Conveyor Sorting Device Primary Secondary Storage Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor sorting devices are inefficient in sorting objects into categories beyond four due to spatial constraints and lengthy processing times when dealing with a high number of categories.
Innovation Solution
A sorting device utilizing a primary and secondary storage unit system, where the primary unit has a limited number of discrete storage positions for direct sorting of majority categories, and the secondary unit provides additional storage positions for categories exceeding the primary's capacity, with a conveyor system facilitating efficient exchange of carriers between units to manage a larger number of categories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If direct sorting strategy is used for high number of categories, then sorting speed is improved, but spatial requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting device is segmented into two functional units: a first sorting unit with a limited number of sorting positions for direct sorting, and a second sorting unit with storage positions for indirect sorting. This segmentation allows the system to handle high numbers of categories without requiring all sorting positions to be simultaneously accessible, thus reducing spatial requirements while maintaining sorting speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the sorting process by implementing iterative sorting cycles. Objects that cannot be directly sorted in the first unit are temporarily stored and sorted in subsequent iterations. This transforms a purely spatial problem into a space-time solution, allowing high category counts to be handled with limited physical space.
2Area of stationary object
If iterative sorting method is used for high number of categories, then spatial efficiency is improved, but sorting time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by operating the first and second sorting units in parallel during each iteration. While the first sorting unit processes directly sortable objects, the second sorting unit simultaneously handles objects requiring indirect sorting. This parallel operation ensures that no time is wasted in sequential processing, maintaining high productivity despite the iterative nature of sorting high numbers of categories.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary classification by identifying which objects can be directly sorted in the first unit versus which require indirect sorting through the second unit. This preliminary action allows the system to optimize the distribution of sorting tasks across both units, minimizing the number of iterations required and reducing overall sorting time.
3Device complexity
If limited number of sorting positions are provided, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to handle high number of categories deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second sorting unit serves multiple functions: it acts as temporary storage for objects awaiting sorting, provides additional sorting positions for indirect sorting, and enables the system to handle a variable number of categories without physical expansion. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain low complexity while achieving high adaptability to different category counts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its sorting strategy based on the number of categories and the current state of sorting positions. The control unit dynamically determines which objects go to the first sorting unit and which are routed to the second sorting unit for indirect sorting. This dynamic behavior allows the fixed-structure device to adapt to varying category counts, maintaining versatility without increasing physical complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention describes a conveyor sorting device, comprising: an input port for receiving objects of different object categories, a sorting device with a handling unit comprising a holding device for receiving and holding an object input via the input port and a transfer device for transferring said object to a primary storage unit, wherein said primary storage unit comprises a plurality of n primary storage positions each of said primary storage positions being associated to a carrier for one specific object category, a secondary storage unit comprising a plurality of m secondary storage positions each of said secondary storage positions being associated to a carrier for one specific object category, a conveyor device adapted to convey a carrier from said primary storage unit to said secondary storage unit and to convey a carrier from said secondary storage unit to said primary storage unit.