Yarn Spindle Pallet Diversion Using Image-Based Recycling Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual recycling of pallets to be recycled in yarn spindle packaging processes is inefficient and wasteful of human resources, affecting the overall recycling efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilizes an electronic device communicating with an image acquisition device and a pallet diversion device to automatically identify and divert recycled pallets using a robot and grippers, employing image processing and defect detection networks to sort pallets based on grabbing result representation images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual recycling method is used for pallets, then human resources can handle the recycling process, but recycling efficiency is low and human resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecycling efficiencyVSAvoidtime consumption in recycling
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical recycling process with an automated system comprising an image acquisition device for capturing pallet images, an electronic device for processing images and identifying recycled pallets, and a pallet diversion device for automatically diverting identified pallets. This substitution of manual operations with automated mechanical and electronic systems directly resolves the contradiction by improving recycling efficiency while reducing time consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the pallet recycling process to be self-service through automatic image capture, automatic identification of recycled pallets using image processing algorithms, and automatic diversion control. The electronic device autonomously processes images to identify recycled pallets without human intervention, and the diversion device automatically redirects identified pallets, making the entire recycling process self-operating and eliminating dependence on manual labor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If manual recycling method is used for pallets, then the recycling process can be performed, but human resources are wasted and efficiency is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation level of recyclingVSAvoidcomplexity of recycling system
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the recycling system into three independent functional modules: an image acquisition device for capturing pallet images, an electronic device for image processing and identification, and a pallet diversion device for physical diversion. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system design while achieving high automation. Each module can be optimized separately, reducing the complexity burden that would otherwise come with a fully integrated automated system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device serves multiple functions within the system: it processes images captured by the image acquisition device, identifies recycled pallets using image processing algorithms, and sends control signals to the pallet diversion device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task, thereby increasing automation extent while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4578605A1Pallet recycling method and apparatus, electronic device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 ZHEJIANG HENGYI PETROCHEMICAL CO LTD
  • EP4578605A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4578605A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4578605A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~2C

AI summary

Provided is a pallet recycling method and apparatus and a storage medium. The method comprises: after a robot grabs M yarn spindles to be packaged from a yarn spindle trolley through N grippers, controlling the image acquisition device to shoot towards the N grippers to obtain a grabbing result representation image (S101); and after the robot places the M yarn spindles to be packaged one by one on M yarn spindle pallets comprised in a target pallet group arranged on a main line of an assembly line, and when determining that there is a pallet to be recycled in the target pallet group based on the grabbing result representation image, controlling the pallet diversion device to divert the pallet to be recycled from the main line of the assembly line to a branch line of the assembly line to realize recycling of the pallet to be recycled (S 102).