Toy Piece Collection Bin With In-Bin Size Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of small toy pieces in carpeted environments makes them difficult and time-consuming to collect efficiently, as they can become ensnared and are often mixed with larger pieces, leading to inefficiencies in aggregation and sorting.
Innovation Solution
A toy piece collection system utilizing a pressure source connected to a bin with a sorting structure of angled members and a pressure stream to separate and sort materials by size, combined with a sensing system to optimize the collection and sorting process, including a plow to avoid contaminates and a funnel to enhance the pressure stream's effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pressure stream is used to collect toy pieces from carpeted environments, then collection speed is improved, but small pieces become ensnared and are difficult to collect efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system segments the collection process into distinct functional zones: a plow element that pushes pieces toward the inlet, a funnel that directs flow, and a bin with sorting members. This segmentation allows each component to address specific collection challenges, improving overall efficiency while maintaining high-speed operation.
2Loss of time
If toy pieces are collected without sorting, then collection time is reduced, but larger pieces interfere with the pressure stream and mixing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting members are pre-positioned within the bin at angles to the bottom surface, creating a preliminary sorting action as pieces enter the bin. This preliminary sorting occurs automatically as pieces are deposited by the pressure stream, preventing larger pieces from interfering with ongoing collection while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting members act as intermediary elements between the incoming pressure stream and the final collection storage. These members intercept and redirect pieces based on size before they reach the bottom of the bin, allowing the pressure stream to continue operating efficiently without interruption from blocked pathways.
3Ease of operation
If all toy pieces are collected together, then aggregation is simplified, but sorting by size becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the aggregation and sorting functions into a single integrated process. The bin simultaneously collects all toy pieces while the angled sorting members automatically separate them by size during the collection process itself, eliminating the need for separate sorting operations and reducing overall time investment.
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 system efficiently collects and sorts toy pieces by size, reducing collection time and preventing larger pieces from interfering with the pressure stream, while minimizing the collection of unwanted debris, thereby optimizing the aggregation and storage of toy pieces.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure source is connected to a bin via an outlet. A continuous pressure stream is created from the pressure source through the bin to an inlet of the bin
Data Source
AI summary
One or more toy pieces can be picked up and collected by various embodiments of a toy piece collection system. The system can consist of a bin operatively connected to a pressure source and an inlet. The bin may house a sorting structure that consists of a plurality of separated members each having at least one sorting aperture arranged to separate and sort materials by size.