Marble Sorter Layout:
Marble Sorter Layout Marbles are initially dumped into the hopper
They roll via gravity to the transfer system
The transfer system deploys marbles one at a time down the ramp to the sensor system
After sensing is complete the bin system adjusts to accept the marble correctly
The gate system opens to release the marble into the proper bin
The bin and gate systems then reset themselves
Hopper System:
Hopper System Hopper prevents marbles from bouncing out after dropping in
Hopper organizes marbles into a line for the first ramp
Constructed with manila folder and masking tape for strength
Allows marbles to be dropped in from 1’ above without spilling, jamming, or clogging
Transfer System:
Transfer System Transfer system controls marble feed rate by dropping marbles in one at a time
A grove in the arm of the system allows one marble to drop onto it and then be moved left to the next ramp
For extra stability an extra gearbox was added for stability and to prevent the arm from bending or malfunctioning
A switch controls the precise distance of the arm when moving right, time delays were used on the less critical timing when moving left
Gate & Sensor System:
Gate & Sensor System Sensor system consists of basic minimal output lamp and resistance measurement device to determine color of marble
Gate system allows marbles to be stopped and sensed
In addition gate system allows bins time to adjust to proper location prior to marble being sent to bin system
Gate runs up on track with a precise time delay and is brought back down with a switch to prevent misalignment
Bin System:
Bin System Bins are oriented in a space saving manner
Are constructed large enough to handle at least 3 marbles
Bins are controlled by 2 switches, they move to either outer bin via switch sensing and return to middle default position with calibrated time delay
Bins run on an adjustable track that can be moved forwards, backwards, left, and right as needed
Performance:
Performance Our marble sorter performed primarily as expected but could use some improvements
The hopper chute could be widened to make it easier to drop the marbles accurately
The transfer system worked flawlessly when properly calibrated
Our sensor system operated without errors after we added covering but there was a problem with some marbles being stopped here
The gate system could have a switch added to control the height the gate is raised to better
Our bins were slightly off center when returning to the middle default position and could be recalibrated