Article Distribution Platform for Even Storage Compartment Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ice cube distribution machines in supermarkets face inefficiencies due to bags stacking in a pyramid formation, leading to underutilization of storage compartment capacity, which requires frequent manual leveling, posing safety risks and resource inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a horizontal conveyor and rotatable platform that distributes ice cube bags into predetermined positions in an even layer, using detectors to monitor and adjust the dispensing sequence to maintain uniform stack heights and maximize storage capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If bags are dispensed into the storage compartment over the same position, then the dispensing process is simple, but the storage compartment capacity is underutilized due to pyramid formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second spatial dimension for dispensing by positioning the article dispenser to dispense articles into two side-by-side stacked article rows instead of a single column. The carriage traverses along the conveyor to distribute articles across multiple positions, transforming the dispensing pattern from vertical stacking to a two-dimensional even-layer distribution, thereby maximizing storage compartment capacity utilization.
2Productivity
If the storage compartment is partially filled due to pyramid stacking, then manual leveling is required, but this increases employee workload and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically distributing articles into an even layer pattern without requiring manual intervention. The controlled dispensing mechanism and carriage traversal system autonomously maintain optimal storage compartment filling, eliminating the need for employees to perform manual leveling operations and thereby reducing workload and safety risks.
3Reliability
If the ice cube machine is dimensioned with high capacity to cope with peak loads, then peak demand can be met, but the machine operates inefficiently during normal periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by enabling flexible adjustment of article distribution patterns. The system can adaptively respond to varying demand conditions by modifying dispensing rates and patterns through the controlled carriage movement and dispenser operation, allowing the ice cube machine to efficiently serve both peak and normal demand periods without requiring excessive overcapacity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for distributing articles made by series production is configured to deliver articles to selected storage positions in side-by-side rows of adjacent storage positions for stacked articles in a storage compartment. After selection of a storage position, a transport platform movably mounted on a horizontally movable carriage above the rows is driven to a location above the selected storage position with the platform moved between two possible positions for dispensing articles into the respective rows, an article conveyor on the platform is actuated to transport the article off the platform into the underlying storage position, where it is stacked on top of any previously stacked articles, and the platform is driven back to a start position to receive the next article. The procedure is repeated to distribute subsequent articles to selected storage positions in the storage area.