Adjustable Tilt-Tray Sortation for Multi-Level Article Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems require multiple interconnected devices for various sortation operations, increasing system size and reducing throughput due to the rigidity of individual tilt trays for specific transfer directions.
Innovation Solution
An integrated, multi-directional sortation device with an adjustable frame and pivotally attached sortation table that performs tilt operations for transferring articles to multiple locations at varying vertical positions, using rollers and a controller for enhanced transfer capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interconnected conveyor devices are used for sortation operations, then sortation capability is improved, but system size increases and throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sortation functions into a single integrated conveyor device. The tilt tray assembly can be adjusted to different tilt angles and directions, enabling one device to perform the sortation functions that previously required multiple interconnected devices, thereby reducing system size and improving throughput while maintaining sortation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor device is designed with universal sortation capabilities through an adjustable tilt mechanism. The tilt tray can be positioned at various angles and orientations to handle different sortation requirements, making a single device capable of replacing multiple specialized devices and improving overall system productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed tilt trays are used for specific transfer directions, then transfer precision is improved, but system flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tilt adjustment mechanism that allows the tilt tray to be positioned at different angles and orientations during operation. This dynamic capability enables the system to maintain precise transfer for the current configuration while adapting to different transfer directions and requirements, resolving the contradiction between fixed precision and flexible adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt angle and orientation parameters of the conveyor device can be changed to match different sortation requirements. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains precise article transfer for each specific configuration while providing flexibility to handle various transfer directions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed specialized devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized devices are interconnected, then sortation versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple specialized sortation devices into a single integrated unit with adjustable tilt capabilities. This consolidation reduces the number of interconnected components and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the versatility to perform various sortation operations, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing a universal conveyor device with adjustable tilt mechanisms, the patent eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices. This single device can perform various sortation functions by changing its tilt configuration, significantly reducing system complexity while preserving sortation versatility.
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
Improves conveyor network throughput and system efficiency by providing a single device capable of multi-directional sorting with adjustable vertical positioning, enhancing existing conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
The sortation device may be configured to perform a tilt operation in which the sortation table rotates about the pivotal attachment between the sortation table and the adjustable frame so as to convey the article supported by the sortation table
Implementation Method 2
The adjustable frame may be configured to adjust a vertical position of the sortation table so as to modify a vertical position at which the article is conveyed
Implementation Method 3
the one or more rollers may be configured to move between a retracted position in which the one or more rollers are at least partially stored within the body of the sortation table and an extended position wherein at least a portion of the one or more rollers extends beyond the first surface of the body so as to contact the article supported thereon
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and systems are provided for improved article sortation. An example sortation device includes a height adjustable frame and a sortation table movably attached to the height adjustable frame. The sortation table defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body extending therebetween. The body defines a first surface that supports an article thereon where a location of the body between the first end and the second end pivotally attaches the sortation table with the height adjustable frame. The sortation device performs a tilt operation in which the sortation table rotates about the pivotal attachment between the second end and the height adjustable frame so as to convey the article supported by the sortation table. The height adjustable frame adjusts a vertical position of the sortation table so as to modify a vertical position at which the article is conveyed.