with varying densities, while maintaining a compact design and efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single discharge means is used below the chute, then the device structure remains simple, but only one fraction of objects can be removed at a time, limiting sorting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The single discharge means is segmented into two independent discharge means (first discharge means below the chute and second discharge means above the chute), allowing simultaneous removal of different object fractions and improving sorting efficiency without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge means are positioned at different vertical dimensions (one below and one above the chute), enabling multi-directional sorting capabilities and allowing different fractions to be removed simultaneously from different sides of the conveying path
2Adaptability or versatility
If the discharge means is positioned below the chute, then gravity assists in object removal, but objects with varying densities cannot be effectively separated into multiple fractions
Solution Approach 1:
Different discharge means are assigned to different locations (below and above the chute) with different operational characteristics, allowing targeted separation of specific object fractions based on their properties such as density, while maintaining energy efficiency through gravity-assisted discharge where applicable
3Productivity
If multiple discharge means are added to increase sorting capacity, then more fractions can be separated, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discharge functions are merged into a compact arrangement where the first and second discharge means share the same general device structure and control system, increasing sorting capacity while minimizing the increase in overall device volume through spatial optimization
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
Enables the efficient and targeted separation of multiple fractions of objects based on density and composition, improving the sorting efficiency and adaptability of the device without increasing its size or energy requirements.
Implementation Method 1
LIBS is an analytical technique in which a pulsed, focused laser beam extremely heats a small area on the material surface of an object, generating a plasma
Implementation Method 2
generating a plasma and then enabling a quantitative, element-specific spectral analysis of the plasma
Implementation Method 3
The objects are moved along these chutes, preferably by gravitational force, so that they move past the LIBS laser device located beneath the chute
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Sorting device (1) for sorting objects (2) comprising: - a chute (3) on which the objects (2) are movable in a conveying direction (22) by an acting gravitational force, wherein the chute (3) has a recess (4) comprising a measuring area (23), - a LIBS laser device (6) for performing a spectroscopic measurement of the objects (2) moving along the chute (3) through the recess (4), - a discharge means (7) for sorting out a first fraction (11) of the objects (2), wherein the discharge means (7) is arranged below the chute (3) and/or below an imaginary extension of the chute (3), and - a control device (8) for controlling the discharge means (7) depending on the measurement results of the LIBS laser device (6).In order to be able to selectively discharge an additional fraction of the objects with the sorting device, it is provided according to the invention that the sorting device (1) comprises a further discharge means (13) for sorting out a second fraction (12) of the objects (2), which further discharge means (13) is arranged above the chute (3) and/or above the imaginary extension of the chute (3), wherein the control device (8) is designed to control the further discharge means (13) depending on the measurement results of the LIBS laser device (6).