Window Glass Fragmentation Device with Lateral Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glass fragmentation devices for recycling used windows are complex to manufacture, maintain, and replace due to the need for specialized conveyor structures and collection containers, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A glass fragmentation device with a conveyor belt and a selective sorting device for the window frame, allowing for the separation of glass fragments from the frame during transport, enabling the use of a continuous conveyor belt and independent replacement of components, with a rotary cylinder and gripping coating to facilitate frame sorting and collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a specialized conveyor structure with glass drop openings and parallel chains is used, then glass fragments can pass through the conveyor to be collected below, but the manufacture, maintenance and replacement of the conveyor become particularly complex
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is segmented into independent functional components: a simple support structure and a separate sorting device. The sorting device is further segmented into a belt mechanism and a rotary cylinder, allowing independent replacement and maintenance of each component without affecting the entire conveyor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor support structure is designed as a universal, simple framework that can accommodate different sorting mechanisms. The sorting device serves multiple functions: transporting fragmented glass, sorting frames from glass fragments, and directing them to appropriate collection containers, all within a single integrated unit.
2Ease of operation
If a glass collection container is arranged below the fragmentation device, then glass fragments can be collected, but additional constraints of dimensioning and positioning of the collection container are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting mechanism transitions the collection process from a vertical arrangement (containers below the conveyor) to a lateral arrangement (containers positioned at the sides). The rotary cylinder directs glass fragments laterally to side-mounted containers, eliminating the need for vertical space and simplifying the positioning requirements of collection containers.
3Volume of stationary object
If an upward sloping conveyor is used, then a larger space below the fragmentation device is provided to arrange a larger glass collection container, but the conveyor structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an upward sloping conveyor to create vertical space for container placement, the invention inverts the approach by using a horizontal conveyor with a lateral sorting mechanism. The rotary cylinder redirects materials to the side, creating collection space without requiring vertical inclination and simplifying the conveyor structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a selective sorting device for the frame is implemented at a predetermined distance from the front end of the conveyor, then the frame can be separated spatially from the fragmented glass, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting device uses a dynamic belt mechanism that can adjust its motion to coordinate with the rotary cylinder. The belt accelerates and decelerates to allow frames to be picked up by the rotary cylinder at the correct moment, providing adaptable sorting capability while keeping the mechanical structure relatively simple through synchronized motion control.
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 solution simplifies the manufacturing and maintenance of the conveyor system, allows for adaptable sorting of glass and frame, and enables efficient recycling by separating glass fragments from frames without the need for complex conveyor adaptations, facilitating easier recycling and reduced environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a selective sorting device for the frame of the window (2a), arranged at a given distance in front of the front end (3) of the conveyor (3). In a particular embodiment, said selective sorting device comprises at least one rotary cylinder (8) adapted to receive and drive forward said frame (2a)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device suitable for the fragmentation of the glass of an old window, a corresponding fragmentation method, and the fragmented glass obtained by such a method.