Textile detection module, textile sorting system and using method thereof

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of fiber materials and blended fibers in textiles complicates recycling and classification, as existing spectral sorters face difficulties in accurately detecting and sorting diverse textile compositions.

Innovation Solution

A textile detection module comprising a height sensor, excitation light source, optical detector, and focuser is integrated into a sorting system, allowing continuous measurement and adjustment of the test specimen's height and focus, enabling precise optical detection and sorting without interrupting the conveyor process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If spectral sorters are used to detect and sort textile materials, then sorting capability is provided, but detection accuracy is insufficient due to the complexity of fiber materials and blended fibers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of fiber materials
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is segmented into multiple stages: height measurement at the first position, focus adjustment based on height data, and spectral detection at the second position. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized independently, improving overall detection accuracy for complex fiber materials

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The height measurement and focus adjustment are performed as preliminary actions before the actual spectral detection. By pre-adjusting the focus based on height data obtained at the first position, the system ensures optimal detection conditions are established before analyzing the complex fiber materials at the second position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If optical detection is performed on moving specimens, then continuous sorting is achieved, but detection accuracy decreases due to varying heights of specimens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorting efficiencyVSAvoidoptical detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the focus of the optical detection device based on real-time height measurements of moving specimens. The focus adjustment is continuously adapted to match the varying heights of specimens on the conveyor belt, maintaining detection accuracy while enabling continuous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from height measurements taken at the first position to automatically adjust the focus at the second position. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the optical detection remains accurately focused on specimens of varying heights, maintaining precision during continuous sorting operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If focus adjustment is made for each specimen, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The height measurement and focus adjustment are performed as preliminary actions before the specimen reaches the detection position. This advance preparation eliminates time delays during the actual detection process, as the focus is already optimized when the specimen arrives at the second position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The height measurement and focus adjustment operations continue uninterrupted as specimens move along the conveyor belt. The system maintains continuous operation by performing focus adjustments in parallel with specimen transport, avoiding stoppages and maintaining high processing speed while ensuring detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution enhances the efficiency and accuracy of optical detection and sorting, facilitating improved recycling and reuse of textiles by ensuring continuous operation and minimizing interference from varying fiber types and colors.

Implementation Method 1

a height sensor suitable for measuring a height of the test specimen to generate a height signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical measurement:

Implementation Method 2

The optical detector is disposed on a transmission path of the excitation light beam and is suitable for receiving the excitation light beam and emitting the excitation light beam along an optical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 3

The focuser includes a focus lens, which is suitable for converting the excitation light beam into a focused excitation light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 4

The focused excitation light beam is transmitted from the focuser to the test specimen to generate the detection light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRaman scattering:

Data Source

PatentEP3991860B1Textile detection module, textile sorting system and using method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 IND TECH RES INST
  • EP3991860B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3991860B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3991860B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A textile detection module (100) is suitable for detecting a test specimen (20). The textile detection module (100) includes a height sensor (110), an excitation light source (120), an optical detector (130), and a focuser (140). The height sensor (110) is suitable for measuring a height of the test specimen (20) to generate a height signal (S1). The excitation light source (120) provides an excitation light beam (L1). The optical detector (130) is disposed on a transmission path of the excitation light beam (L1) and is suitable for receiving the excitation light beam (L1) and emitting the excitation light beam (L1) along the optical axis and receiving a detection light beam (L3) to generate a detection result. The focuser (140) is disposed on the transmission path of the excitation light beam (L1) emitted by the optical detector (130). The focuser (140) includes a focus lens (142) suitable for converting the excitation light beam (L1) into a focused excitation light beam (L2). The focused excitation light beam (L2) is transmitted from the focuser (140) to the test specimen (20) to generate the detection light beam (L3), wherein the focuser (140) adjusts a position of the focus lens (142) according to the height signal (S1). The height sensor (110) measures the height of the test specimen (20) at a first position (PI) of the conveying path (A), the optical detector (130) performs optical detection on the test specimen (20) at a second position (P2) of the conveying path (A), and the test specimen (20) moves from the first position (PI) to the second position (P2) along the conveying path (A).