Conveyor Sorting Paddle Assembly Above Belt
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting devices for moving packaged or small items from a main conveyor to a delivery station have a high failure rate, requiring human intervention and resulting in delays and increased expenses.
Innovation Solution
A sorting device featuring multiple paddle pieces securely linked and supported by a plastic sweeper belt, positioned above the main conveyor, which uses motorized drive rollers and photoelectric eyes to control the movement of paddles for precise diversion of items, with a tensioning system to maintain belt integrity and adjustable paddle placement for optimal sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sorting devices are used to move items from main conveyor, then sorting function is provided, but failure rate is high requiring human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing items from below the conveyor surface, the invention sweeps items from above the conveyor surface using a paddle assembly that moves perpendicular to the conveyor direction, inverting the traditional sorting approach to achieve higher reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The paddle assembly is divided into multiple discrete paddle pieces (e.g., three paddles) that can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing precise item diversion while maintaining system reliability through modular operation
2Reliability
If sweeping action from above is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeper belt assembly serves multiple functions: it supports the paddle pieces, provides the sweeping motion, and acts as the structural framework for the entire sorting mechanism, reducing overall device complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the support structure, driving mechanism, and sweeping function into a single integrated sweeper belt assembly, merging previously separate components into one cohesive unit that simplifies the overall device
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple paddle pieces are used, then sorting precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sweeper belt serves as a flexible support structure that can accommodate multiple paddle pieces at different positions, allowing precise paddle placement while simplifying the overall manufacturing through the use of a single flexible component rather than multiple rigid supports
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for reliably sweeping or sorting an article from a main conveyor surface that is positioned above the main conveyor surface and includes a paddle assembly that can be adjusted for moving various different articles from the main conveyor. Methods for moving packaged, wrapped, or small items traveling on a conveyor to a delivery station or off of a main conveyor have a relatively high fail rate. As one of the critical last steps in sorting packages for delivery, the failure rate at this step requires human intervention, can involve delays, and leads to expense.