Adjustable Chimney Chute for Variable Bulk Containers

Solution Overview

Problem

In product fulfillment contexts, existing conveyance structures require multiple setups for different bulk container sizes and types, occupying significant space and time, limiting efficiency in package handling and transportation.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable chute system that can expand and contract to accommodate packages into various bulk container sizes and types, integrating with conveyance structures like chimney chutes and motorized benches, allowing for a single path to handle multiple container types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple conveyance structures are assembled for different bulk container sizes, then package handling capability for various container types is improved, but facility space occupation and construction time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage handling capabilityVSAvoidfacility space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The chute structure incorporates movable walls that can be dynamically adjusted between different positions to accommodate various bulk container sizes. The first and second walls can be moved to different locations along the chute to change the chute's internal dimensions, allowing a single fixed conveyance structure to adapt to multiple container types without requiring multiple separate structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable chute structure serves multiple functions by accommodating different bulk container sizes and types through a single conveyance path. By adjusting the position of the movable walls, the same chute can handle various container configurations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated conveyance structures for different container types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple conveyance structures are assembled for different bulk container sizes, then package handling capability for various container types is improved, but construction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage handling capabilityVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The chute structure incorporates movable walls that can be dynamically adjusted between different positions to accommodate various bulk container sizes. The first and second walls can be moved to different locations along the chute to change the chute's internal dimensions, allowing a single fixed conveyance structure to adapt to multiple container types without requiring multiple separate structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable chute structure serves multiple functions by accommodating different bulk container sizes and types through a single conveyance path. By adjusting the position of the movable walls, the same chute can handle various container configurations, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated conveyance structures for different container types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a fixed chute structure is used for a specific container size, then structural simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different container types is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to container types

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The chute structure incorporates movable walls that can be dynamically adjusted between different positions to accommodate various bulk container sizes. The first and second walls can be moved to different locations along the chute to change the chute's internal dimensions, allowing a single fixed conveyance structure to adapt to multiple container types without requiring multiple separate structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The chute is divided into sections with movable walls that can be independently positioned. The first wall and second wall can be adjusted to different positions along the chute length, creating different effective chute dimensions. This segmentation allows the structure to maintain relative simplicity while achieving adaptability through reconfiguration of its segmented parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10752443B1Adjustable chimney chute

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 AMAZON TECH INC

AI summary

Disclosed are various embodiments for an adjustable chute configured to funnel containers or packages into different types of bulk containers and bulk containers of different sizes. In one embodiment, the adjustable chute comprises a front panel, a rear panel, and first and second flexible sidewalls that can expand and contract between the front and rear panels. The front panel has a first hinged connection configured to move between a first position and a second position along a path of a chimney chute. The rear panel has a second hinged connection to the chimney chute.