Rotating Conveyor Belt Gap Closure for Parcel Jam Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sorting devices for parcels with irregular shapes and sizes face issues such as increased distance between conveyor belts causing stumbling and thin package parts being dragged against fixed parts, leading to potential jams.

Innovation Solution

A sorting device with conveyor belts mounted on a fifth wheel that can rotate ±45 degrees, equipped with low-friction sliding planes to close openings and rollers to prevent stumbling, and a control system to manage rotation and prevent package parts from being dragged.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conveyor belt is rotated on a fifth wheel to enable selective deviation, then sorting capability is improved, but openings form between the rotating belt and fixed wheel causing packages to stumble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting capabilityVSAvoidpackage handling stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A bridge element is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotating conveyor belt and the fixed wheel. This bridge element fills the gap that forms during rotation, preventing packages from stumbling while allowing the belt to rotate for sorting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the conveyor belt moves quickly to improve sorting speed, then productivity is improved, but thin package parts are dragged against fixed parts creating jams

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesorting speedVSAvoidpackage integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A second bridge element is introduced as an intermediary between the conveyor belt and fixed parts. This bridge element prevents direct contact and dragging between the moving belt and stationary components, eliminating jams while maintaining high sorting speeds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bridge elements are positioned in advance to cushion and prevent the harmful interaction between the conveyor belt and fixed parts before it can cause damage or jams, protecting package integrity throughout the sorting process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11639272B2Sorting device and system for items with irregular shape and sizes

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 FORTNA SPA

AI summary

A sorting device for packages includes a fifth wheel mounted on a support structure and rotatable around a vertical axis; a conveyor belt mounted on the fifth wheel and able to rotate therewith about the vertical axis; and at least one sliding surface placed below the plane of the conveyor belt, to close the openings which, during the rotation of the fifth wheel and of the conveyor belt around the vertical axis, are created between the sorting device and the conveyor belts adjacent to it.