Aero-Surface Package Orientation for Tilt-Free Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorters face challenges in efficiently sorting objects of varying sizes and weights, leading to tilting and blocking of end locations, which requires manual intervention and poses safety risks, while also necessitating increased space due to the need for multiple end locations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an orienting apparatus comprising a first and second portion, configured as an aero surface, applies differential acceleration/braking actions to rotate and orient objects, preventing tilting and reducing space requirements by optimizing the width of the conveying apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the number of end locations is increased to increase sorting granularity, then sorting precision is improved, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (vertical orientation) by implementing an orienting apparatus that can rotate packages between horizontal and vertical orientations. This allows the system to increase sorting granularity by adding end locations along the vertical axis rather than only expanding horizontally, thereby improving sorting precision without proportionally increasing the horizontal space footprint of the sorter
2Productivity
If packages are ejected at high speed to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but heavy packages may be damaged due to impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting apparatus dynamically adjusts the orientation of packages during conveyance, allowing heavy packages to be rotated to a vertical position before ejection. This dynamic reorientation reduces the impact force during ejection while maintaining high throughput, as the vertical orientation allows for controlled descent rather than horizontal impact at high speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of packages from horizontal to vertical using the orienting apparatus. This parameter change allows heavy packages to be ejected in a controlled manner with reduced impact damage, while still maintaining high ejection speeds for lightweight packages that benefit from active conveyance
3Reliability
If lightweight packages are actively conveyed to prevent tilting, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting apparatus applies localized aerodynamic forces or magnetic fields only to the specific region where packages transition from horizontal to vertical orientation. This localized action prevents tilting of lightweight packages during the critical transition phase without requiring continuous energy input throughout the entire conveyance path, thereby improving reliability while minimizing energy consumption
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
The apparatus effectively orients objects to prevent tilting, reduces manual intervention, and minimizes space requirements, enhancing sorting efficiency and safety by ensuring smooth transitions into end locations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured as an aero surface (also referred to as vacuum surface, air sheet/plate or the like). In this case, a different acceleration/braking action is transmitted to the objects by the first portion and the second portion
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for orienting objects, including a conveying apparatus, wherein the conveying apparatus has an inlet for receiving the objects and an outlet and is configured to convey the objects in a conveying direction. In this case, the conveying apparatus has an orienting apparatus which at least partially extends along the conveying direction. The orienting apparatus has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are arranged next to one another along the conveying direction, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured as an aero surface, and wherein the objects are subjected to a different acceleration/braking action by the first portion and the second portion for orientation purposes.