Method of Flexible Fence Geometry Determination in the Context of the Small-Sized Objects Sorting Process

Abstract

The paper presents a proposal for a method for determining the geometrical dimensions of a rotary flexible fence used in the process of automatic sorting of small-sized objects transported on conveyor belts. The method consists of three stages: 1 – determination of the preferred outline and material of the fence, 2 – optimal parameters determination of the sorting process, 3 – dimensions selection for the preferred geometry of the fence with reference to the mass of scraped objects and the sorting process parameters. The stages adopted allow to select the optimal mass-spring-damper characteristics of the fences in the context of the assumed level of efficiency, reliability and minimization of the dynamic reactions of the sorting process.