Cross-belt Sorter Pushing Element Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cross-belt sorters face issues with the pushing element bending or inclining when handling heavy products, leading to incorrect direction movement, as they require a rigid basis for support, which can result in deformation of the cross-belt or pushing element.
Innovation Solution
The pushing element is supported by a lightweight, non-rigid supporting member fixed to the cross-belt at distances from their intersection, creating longitudinal rigidity and minimizing deformation, with the pushing element and supporting member being pivotably mounted and potentially made of elastic plastic, forming an integral unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid pushing element is installed to prevent bending, then the pushing element maintains its shape, but the cross-belt may be deformed at the location where the pushing belt is fixed to the cross-belt when a heavy product must be pushed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a supporting member as an intermediary element between the pushing element and the cross-belt. This supporting member is fixed to the cross-belt at a distance from the intersection point, providing structural support to the pushing element without requiring rigid fixation to the cross-belt. The supporting member acts as a mediator that distributes forces and prevents deformation of both the pushing element and the cross-belt during operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid basis is provided at the intersection between the pushing element and the cross-belt, then the pushing element does not tilt, but the cross-belt or pushing element may be deformed when pushing heavy products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the support function from the intersection point (two-dimensional plane) to a third point in space, creating a triangular support structure. The supporting member is fixed to the cross-belt at a distance from the intersection, forming a triangle with the pushing element and the cross-belt. This dimensional change provides stability through geometric distribution of forces rather than concentrated rigid fixation, preventing both tilting and deformation.
3Weight of moving object
If a lightweight, non-rigid pushing element is used, then the pushing element is easier to manufacture and lighter, but the pushing element will bend when a heavy product must be discharged
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member serves as a mediator that enables the use of lightweight, non-rigid pushing elements. By providing external support at a distance from the intersection, the supporting member compensates for the lack of rigidity in the pushing element itself. This allows the pushing element to remain lightweight and easy to manufacture while the supporting member ensures it does not bend excessively when pushing heavy products.
Data Source
AI summary
A cross-belt sorter with a plurality of interconnected carriers drivable behind each other in a conveying direction. Each carrier is provided with a cross-belt for supporting a product. The cross-belt is drivable in a belt driving direction extending transversely to the conveying direction. A pushing element is mounted to the cross-belt for pushing against a product on the cross-belt in the event that a product on the cross-belt tends to move with respect to the cross-belt in opposite direction of the belt driving direction. The pushing element has an upright orientation with respect to the cross-belt and is supported in the belt driving direction by a supporting member which is at least between opposite side edges of the cross-belt fixed to the pushing element and to the cross-belt at respective distances from an intersection between the pushing element and the cross-belt.