Cover Plate Gap Closure for Sorting System Curved Tracks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support structure sorting systems face challenges in maintaining a closed gap between adjacent support structures, particularly in curved sections, which can lead to items falling through and causing operational stops, and existing solutions require regular maintenance due to worn-out springs or increased energy costs.

Innovation Solution

A sorting system with a cover plate that moves relative to the adjacent support structure, allowing sideways, upward, and tilting movements while remaining connected, and a guiding system that fixes the cover plate to the adjacent cart, ensuring the gap remains closed across various track sections, including curved and inclined paths, using a combination of deformable elements and hinges for flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If springs are used to urge cover plates against adjacent support structures, then the gap between support structures is closed, but regular maintenance is required due to worn springs and additional energy cost is incurred for continuous tensioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap closing reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the spring mechanism from the system entirely. Instead of using springs to urge cover plates against support structures, the invention uses a passive cover plate design that relies on the natural movement and positioning of adjacent support structures to maintain gap closure. This eliminates the need for continuous tensioning forces and associated maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover plate system is designed to self-adjust and maintain gap closure without external actuation. The cover plate follows the movement of adjacent support structures and automatically positions itself to close gaps, eliminating the need for powered actuators, springs, or continuous energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If support structures are positioned close together to close gaps, then items cannot fall through, but the support structures cannot be conveyed through curved sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveitem containmentVSAvoidcurved section compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the gap-closing function from the support structure itself by introducing independent cover plates. These cover plates are attached to individual support structures but can move relative to them, allowing each cover plate to independently adapt to curved track geometry while maintaining gap closure functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover plates are designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing them to move sideways, up, down, and tilt relative to their associated support structures. This dynamic adjustment enables the cover plates to maintain contact with adjacent support structures even when the support structures are tilted or positioned in curved sections of the track.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If cover plates are made fixed to support structures, then the gap remains closed, but the cover plates cannot adapt to tilting or curved track sections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegap closureVSAvoidtilt and curve adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the cover plates to change their positional parameters (lateral position, vertical position, tilt angle) relative to the associated support structure. This parameter adjustment enables the cover plates to adapt to varying track geometries while maintaining effective gap closure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3145841B1Sorting system having cover plates closing gaps between support structures

Publication Date: 2023.08.02 BEUMER GRP AS

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Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a sorting system of the support structure type, which includes known sorting systems such as tray type sorting systems. They include a track along which carts (7) and support structures (5) are conveyed. Cover plates (10) are arranged to close gaps between the support structures, also when the support structures are conveyed through curved sections, so that conveyed items are prevented from falling through the gaps. The invention further involves a gap closing kit for a support structure sorting system. The invention also involves a method of providing a support structure sorting system having a gap substantially closed between at least two support structures. The cover plates are connected to the support structures by leading systems (11) as well as connected to guiding systems, which guiding systems have one part fixated to an adjacent cart. The support structures (5), the guiding systems (17) and the leading systems (40) are configured to control movement of the cover plates (10) relative to the support structures in order to close a gap between adjacent support structures, when conveyed in sections of a track, which track may have only horizontal straight and curved sections, or include inclined or declined straight or curved sections.