3‐Problem Definition - V-Div-26-27-Odd/REPO-2 GitHub Wiki
Need Statement
Sorting Machine
A recycling facility requires a compact automatic sorting machine capable of separating mixed materials into predefined categories, as manual sorting is repetitive, time-consuming, physically demanding, and prone to inconsistent results. The proposed product should identify or distinguish selected materials and direct them into appropriate collection areas, improving sorting efficiency, reducing manual handling, and supporting small-scale recycling, educational demonstrations, and waste-management applications.
3.1 QUESTION AND ANSWER
| SL NO | QUESTION | ANSWER | OBJECTIVE/FUNCTION/CONSTRAINT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Should the machine be automatic or manual? | Automatic | Objective |
| 02 | Is the machine portable? | Portable | Objective |
| 03 | How much would it cost? | It would cost around Rs8000 | Constraint |
| 04 | How would it alert the user? | With the help of buzzer/speaker/LED | Function |
| 05 | Should the machine be user friendly? | Yes | Objective |
| 06 | What components should machine sort? | Resistor/LED/Diodes/gates | Objective |
| 07 | What is the size of the machine? | within 50cm50cm60cm | Constraint |
| 08 | What should the machine achieve? | Accurate sorting | Objective |
| 09 | Does the machine count number of components? | yes | Function |
| 10 | How are the sorted components stored? | In respective categories | Function |
| 11 | Does machine detect defective items? | yes and stores in different container | Function |
| 12 | On what source does the machine work? | Power supply | Constraint |
| 13 | Does machine receive components one at a time? | yes | Function |
3.2 BASIC SURVEY AND REQUIREMENT
| SL NO | Observation from Surveys | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Weight of Machine | 2-5kg, so it is portable |
| 02 | Cost | It should be built under Rs8000 |
| 03 | Number of sorting cycles it can withstand | Around 2,000-5000 sorting cycles |
| 04 | Size of the machine | 50cm50cm60cm |
| 05 | Does the machine offer a user-friendly experience? | The overall operation of the machine is simple |
3.3 Identifying Client's Objective
| SL NO | OBJECTIVE |
|---|---|
| 01 | It should be automatic |
| 02 | It should be portable |
| 03 | It should be user-friendly |
| 04 | It should achieve accurate sorting |
| 05 | It should include safety measures |
PROBLEM DEFINITION VERSION 1.1
Design a sorting machine which is automatic, user friendly and portable. The machine should be designed such that it can achieve accurate sorting.
3.4 Identify constraints
| SL.NO | CONSTRAINTS |
|---|---|
| 1 | Size of the machine should be around 50cm50cm60cm |
| 2 | It should be built under Rs.8000 |
| 3 | Machine weight should be designed to handle maximum load of motor and conveyor |
| 4 | Voltage and the range of components should be within safe limits |
PROBLEM DEFINITION VERSION 1.2
Design a sorting machine which is automatic, user friendly and portable. The machine should be designed such that it can achieve accurate sorting. The machine should be designed within a limited budget, within a compact size and weight range.
3.5 Establish Functions
| SL.NO | Functions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Moving objects with help of suitable means |
| 2 | Process indication is done with help of LED/Buzzer/LCD |
| 3 | Count number of components |
| 4 | Measure values of components and sort accordingly |
| 5 | Detect unidentified items |
PROBLEM DEFINITION VERSION 1.3
Design a sorting machine which is automatic, user friendly and portable. The machine should be designed such that it can achieve accurate sorting. The machine should be designed within a limited budget, within a compact size and weight range. The machine should move objects using suitable means, indicate the process using suitable indicators, count the number of components, measure their value and detect unidentified items.