Branching Conveyor Layout With Object Orientation to Prevent Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorters face challenges in efficiently conveying objects of varying sizes and weights without tilting or jamming, requiring increased space and manual intervention, especially when transitioning from a first conveying apparatus to end locations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a first conveying apparatus and a second conveying apparatus that branches off, featuring an orienting apparatus to rotate objects, ensuring they are oriented perpendicularly to the second conveying direction, thereby preventing tilting and reducing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of end locations is increased to increase sorting granularity, then the sorting capability is improved, but the space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second conveying direction that branches off from the first conveying direction, creating a two-dimensional conveying layout. This allows end locations to be arranged in multiple directions rather than linearly, increasing sorting granularity without proportionally increasing the linear space requirement. The orienting apparatus enables objects to be redirected at angles, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions to pack more end locations into a compact footprint.
2Productivity
If the movement speed is increased to increase throughput, then the productivity is improved, but heavy packages may be damaged due to ineffective deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs deceleration zones positioned before the ejection points where heavy packages are gradually slowed down before being directed to end locations. This preliminary deceleration action prevents excessive impact speeds at the final destination, protecting heavy packages from damage while maintaining high throughput speeds in the main conveying path.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying system uses different conveying mechanisms for different object types: heavy packages are conveyed on roller tracks that provide friction-based deceleration and control, while lightweight packages and packing bags are actively conveyed using suction cups or other active conveying means. This localized adaptation of conveying quality to object weight prevents damage to heavy packages while ensuring lightweight objects are properly transported.
3Reliability
If lightweight packages and packing bags are actively conveyed, then the transport reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses suction cup-based active conveying mechanisms that can handle both lightweight packages and packing bags uniformly. The same suction cup apparatus that actively conveys lightweight objects can also work in conjunction with roller tracks for heavier items, providing a universal conveying solution that reduces overall system complexity compared to having completely separate mechanisms for different object types.
4Area of stationary object
If objects are ejected into narrow end locations, then the space requirement is reduced, but the probability of tilting and jamming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The orienting apparatus is positioned to orient objects before they are ejected into end locations. This preliminary orientation action ensures that objects are correctly aligned with the narrow end location receptacles, preventing tilting and jamming that would otherwise occur when objects are randomly oriented upon ejection. The orienting action happens in advance, allowing compact end location design without sacrificing reliability.
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 solution effectively prevents object tilting and jamming, allowing for a compact configuration of the second conveying apparatus, reducing manual interventions, and increasing the number of end locations without damaging heavy objects and ensuring efficient throughput of lightweight objects.
Implementation Method 1
the orienting apparatus has a first portion and a second portion, wherein a first braking action or a first acceleration is generated by the first portion and a second braking action or a second acceleration is generated by the second portion
Implementation Method 2
a first braking action or a first acceleration is generated by the first portion and a second braking action or a second acceleration is generated by the second portion
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for conveying objects, including a first conveying apparatus, wherein the objects are conveyed in a first conveying direction by means of the first conveying apparatus. At least one second conveying apparatus which branches off from the first conveying apparatus and conveys the objects in a second conveying direction. The second conveying direction differs from the first conveying direction, wherein the second conveying apparatus has an orienting apparatus for orienting the objects.