Sorting System with Primary and Secondary Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sorting systems face challenges in achieving precise sorting while minimizing the risk of bycatch, as pneumatic actuators are energy inefficient and generate air cones, while mechanical actuators have longer reaction times leading to unintended influence on other objects.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-based sorting system that includes a detection device for object classification, a classification device for assigning object classes, and a correlation analysis device to determine spatiotemporal correlation criteria, controlling primary and secondary sorting actuators based on object classes and spatial-temporal relationships to minimize bycatch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pneumatic actuators are used for sorting objects, then the reaction time is shorter, but energy efficiency deteriorates and air cones are generated causing unintentional influence on other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system is divided into multiple sorting units with primary and secondary actuators positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to target specific objects without affecting others, resolving the contradiction by enabling fast response while preventing unwanted influence through spatial separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies sorting actions locally to specific target objects rather than using broad pneumatic fields. By positioning actuators to act only on detected target objects and using object-specific triggering, the system achieves fast sorting while minimizing energy waste and preventing air cone interference with non-target objects.
2Loss of energy
If mechanical actuators are used for sorting objects, then energy efficiency is improved, but reaction time increases leading to unintended influence on other objects
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sorting units with primary and secondary actuators are distributed along the conveyor path. This allows mechanical actuators to act quickly on specific targets without requiring long reaction times, as the segmentation enables localized, targeted actions that reduce waiting and influence zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection device identifies target objects in advance, and the control system pre-calculates sorting decisions before objects reach the actuators. This preliminary action allows mechanical actuators to respond efficiently without delayed reaction times, maintaining energy efficiency while preventing unintended influence on other objects.
3Productivity
If conventional sorting systems are used, then sorting function is achieved, but the risk of bycatch increases due to inability to precisely control sorting influence
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sorting process into multiple independent units with primary and secondary actuators. This allows precise control over which objects are sorted, reducing bycatch risk while maintaining sorting productivity through coordinated multi-unit operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection and control systems perform preliminary identification and decision-making before sorting actions occur. This advance preparation enables precise targeting of intended objects while preventing unintended sorting of non-target objects, thereby reducing bycatch while maintaining efficient sorting throughput.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2d
AI summary
The invention relates to a sorting system (10) for sorting objects in a material stream of objects according to object classes and a method for sorting objects in a material stream of objects according to object classes. The sorting system (10) comprises: - a conveying device (20) for conveying the objects in the material stream of objects; - a detection device (40) for detecting objects in the material stream of objects; - a classification device for classifying the objects detected by the detection device (40) into at least two object classes; - a correlation analysis device for determining the value of at least one spatiotemporal correlation criterion between the objects detected by the detection device (40);and - a plurality of sorting actuators (60) for selectively sorting objects from the material stream, wherein the plurality of sorting actuators (60) comprises at least one primary sorting actuator (62) and at least one secondary sorting actuator (64) such that the at least one secondary sorting actuator (64) is arranged downstream of the primary sorting actuator (62) with respect to the material stream such that a first and a second object in the material stream of objects can pass the primary and the secondary sorting actuator (62; 64) successively in such a way that they are selectively sorted by either the primary or the secondary sorting actuator (62;64) can be sorted out of the material stream, wherein the sorting system is designed (10) to control the at least one primary sorting actuator (62) and the at least one secondary sorting actuator (64) depending on the object class of the first object, the object class of the second object and the value of a spatiotemporal correlation criterion determined by the correlation analysis device between the first object and the second object.;