Conveyor Chute Width Adjusting Mechanism for Even Goods Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transport chute designs for parcel and luggage sorting systems suffer from inefficient utilization due to uneven distribution of goods along the chute width, as incoming items accumulate on one side due to inertia, leading to underutilization of the opposite side for storage.
Innovation Solution
A transport slide with an inclined surface and a width distribution device, featuring drive means arranged along the fall direction and offset across the slide width, which deflects goods to distribute them evenly across the chute width, utilizing gravity or active conveyance to redirect items from their initial path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If goods are conveyed at high speeds into the chute with direction not aligned with fall direction, then conveying efficiency is improved, but goods accumulate on one side due to inertia causing uneven distribution
Solution Approach 1:
A width distribution device with drive elements acts as an intermediary between the incoming goods and the chute storage area. The drive elements actively intervene to redirect goods from their惯性 accumulation path to a more uniform distribution across the chute width, mediating the conflict between high-speed conveying and even distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive elements change the motion parameters of goods by applying forces perpendicular to the fall direction. This alters the trajectory of goods, transforming their movement from a straight inertial path to a redirected path that achieves better width distribution while maintaining conveying speed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If deflector plates are used on the accumulation side to redirect goods, then some distribution improvement is achieved, but the solution is complex and only provides slight improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The width distribution device is segmented into multiple drive elements positioned at different locations along the chute width. This segmentation allows for targeted, localized adjustment of goods distribution without requiring complex overall structural changes to the chute.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive elements utilize the existing motion and inertia of incoming goods to achieve distribution. Rather than requiring powerful external mechanisms, the system leverages the goods' own kinetic energy and redirects it through the drive elements, simplifying the overall device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the transport chute is slightly inclined laterally to utilize gravity, then distribution is slightly improved, but the improvement is far from uniform and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a static lateral inclination, the width distribution device employs dynamic drive elements that can actively adjust and respond to the flow of goods. This dynamic approach achieves superior distribution uniformity without the need for complex fixed geometric configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical inclination system with an active drive element system. Rather than relying on gravity-induced lateral inclination, powered drive elements directly control goods redirection, achieving better distribution with simpler overall system design.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the width distribution device spans the entire slide section, then complete coverage is achieved, but the complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The width distribution device applies drive elements selectively at specific locations where they are most effective, rather than uniformly across the entire slide section. This localized approach maintains distribution effectiveness while reducing overall device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive elements are positioned to act on the critical portions of goods flow that require redistribution. Rather than providing excessive coverage everywhere, the system applies targeted partial action at key locations, achieving effective distribution with fewer components.
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
This solution enables improved utilization of the transport chute for storage without increasing space requirements, ensuring even distribution of goods across the width, accommodating items of varying sizes and speeds, and optimizing storage capacity.
Implementation Method 1
an inclined sliding surface with a fall direction along the sliding surface
Implementation Method 2
The drive element is arranged such that it has a transport direction that does not coincide with the fall direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a conveyor chute (1) suitable for use as a store for goods (4), e.g. packages and pieces of luggage. Said conveyor chute (1) comprises at least one sliding section (6) that has an inclined sliding surface (8) with a direction of fall (10) along the sliding surface (8) as well as a sliding width (7). The sliding section (6) comprises a width adjusting mechanism (5) which allows the goods (4) to be distributed across at least part of the sliding width (7) and which thus allows the conveyor chute (1) to be used in an improved manner for storing the goods (4).