Belt Buffering System for Low-Impact Object Weighing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current object processing systems face inefficiencies in handling a variety of object sizes and weights, requiring human labor for sorting and weighing, and existing automated systems struggle with accurate weight detection and throughput limitations, especially when dealing with a wide range of objects.

Innovation Solution

A buffering system positioned between upper and lower processing areas, featuring retractable belt doors that gently deposit objects onto a weighing conveyor, minimizing impact and allowing for accurate weight measurement while maintaining high processing speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If objects are dropped from upper processing area to lower processing area, then throughput is improved, but impact and measurement accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidweight measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning a buffering system with a belt conveyor between the upper and lower processing areas. The belt acts as a cushioning element that absorbs the impact of falling objects before they reach the weighing system, enabling accurate weight measurement while maintaining high throughput from the drop mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Measurement precision

If human workers perform sortation, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight detection accuracyVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical human sorting system with an automated combination of drop mechanism and buffering system. Objects are dropped automatically from the upper area, cushioned on the belt, weighed by the weighing system, and then distributed automatically, eliminating the need for human workers while maintaining measurement accuracy and increasing throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If scanning systems are used to capture object information, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for certain objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidinformation capture accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The buffering system with the belt acts as an intermediary between the drop mechanism and the weighing system. It provides a stable platform that holds objects steady during weight measurement, ensuring accurate data capture for objects that may be difficult to scan or weigh due to their size, shape, or motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12441553B2Buffering systems and methods for dynamic processing of objects

Publication Date: 2025.10.14 BERKSHIRE GREY OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

A buffering system is disclosed for use between an upper processing area and a lower processing area. The buffering system includes a belt and at least one roller around at least a portion of which the belt extends. The belt is anchored at a first anchor location to a frame. The buffering system also includes an actuation system for moving the at least one roller with respect to the first anchor location to cause the belt to move such that a portion of the buffering system becomes open thereby providing a retractable belt door.