Adjustable Finger Elements for Singulation Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing singulation conveyors are complex, space-intensive, and not well-adapted to the specific needs of the piece goods they separate, making the conveyance and separation of packages and consignments inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adjustable finger elements along the transport track that can be raised to manipulate the motion direction and speed of individual piece goods items independently, allowing for precise separation without requiring extensive equipment or space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional singulation conveyors are used to separate piece goods, then separation functionality is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable finger element that can dynamically change its position between a retracted state (where it does not contact piece goods) and an extended state (where it contacts and manipulates individual piece goods). This dynamic configuration allows a single conveyor section to perform multiple separation functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability for different separation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger element serves multiple functions: it can separate piece goods laterally, control their movement speed, and guide them along the transport track. By integrating these multiple separation functions into a single versatile component, the patent reduces device complexity while enhancing adaptability to various separation scenarios.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple motion components are impressed on piece goods to achieve separation, then separation precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation function is segmented into discrete, independently controllable finger elements along the transport track. Each finger element can be individually actuated to apply motion components to specific piece goods at specific locations, achieving precise separation without requiring a complex centralized control mechanism for the entire conveyor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger element acts as an intermediary between the drive system and the piece goods. It translates rotational motion from the drive unit into controlled linear motion that manipulates individual piece goods, enabling precise separation while simplifying the overall mechanical transmission system.
3Productivity
If finger elements are repeatedly adjusted into upper setting to separate piece goods, then separation efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The finger elements are actuated periodically only when and where separation is required, rather than continuously. The drive units engage the finger elements in a rhythmic pattern that corresponds to the passage of piece goods, allowing the system to maintain high separation efficiency while minimizing energy consumption by keeping finger elements in a low-energy retracted state during non-separation periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A singulation conveyor for conveying and separating piece goods, in particular packages and/or consignments, along at least one transport track bearing the piece goods items is described, wherein in the transport track, in some sections, finger elements adjustable between a lower setting and an upper setting are provided, and wherein the free ends of the finger elements in the upper setting are arranged in an upper position above an adjoining region of the transport track in such a way as to manipulate the motional direction and/or the motional speed of respectively individual piece goods items independently of other piece goods items.