Sorting Drum With Groove-Interconnected Pockets To Prevent Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing drum-based sorting machines face issues where objects can get stuck in the openings of the pockets, causing occlusion and reducing the effectiveness of the sorting process as more openings become blocked over time.
Innovation Solution
A drum with a cylindrical shape featuring a plurality of pockets on its inner surface and grooves on the outer surface, where the grooves interconnect openings to facilitate the removal of stuck objects using a cleaning brush or blade, ensuring continuous operation and maintaining pocket capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If objects are received in pockets through openings on the drum surface, then sorting and characterization can be performed, but openings become occluded by stuck objects reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of objects stuck in openings is extracted and removed by introducing a cleaning mechanism (brush or blade) that actively removes stuck objects from the openings, preventing occlusion and maintaining continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning brush or blade is introduced as an intermediary element between the drum surface and the objects, serving as a mediator to remove stuck objects from the openings without affecting the primary sorting function
2Measurement precision
If pockets are provided with openings for object reception and light detection, then object characteristics can be detected, but openings jam with objects reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism performs preliminary action by removing objects from the openings before they can cause jamming or occlusion, preventing harmful effects before they occur and ensuring continuous reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning mechanism converts the potentially harmful effect of stuck objects into a beneficial cleaning action, where the brush or blade deliberately contacts and removes objects that would otherwise cause jamming, transforming a problem into a solution
3Productivity
If the drum rotates continuously for sorting, then productivity is maintained, but openings become progressively occluded increasing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning mechanism ensures continuity of useful action by continuously removing objects from the openings during drum rotation, preventing interruptions and maintaining uninterrupted sorting operation
Solution Approach 2:
The drum system performs self-service through the integrated cleaning mechanism that automatically removes stuck objects during normal operation, eliminating the need for external intervention or downtime for clearing jams
Data Source
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AI summary
A drum (100) for sorting objects is provided. The drum has a cylindrical shape, and said drum (100) comprises a cylindrical body (101), with an inner and an outer envelope surface. A plurality of pockets (104) are arranged on the inner envelope surface of the cylindrical body (101), and said pockets (104) are provided with openings (105) opening up into the outer envelope surface. At least one groove (106) is arranged on the outer envelope surface, said groove (105) interconnecting at least two openings (105). A machine (1000) comprising such a drum (100) and a method for manufacturing such drum (100) are also provided.