Suspended Bag Emptying via Gravity Pivoting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing overhead conveyor systems face inefficiencies in the manual and slow removal of goods from transport bags, which is costly and inflexible.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a rail-guided or conveyor chain system with a circulating conveyor belt, where the conveying paths are arranged to allow transport bags to pivot and empty contents onto the belt, utilizing transverse ribs and a chute for efficient unloading and subsequent processing of goods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual removal of goods from transport bags is used, then flexible handling of different goods is achieved, but the process becomes slow and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in handling different goodsVSAvoidspeed of goods removal
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport bag automatically empties its contents onto the conveyor belt through its own pivoting motion and gravitational force, without requiring external manual intervention or complex mechanical emptying mechanisms. The bag's design enables it to self-empty by pivoting backward, allowing goods to slide out naturally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of manually removing goods from the bag or using complex mechanical emptying systems, the invention inverts the approach by having the bag itself perform the emptying action through pivoting. The bag transitions from a forward-facing position to a backward-facing position, naturally dumping its contents onto the conveyor belt.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If automated emptying systems are implemented, then handling speed increases, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed of goods removalVSAvoidcomplexity of emptying mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport bag automatically empties its contents onto the conveyor belt through its own pivoting motion and gravitational force, without requiring external manual intervention or complex mechanical emptying mechanisms. The bag's design enables it to self-empty by pivoting backward, allowing goods to slide out naturally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor belt is positioned and angled to receive goods directly as the bag pivots, creating a smooth transition zone where goods naturally slide from the bag onto the belt under gravitational influence, eliminating the need for additional lifting or complex transfer mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Ease of manufacture

If transport bags are emptied manually, then cost is reduced, but handling efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecost of emptying systemVSAvoidhandling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport bag automatically empties its contents onto the conveyor belt through its own pivoting motion and gravitational force, without requiring external manual intervention or complex mechanical emptying mechanisms. The bag's design enables it to self-empty by pivoting backward, allowing goods to slide out naturally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables automated, efficient, and continuous emptying of transport bags, allowing goods to be easily removed and processed further, improving handling speed and reducing costs.

Implementation Method 1

the conveying path of the conveying system and the conveying path of the conveyor belt run essentially parallel to one another with a certain incline in a transfer section. When conveying along the transfer section, the front side of the pocket of a transport pocket is still on the conveyor belt, so that the opening of the pocket of the transport pocket is oriented diagonally downwards, and general cargo units present in the pocket of the transport pocket slide out of the pocket onto the conveyor belt, driven by gravity.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3577047B1Device for emptying transport bags conveyed in a suspended manner
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 FERAG AG
  • EP3577047B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)
  • EP3577047B1 patent drawingFigure 1(b)
  • EP3577047B1 patent drawingFigure 1(c)

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (110) for emptying transport bags (40) conveyed in a suspended manner, said device comprising: a conveying system (80), in particular a rail-guided conveying system or a conveyor chain system, with which transport bags can be supplied in a suspended manner along a conveying path, the transport bags having a bag (47) which is open at the top when in the full state and has a front (48); and a circulating conveyor belt (120) for transferring items of piece goods (70) transported in the transport bags. In a contact section (111), the conveying path of the conveying system and the conveying path of the conveyor belt are arranged relative to each other in such a manner that the distance between the conveying path of the conveying system and the conveying path of the conveyor belt becomes continuously smaller, so that, when a transport bag is conveyed along the contact section, the front of the bag of the transport bag makes contact with and comes to lie on the conveyor belt, and the transport bag is pivoted backwards in the process.