Waste Sorting Sensor System RFID Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste sorting methods face challenges such as the need for separate bags for each waste type, uncertainty in automatic sorting, especially in dirty environments, and the potential for unsuitable materials like metal to be mixed in, which can hinder recycling and incineration processes.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system that simultaneously reads identifiers on waste bags and their contents, using RFID and optical sensors, along with material detection, to efficiently sort waste into different components, allowing for the use of any bag type and preventing undesired materials from being sorted together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If separate waste bags of different colors are used for each waste type, then waste sorting can be performed, but the device complexity and operation difficulty increase due to needing multiple bags and manual sorting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting operations with an automated sensor-based identification and sorting system. Sensors detect waste bag identifiers and automatically control handling devices to sort waste, eliminating the need for manual sorting processes and reducing operational complexity despite adding automation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste bags are equipped with self-identifying markers (RFID tags, visual identifiers) that automatically provide sorting information without requiring manual intervention. The system reads these identifiers and autonomously directs waste to appropriate containers, enabling the waste itself to 'identify' its destination.
2Productivity
If automatic optical sorting apparatus is used in a dirty environment, then sorting efficiency increases, but the reliability and measurement precision decrease due to uncertainty in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces RFID tags as an intermediary identification method that operates independently of visual conditions. These radio frequency identifiers provide reliable waste classification information even when optical sensors are obscured by dirt, darkness, or poor lighting, ensuring consistent sorting accuracy in challenging environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multiple identification parameters including RFID signals, visual identifiers, and material composition data from sensors. By utilizing diverse identification methods beyond single optical detection, the system maintains measurement precision and reliability even when environmental conditions degrade optical sensor performance.
3Extent of automation
If RFID identifiers are provided on waste bags, then waste can be automatically identified and sorted, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple identification functions into a unified sensor system that reads RFID tags, visual identifiers, and material composition simultaneously. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive automatic identification capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines RFID reading, optical scanning, and material detection sensors into an integrated identification platform. By merging multiple identification technologies into a single coordinated system, the patent reduces the complexity of managing separate systems while enhancing automatic waste identification reliability.
4Measurement precision
If material detection sensors are added to identify waste contents, then sorting precision improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the identification process into sequential stages: first reading bag identifiers (RFID/visual), then detecting material composition. This segmentation allows the system to use simpler sensors for initial classification and only deploy more complex material detection when needed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high sorting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs identification in layers, using readily available bag identifier information for primary sorting decisions, and supplementing with material composition detection only when additional precision is required. This partial application of complex material detection reduces device complexity while achieving sufficient measurement precision for most sorting tasks.
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 ensures accurate and efficient sorting of waste, allowing for the use of any bag type, reducing the need for multiple input points, and preventing contamination of recyclable materials, thereby improving the purity and efficiency of waste processing.
Implementation Method 1
with at least one first sensor (S1) an RFID identifier (3) of a waste bag (1) or of a closing means (2) is read
Implementation Method 2
with at least one second sensor (S2) a waste bag (1) or a visual identifier connected to it is identified
Implementation Method 3
with at least one third sensor (S3) the content of a waste bag (1) is identified
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for sorting waste, in which method the waste or recycleable material intended for sorting is brought in waste bags (1) to a sorting apparatus, which comprises a conveyor, from which the waste bags belonging to different waste components are separated from each other by guiding them into the containers according to the waste components or to further processing. In the method a waste bag (1), an identifier (3) arranged in connection with it and/or the content of the waste bag is identified with a sensor system, which comprises a number of sensors (S1, S2, S3) monitoring different properties, which sensors essentially simultaneously read and/or identify a waste bag (1), an identifier (3) arranged in connection with it and/or the content of the waste bag when the waste bag (1) is transferred on the conveyor via the reading area of the sensors (S1, S2, S3), and in which method on the basis of information coming from the sensors (S1, S2, S3) the waste bags (1) are sorted into different waste components (F1... Fn) using one or more handling devices (R1, R2, R3) of the sorting apparatus. The invention also relates to an apparatus and to a system.