Suction Gripper Solvent Dosing for Waste Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waste sorting robots face maintenance issues due to dust and debris accumulation in the suction gripper, leading to frequent downtime and operational inefficiencies in dirty waste sorting environments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a solvent outlet system that generates airflow with a solvent, such as water, ethanol, or ammonia, to dose the airflow path within the suction gripper, preventing blockages and maintaining the gripper's functionality by periodically cleaning it, even in dirty environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a suction gripper is used to pick waste objects, then the robot can selectively grip and transport waste objects, but the suction gripper becomes blocked by dust and debris accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by introducing solvent through the airflow path before the suction gripper becomes fully blocked. The solvent is dosed continuously or periodically to prevent dust and debris accumulation, maintaining gripper functionality proactively rather than reactively after blockage occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The solvent acts as an intermediary substance that facilitates the removal of dust and debris from the airflow path. By introducing the solvent through the air supply system, it cleans the surfaces and prevents direct contact between dust/debris and the suction gripper components, thereby preventing blockage.
2Reliability
If the suction gripper is cleaned frequently to prevent blockages, then operational continuity is maintained, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is merged with the existing air supply system for the suction gripper. The air supply that is already present for gripping operations is used to deliver the solvent, combining a necessary function (air supply) with a maintenance function (solvent delivery) into a single integrated system, thereby avoiding additional complex separate cleaning infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-maintenance by using its own operational resources (air supply) to clean itself. The solvent is delivered through the existing airflow path without requiring external cleaning equipment or separate maintenance systems, allowing the suction gripper to maintain its own functionality autonomously.
3Reliability
If solvent is continuously dosed into the airflow path, then dust and debris accumulation is prevented, but energy consumption and solvent usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous solvent dosing, the system employs periodic or intermittent solvent delivery. The solvent is introduced at specific intervals or triggered by operational conditions (such as after handling particularly dirty waste), providing sufficient cleaning effect while minimizing overall solvent consumption and associated energy requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the solvent dosing parameters based on operational conditions. By modifying the frequency, amount, and timing of solvent delivery according to the actual contamination level and task requirements, the system optimizes the balance between maintaining gripper cleanliness and reducing solvent/energy consumption.
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 solvent system effectively reduces the accumulation of dirt and debris, minimizing maintenance needs and ensuring continuous operation of the waste sorting robot by maintaining the gripper's functionality and preventing blockages.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply in fluid communication with the suction gripper configured to generate an airflow along an airflow path in the suction gripper
Implementation Method 2
a solvent outlet in fluid communication with a solvent supply wherein the solvent outlet configured to dose the airflow with the solvent
Implementation Method 3
a suction gripper connected to the manipulator and arranged to generate a negative pressure to selectively grip a waste object in the working area
Implementation Method 4
the suction gripper, the first air hose and/or the second air hose are coated in a non-stick material
Data Source
AI summary
A waste sorting robot comprises a manipulator moveable within a working area. A suction gripper is connected to the manipulator and arranged to selectively grip a waste object in the working area. An air supply is in fluid communication with the suction gripper and configured to generate an airflow along an airflow path in the suction gripper. A solvent outlet in fluid communication with a solvent supply wherein the solvent outlet configured to dose the airflow with the solvent.