Published:2011/8/14 22:11:00 Author:Phyllis From:SeekIC
By Chris Bayliss
Electronic Data Logging (EDL)
Researchers at the power tool manufacturer Bosch have made a suggestion that may help to overcome the above (quite natural) fear, the Electronic Data Logging (EDL) device. EDL records general information ranging from life hours of the product to more specific component operating history. In theory, this information could be retrieved by the recycling agency via a ’green port’ on the device with reusable parts identified, harvested and incorporated directly into new products. Successful implementation of EDL in the future may promote more recycling of parts. If harvesting offers an opportunity for a greener electronics future then how would this be performed?
Current harvesting operations are either performed manually or using robotics. Manual disassembly involves the application of heat to remove components from boards and is a labour-intensive operation. It has enabled charities and other non-profit organizations to recycle old electronics for good causes. Computer Aid for example refurbishes PCs from corporate donors and distributes them to worthy causes in the developing world (Figure 1).
Many charities have also been successful in raising funds from the sole of re-conditioned or recycled mobile phones to Eastern Europe. Manual harvesting has one major drawback. The cost of skilled labour required to perform the task has proven a barrier to widespread commercial parts harvesting. This makes robotic harvesting a more attractive option. Whilst efficient for large batches of the same product, robots have to be programmed to disassemble each new product they encounter. This can make the disassembly of small batches or single electronics products impractical. The search for a commercially viable method of disassembling batches of small and mixed electronics waste could be considered the holy grail of the emerging electronics waste industry.
An alternative: ADSM
Like all good problems a surprisingly simple solution emerged, a team from Brunei University in the UK developed the self-disassembling product. The method known as ’Active Disassembly Using Smart Materials’ (ADSM) involves the incorporation of actuators and components made from smart metals and plastics. At a pre-defined value above the ambient and operating temperature, these materials change shape. Now imagine these smart materials integrated into an electronics product. Disassembly of the product is achieved by the application of heat, no costly labour or robotics requiring programming. Smart material screws shrink and simply fall out of the product, a carefully placed smart material actuator such as a spring expands splitting open the housing. Internal components break loose from the main assembly ready for easy removal. The self-disassembling product offers an exciting future for recycling. Assuming the majority of manufacturers chose to use smart materials, recycling of mixed batches of electronics waste becomes possible. Self-disassembly offers a cheap solution, neatly sidestepping costly robotics and harmful destructive disassembly.
Reprinted Url Of This Article: http://www.seekic.com/blog/project_solutions/2011/08/14/BRING_OUT_YOUR_DEAD_Solutions_to_electronic_waste__(2).html
Print this Page | Comments | Reading(257)
Author:Ecco Reading(30171)
Author:Ecco Reading(3461)
Author:Ecco Reading(3181)
Author:Ecco Reading(3661)
Author:Ecco Reading(5231)
Author:Ecco Reading(3248)
Author:Ecco Reading(3390)
Author:Ecco Reading(3530)
Author:Ecco Reading(3935)
Author:Ecco Reading(3707)
Author:Ecco Reading(3677)
Author:Ecco Reading(3714)
Author:Ecco Reading(6028)
Author:Ecco Reading(3692)
Author:Ecco Reading(4478)