Sorting Plate Inclination for Spherical Object Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for sorting spherical objects are inefficient in distinguishing between uniform and defective objects based on surface uniformity and internal mass distribution, particularly for objects of varying sizes and weights.

Innovation Solution

A device with a sorting plate that utilizes an accelerating region to impart kinetic energy to spherical objects, allowing good objects to roll into one container and defective objects to divert into another due to differences in trajectory influenced by shape and weight, with adjustable components to accommodate different object parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional sorting devices are used, then the structure is simple, but the sorting accuracy for objects of varying sizes and weights deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sorting plate is designed with adjustable inclination angle and can be dynamically tilted to different positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to adapt to spherical objects of different sizes and weights, maintaining high sorting accuracy without requiring multiple fixed sorting devices. The dynamic positioning enables the gravity vector to be optimized for each sorting scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the inclination angle parameter of the sorting plate to optimize sorting performance for different object characteristics. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system achieves accurate sorting across varying object sizes and weights while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If an inclined plate is used for sorting, then the device construction is simple, but the ability to distinguish defective objects based on trajectory differences deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefective object detectionVSAvoidsorting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sorting plate creates asymmetric trajectory conditions for spherical objects based on their physical characteristics. Good spherical objects follow a predictable rolling trajectory, while defective objects (non-spherical or with uneven mass distribution) deviate from this trajectory. The asymmetric geometry of the inclined plate amplifies these trajectory differences, enabling reliable defective object detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The sorting plate utilizes curved surface geometry to enhance the separation of trajectories. The specific curvature profile is designed to maintain stable rolling motion for good spherical objects while causing defective objects to偏离 the expected path, improving detection reliability without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the sorting plate is fixed in position, then the device is easy to operate, but the adaptability to different object parameters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different sizes and weightsVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sorting plate incorporates a tilting mechanism that allows it to be dynamically positioned at different angles. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to various spherical object parameters (size, weight, density) by optimizing the gravity component along the sorting surface, significantly enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable sorting plate serves multiple functions: it can sort objects of different sizes, weights, and densities by simply changing the inclination angle, rather than requiring different sorting mechanisms for each object type. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability while maintaining operational simplicity through a single adjustment mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Effectively sorts spherical objects by kinetic energy transfer, ensuring accurate separation of good and defective objects across various sizes and weights, with adjustable features for optimal performance.

Implementation Method 1

a sorting plate (3) comprising a receiving region (4) for receiving the spherical objects (1) from the feeder (2) and a sorting region (5), wherein the sorting region (5) comprises a good objects transferring region (6) for transferring good spherical objects (1G) and a defective objects transferring region (7) for transferring defective spherical objects (1D)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

At least a portion of a sorting surface (3A) of the sorting plate (3) ascends between the receiving region (4) and the good objects transferring region (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3736052B1A device and a method for sorting spherical objects
Publication Date: 2022.02.16 INTERNATIONAL TOBACCO MACHINERY POLAND SP ZOO
  • EP3736052B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3736052B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3736052B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device for sorting spherical objects (1), the device comprising: a feeder (2, 2', 2") for feeding the spherical objects (1); and a sorting plate (3, 3', 3", 3"') comprising a receiving region (4) for receiving the spherical objects (1) and a sorting region (5), the sorting region (5) comprising a good objects transferring region (6) for transferring good spherical objects (1G) and a defective objects transferring region (7) for transferring defective spherical objects (ID); characterized in that the sorting plate (3, 3', 3", 3"') comprises a sorting surface (3A) that ascends between the receiving region (4) and the good objects transferring region (6).