Angled Induction Board Geometry for Ergonomic Package Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems require manual effort and unnatural positions for operators due to sharp edges and corners, leading to potential injury and inefficiency in handling packages.
Innovation Solution
An induction board with angled sides and sloped edges that facilitate smooth transitions of packages, allowing for ergonomic handling and reducing manual effort by providing a user-friendly interface for loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional induction mechanisms with sharp edges and corners are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the operator safety deteriorates and manual effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The induction board applies curvature by rounding all corners and edges throughout its structure. Instead of sharp 90-degree corners, the board features continuously curved transitions at all interfaces where packages contact the board, eliminating injury risks while maintaining structural integrity through smooth geometric forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the induction board by introducing specific angle ranges (45-60 degrees for angled sides, 30-45 degrees for sloped edges) rather than fixed sharp angles. This parameter modification allows the board to provide ergonomic package handling surfaces while controlling overall structural complexity through standardized angular specifications.
2Ease of operation
If conventional flat induction boards are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to unnatural operator positions
Solution Approach 1:
The induction board employs asymmetry by featuring angled sides with specific angle ranges (45-60 degrees) that differ from conventional symmetric flat boards. This asymmetric geometry is strategically designed to match natural package placement angles and operator movement patterns, improving ergonomics while the standardized angular ranges keep manufacturing complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
Curved transitions are applied at all corners and edges of the induction board, replacing sharp angular transitions with smooth continuous curves. This curvature principle improves ease of operation by providing ergonomic surfaces for package contact while the consistent application across all board edges maintains manufacturing simplicity through repeatable fabrication processes.
3Productivity
If conventional induction mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity deteriorates due to increased manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The induction board incorporates dynamic geometric features with sloped edges at specific angle ranges (30-45 degrees) that facilitate natural package sliding and movement. These angled surfaces actively guide packages along desired paths, reducing the need for manual positioning effort and improving handling efficiency while maintaining relatively simple board construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Smooth curved transitions at all board edges and corners enable packages to glide effortlessly during induction and transfer operations. This curvature eliminates abrupt directional changes that would require manual intervention, thereby improving productivity through passive ergonomic design while keeping the overall board structure simple and manufacturable.
Data Source
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AI summary
An induction board (100) for a conveyor system is disclosed. The induction board comprising a first side (104) fabricated with a plurality of angled sides (118, 120). Each of the plurality of angled sides having a first sloped edge. A second side having a second sloped edge and a third side having a third sloped edge. A fourth side is positioned opposite to the first side and having a fourth sloped edge. The plurality of angled sides of the first side allows a user to receive or place one or more packages from or on the conveyor system from the second side, the third side, or the fourth side. The first sloped edge of each of the angled sides, the second sloped edge, the third sloped edge, and the fourth sloped edge provides a smooth transition of the one or more packages from or off the induction board.