Adjustable Diverter Chute for Ergonomic Tote Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inventory handling systems face challenges in efficiently diverting and unloading inventory containers at ergonomic heights, leading to increased time and expense in packaging and shipping processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tote diversion system that includes a conveyor system, a right-angle-transfer, and an adjustable diverter chute, which allows for automated diversion and unloading of inventory containers at adjustable heights and angles, preventing tipping and ensuring easy access to inventory items for packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor system is used to transport totes, then productivity is improved, but the user must remove totes from the conveyor before packaging, increasing loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
A diverter chute is introduced as an intermediary device between the conveyor system and the packaging station. The chute receives totes from the conveyor and directs them to a designated unloading area, eliminating the need for users to manually remove totes from the moving conveyor. This intermediary structure enables continuous conveyor operation while facilitating efficient tote transfer and unloading.
2Ease of operation
If the diverter chute is fixed at a standard height, then device complexity is reduced, but it does not accommodate users of different heights, worsening ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The diverter chute is designed with adjustable height capability, transforming it from a static component to a dynamic one that can adapt to different user needs. The chute height can be modified to accommodate users of various statures, ensuring ergonomic unloading positions for all operators. This dynamic adjustment feature maintains ease of operation across different user groups while introducing controlled complexity through the adjustment mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If the chute allows free movement of totes, then ease of operation is improved, but inventory containers may tip or fall, worsening reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A door or gate mechanism is incorporated at the unloading end of the diverter chute to prevent inventory containers from tipping or falling out. This preliminary protective measure is in place before unloading occurs, allowing users to access containers safely while preventing accidental spills or instability. The door can be opened during unloading and closed afterward, maintaining reliability while preserving ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient unloading and packaging of inventory items, reducing time and expense by allowing for ergonomic unloading positions and preventing inventory container tipping, thereby enhancing the overall inventory handling process.
Implementation Method 1
an inventory diverter system can include a right-angle-transfer that propels the inventory container off of a conveyor belt at a right angle into a diverter chute
Implementation Method 2
The diverter chute is at a slope so the inventory container slides to a bottom of the diverter chute
Data Source
AI summary
An inventory container diverter system is described. The system includes a conveyor to move totes through a shipment processing area and a redirection device to push totes perpendicularly off the conveyor at predetermined locations. Adjacent the redirection device is a chute which the tote slides down to present the tote to a user at an easily accessible height and tilted at such an angle to enable simple and efficient access to the interior of the tote. The chute includes a door to help prevent totes from falling out of the chute. A tote sensor detects when the chute is occupied by a tote or when it is clear and a door sensor detects when the door of the chute is closed. When the door is closed and the chute is clear the system directs a new tote to the redirection device and pushes it into the chute.