Sorting System With Proportional Valve Blowing Strength Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sorting systems can only sort objects into a maximum of two different destinations per operation, limiting flexibility and efficiency in sorting diverse materials.
Innovation Solution
The sorting system employs a valve arrangement with proportional or piezo valves to set two distinct blowing strengths greater than zero, allowing for the selective conveyance of sorting objects to multiple destinations based on detected properties such as size, shape, and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional 2/2 or 3/2 switching valves are used with only open and closed states, then the device structure is simple, but the sorting system can only sort objects into a maximum of two different destinations per operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from discrete valve states (open/closed) to continuous blowing strength control. The proportional or piezo valves enable variable blowing strengths to be set according to detected object properties, allowing objects to be sorted into multiple different destinations based on property values without increasing the fundamental valve structure complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sorting operations are used to sort objects into more than two destinations, then the sorting precision is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sorting operations into a single operation by enabling the valve arrangement to selectively apply different blowing strengths simultaneously for different object groups. This allows objects with different properties to be directed to different destinations in one pass, combining what would traditionally require multiple sequential sorting operations, thereby maintaining sorting precision while significantly improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proportional or piezo valves are used to enable variable blowing strengths, then the adaptability of the sorting system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses proportional or piezo valves that enable continuous adjustment of blowing strength parameters based on detected object properties. These valve types allow for precise control of air flow characteristics without requiring complex mechanical linkages or multiple valve assemblies, achieving high adaptability while keeping the valve arrangement relatively simple compared to using multiple discrete switching valves.
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 approach enables the sorting system to efficiently sort objects into more than two different destinations in a single operation, enhancing flexibility and reducing the need for multiple sorting operations.
Implementation Method 1
a valve arrangement (3) configured to blow on the sorting object (1) with a controlled blowing strength to convey the sorting object (1) to one of several possible sorting destinations (4)
Implementation Method 2
A camera system of the sorting system detects as the property the size, shape and/or color of the falling sorting objects
Implementation Method 3
the bulk material to be sorted is transferred over an inclined plane into a controlled free fall
Data Source
AI summary
A sorting system (10, 20) for sorting sorting objects (1), including a sensor unit (2) which is adapted to detect a property, in particular a size, shape, weight, color and/or material, of a sorting object (1), and a valve arrangement (3) which is adapted to blow on the sorting object (1) in order to convey the sorting object (1) to one of a plurality of possible sorting destinations (4), wherein the sorting system (10, 20) is adapted to selectively set, according to the detected property, a blowing strength (8) to a first blowing strength (8A) greater than zero or to a second blowing strength greater than zero, the second blowing strength being different from the first blowing strength (8B), and to blow the sorting object using the valve arrangement with the set blowing strength to cause the sorting object to be conveyed to the sorting destination.