| dc.description.abstract | This master s thesis is a project concerning the concept development of a reverse vending machine (RVM) that allows for the return of several used beverage containers (UBC) at once, i.e. a bulk infeed reverse vending machine. The project is defined by NTNU in cooperation with Tomra Systems ASA, the leading manufacturer of reverse vending machines based in Asker, Norway.
The first part of the report gives an introduction to Tomra Systems ASA and previous work done on designing a bulk infeed RVM. Each previous project is summarized and lays the knowledge foundation for the further development. The previous projects give useful insight into the problem and give guidance to what needs to be developed next.
The next part of the report establishes a product requirement based on user needs, Tomra s own requirements and a system boundary definition. The main functions within the system boundary are defined as; receiving UBCs from consumers, singulation of UBCs and return of rejected objects. Specific requirements are made for each of these functions.
Based on the functions and requirements, six solutions for an infeed and five solutions for a singulation mechanism is presented with figures and detailed explanation. All the solutions are evaluated and analyzed based on the established requirements and based on this evaluation and analysis, two concepts, Paddlewheel + Tray/Rolls and Elevator + Tray are presented where the infeed is combined together with the singulation. These two concepts are compared to each other, resulting in Paddlewheel + Tray/Rolls being taken further as the final design.
In the last part of the report, the chosen concept is detailed with all functions and a CAD model is made to get an overview of the main dimensions of the machine. The 3D model shows the flow of the system; how the containers enter, how they are processed and how they exit. The model is meant to be a detailed representation of the concept that gives guidance for further development and prototyping. | en |
