Waste Sorting System Using Single Sensor for Multiple Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste sorting systems are inefficient and costly due to their size and complexity, struggling to handle the increasing amounts and fractions of domestic waste effectively, particularly in terms of speed and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sorting system with multiple sorting units connected to a sensor system that detects identification means on waste bags, such as color, patterns, or RFID, and controls multiple sorting devices to efficiently sort waste bags into different fractions, allowing for compact facilities and higher throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sorting systems use one sensor system per sorting device, then each sorting device can accurately identify and sort waste bags, but the facility size becomes large and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single sensor system to control multiple sorting devices. The sensor system identifies waste bags and generates signals that are distributed to multiple sorting devices, allowing one sensor system to perform the identification function for several sorting operations, thereby reducing the number of sensor systems needed and shrinking facility size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sorting devices into a single sorting unit that shares a common sensor system. By combining the control functions of multiple devices under one sensor system, the system reduces redundancy and consolidates the facility layout, directly addressing the contradiction between sorting accuracy and facility size.
2Reliability
If traditional sorting systems use multiple sensor systems for different sorting devices, then each device can operate independently with high accuracy, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to serve multiple sorting devices simultaneously, performing the identification and signal generation function universally for the entire sorting unit. This reduces system complexity by eliminating redundant sensor systems while maintaining reliable sorting through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the single sensor system and multiple sorting devices. It receives identification signals from the sensor system and distributes appropriate activation signals to the relevant sorting devices, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliable operation.
3Productivity
If the sorting facility processes more waste fractions, then the sorting capacity increases, but the facility size and number of sorting devices must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs multi-functional identification for multiple waste fractions, and multiple sorting devices within a single sorting unit handle different fractions. This allows the facility to process more waste types without proportionally increasing facility size, as one sensor system supports all sorting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple sorting devices in spatial configurations (parallel, series, or radial arrangements) within a single sorting unit, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. This allows increased sorting capacity for multiple waste fractions without linearly increasing the facility's footprint.
4Measurement precision
If traditional systems require sequential sorting through multiple sorting units, then each sorting operation can be performed accurately, but the throughput speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sorting devices are merged into a single sorting unit that operates simultaneously. The sensor system identifies waste bags and activates multiple sorting devices in parallel, allowing simultaneous sorting of different waste fractions in one pass through the facility, thereby increasing throughput speed while maintaining identification accuracy.
Data Source
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Figure 2a
AI summary
A system (1', 10') for sorting waste objects (2), wherein the waste object is provided with means for identification (RGBOP) thereof, wherein the system comprises: at least one sorting unit (4, 14, 22, 31, 32), wherein the sorting unit is connected to at least one sensor system (28) for identifying said waste object or said means for identification, said sensor system being arranged to detect one or more means for identification and arranged to provide a control system with a signal when a waste object of a desired type is detected, at least one sorting conveyor (5, 15, 17) for conveying said waste objects to said sorting unit, wherein said sorting unit is provided with two or more sorting devices (27, 27') for sorting the waste objects, wherein said sorting devices are arranged to receive at least one signal from said control system in response to a waste object of a desired type being detected by the sensor system.