Container Inversion Transfer for Faster Item Conveyance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques do not efficiently address the transfer of items between containers, leading to prolonged conveyance times when items are moved from one container to another.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a series of steps including turning, cutting, placing, and taking out a first container to invert and transfer items into a second container, with controlled cutting and inversion processes to ensure efficient item transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If items are conveyed from a first container to a second container using conventional techniques, then the transfer process can be completed, but the conveyance time will be long

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem transfer speedVSAvoidconveyance time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by turning the first container upside down and placing it inside the second container, allowing items to transfer through gravity rather than requiring manual or mechanical picking and placing. This inversion method dramatically reduces transfer time while maintaining item integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing the first container inside the second container during the transfer process. The first container is inserted through an opening in the second container, and both containers are turned together, enabling efficient space utilization and streamlined transfer operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the first container is cut along the entire circumference to form an opening, then item transfer becomes easier, but the structural integrity of the container is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer accessibilityVSAvoidcontainer structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by cutting only a specific portion of the first container's circumference rather than the entire circumference. This creates a controlled opening that provides sufficient accessibility for item transfer while preserving the structural integrity of the remaining container walls

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by applying the cutting operation only to the specific area needed for transfer. The opening is created at the optimal location and size to facilitate item access while maintaining the strength and functionality of the rest of the container structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4650286A1Method for conveying article and device for conveying article

Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SOFTBANK GROUP CORP

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Figure 4(a)~4(g)

AI summary

An item conveyance method according to an embodiment includes a first turning step of turning a first container in which an item is packed such that the first container is inverted; a cutting step of cutting the turned first container along an entire circumference and forming an opening in the first container; a placing step of covering he first container with a second container such that the opening of the first container is covered; a second turning step of turning the first container and the second container while pressing the first container and the second container such that the first container and the second container are inverted; and a taking-out step of taking the first container out upward, wherein a surface of placement of the second container is larger than a surface of placement of the first container.