Specimen Identification Apparatus Length-Based Screening Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing identification apparatuses face challenges in accurately sorting specimens based on their properties, including form information, due to variations in size and specific gravity, which can lead to decreased accuracy in screening processes.
Innovation Solution
An identification apparatus that includes an identification unit to determine the material and length of a specimen, and a command unit to generate a control signal for a screening device, adjusting the intensity of the screening operation based on the specimen's length or size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a specimen is sorted out by discharging compressed air based on estimated mass and time of passage, then the sorting process can be automated, but the accuracy of the screening decreases for small-sized specimens with small specific gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical estimation method (based on camera imaging and barycentric position calculation) with a light-based measurement system. A light receiver detects light blocked by the specimen to directly measure its length in the conveying direction, providing more accurate form information that correlates better with mass for compression air sorting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from barycentric position (2D image processing) to length in conveying direction (1D light blockage measurement). This parameter change provides more direct and accurate information about the specimen's dimensions, which is critical for calculating mass and timing the compression air discharge accurately.
2Device complexity
If the screening operation intensity is fixed for all specimens, then the control system is simple, but the sorting accuracy decreases for specimens with varying sizes and properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the screening operation dynamic by adjusting the compression air discharge timing based on the measured length of each specimen. The control system calculates the time when the specimen reaches the sorting position based on its length and conveying velocity, enabling accurate sorting for specimens of varying sizes without excessive system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If spectroscopic analysis is applied to waste resin separation, then the identification can be performed under atmosphere without vacuum or drying processes, but the throughput may be limited by the analysis speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple identification functions into a single system that performs both spectroscopic material identification and form information measurement (length in conveying direction). This multi-functional approach allows simultaneous acquisition of both characteristic information (material type) and form information (size), enabling high-throughput sorting without sacrificing identification accuracy.
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
The apparatus enables accurate selection and sorting of specimens by adjusting the screening operation intensity according to the specimen's properties, thereby improving the recycling collection rate and reducing errors in sorting processes.
Implementation Method 1
absorption spectroscopy that acquires the absorption spectrum of a specimen with respect to incident light
Implementation Method 2
scattering spectroscopy that acquires the scattering spectrum of a specimen with respect to incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An identification apparatus that identifies properties of a specimen conveyed at a predetermined conveying velocity by a conveying unit includes an identification unit configured to identify a material included in the specimen and acquire a length in a conveying direction of the specimen, and a command unit configured to generate a control signal for controlling a screening device to perform a screening operation with predetermined intensity corresponding to the length, wherein the command unit changes the intensity of the screening operation per the length according to the length.