Automatic sorting system design
Sorting system
Introduction
The automatic sorting system covered PLC technology, pneumatic technology, sensor technology, position control technology, etc. It was a miniature model of actual industrial field production equipment. This project mainly focused on the executing processes and control requirements of the sorting device. The finished device had motors, cylinders, relays, Hall sensor, Linear sensor, Photoelectric Sensors, Capacitive sensor, diffuse reflection sensors, capacitive sensors, reed switches, and other components.
PLC control system
Achievement
After this system was powered on, the programmable controller first ran the motor and then started loading four different kinds of blocks. Three of them had the same height. One of them which was higher had an iron plate on top. For the other three same height blocks, one with a magnet on the top, other one had an iron plate on the top, and the last one was painted to red. A diffuse reflection sensor counted these blocks. The blocks could be identified and pushed out in a specific order. The block with the magnet was pushed out from the first position. The higher block had an iron plate on the top was pushed out from the second position, and the iron block which met the standard height will be transported to the end of the conveyor. The red block was pushed out from the third position. This process won’t be affected by the started order of blocks.
Working video
Evaluation
This project contained many pieces of knowledge strongly related to Mechanical Engineering. I learned how the theory related to reality and how to achieve teamwork. Also, this project outcome could be used in many areas, such as post office and Express Distribution Center.