Sorting System Dynamic Outlet Coupling for Product Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sorting systems for vulnerable products like apples and pears lack flexibility in handling different classifications, requiring separate collection and limiting the ability to manage specific sorting commands efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A sorting system that combines a standard classification with a selection module for task-specific sorting commands, allowing dynamic allocation of products across multiple outlets using weighting factors and priority levels, enabling flexible management of specific sorting tasks beyond standard settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional sorting system uses a fixed standard classification for all sorting outlets, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the system lacks flexibility to handle different classifications and specific sorting commands
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system dynamically reconfigures sorting outlets by coupling them to different classifications based on received sorting commands. The control system activates specific classifications and couples sorting outlets accordingly, allowing the system to adapt its structure dynamically rather than being fixed, thereby achieving flexibility without permanent structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each sorting outlet is designed to be multi-functional, capable of being coupled to different classifications based on the sorting command received. The same physical outlet can serve different classification purposes at different times, making the system universal and adaptable to various sorting requirements without requiring separate dedicated outlets for each classification type
2Productivity
If the system processes multiple classifications simultaneously without priority management, then outlet utilization may be optimized, but product allocation becomes complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The control system receives and processes sorting commands in advance, determining the priority and classification coupling requirements before actual product sorting begins. This preliminary configuration of outlet couplings based on command priority simplifies the subsequent product allocation process, as the system structure is already optimized for the specific sorting task at hand
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the status of sorting outlets and product flow, using this feedback to dynamically adjust outlet couplings and priority assignments. This real-time feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal outlet utilization while managing product allocation complexity through adaptive control rather than rigid pre-programming
3Productivity
If specific task sorting commands are prioritized over standard classification, then sorting efficiency for specific tasks improves, but the system complexity increases due to priority management mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The priority levels and outlet couplings are dynamically adjusted based on the specific sorting command received. When a prioritized task command is received, the system dynamically reconfigures the outlet couplings and priority assignments to favor that specific classification, enabling efficient handling of time-sensitive or high-priority sorting tasks without permanent structural changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters such as outlet coupling assignments and priority levels based on the sorting command type. By modifying these parameters dynamically rather than changing the physical system structure, the patent achieves improved sorting efficiency for specific tasks while minimizing the increase in system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A sorting system for sorting products, in particular vulnerable products, such as apples and pears, and a method therefor. The sorting system comprises a singulator, a measuring system, and a sorting device provided with a number of sorting outlets, along with a control operatively connected to the measuring system and the sorting device, and provided with a classification system. The control is provided with a selection module configured to switch the sorting system between a basic configuration and a task configuration in which the selection module is configured to select sorting commands and to couple a sorting command to one or more of the available sorting outlets adaptable to the specific product properties by the control. A product allocation system is configured to distribute assessed products over the qualifying sorting outlets in the task configuration.