Damping Wedge for Mail Processing Storage Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mail processing machines face issues with envelope positioning and noise when processing high-speed mail, particularly when the storage device is positioned at 90°, leading to bouncing and jamming, and labels fall between the motorized belt and referencing wall, causing blockages.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a damping wedge at the angle formed by the receiving tray and referencing wall, made of hard and slippery plastic, cushions mail items and guides labels onto the conveyor belt, ensuring correct positioning and reducing noise and jamming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the storage device is positioned at 90° with respect to the mail processing machine, then the envelopes can be processed, but the envelopes bounce against the reference wall and are positioned askew on the motorized belt, harming the placing on the field
Solution Approach 1:
A damping wedge made of hard and slippery plastic is introduced as an intermediary element between the reference wall and the motorized belt. This wedge absorbs the impact of ejected envelopes and guides them smoothly onto the belt at the correct angle, preventing bouncing and mispositioning while maintaining high-speed processing
Solution Approach 2:
The damping wedge is positioned beforehand at the angle formed by the receiving tray and reference wall to cushion envelopes before they impact the reference wall. This pre-positioned cushioning element absorbs kinetic energy and redirects envelopes onto the conveyor belt at the proper orientation
2Productivity
If the storage device is positioned at 90° with respect to the mail processing machine, then the envelopes can be processed, but the impact of the casings against the wall generates a relatively high noise
Solution Approach 1:
The damping wedge serves as a mediator between the ejected envelopes and the reference wall, absorbing impact forces and converting kinetic energy into friction and deformation of the wedge material, thereby significantly reducing the noise generated during high-speed mail processing
3Productivity
If the storage device is aligned with the mail processing machine, then the labels can be processed, but the labels fall between the motorized belt and the referencing wall, causing jamming and blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The damping wedge acts as an intermediary guide that redirects labels away from the gap between the motorized belt and reference wall. By providing a smooth, angled surface, it guides labels onto the conveyor belt without allowing them to fall into the jamming zone, ensuring continuous operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The damping wedge effectively positions envelopes on the transport belt, reduces noise, and prevents label jamming by allowing them to slide onto the conveyor, enhancing the storage device's functionality and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a damping wedge disposed in the angle formed by said receiving tray and said referencing wall and on which said mail items will impact after their ejection from said mail processing machine
Implementation Method 2
made of a hard and slippery plastic, the envelopes are found correctly positioned on the transport belt and the operating noises are notably reduced. In addition, the labels, by sliding naturally on the transport belt, avoid any jamming at the entry of the device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
AI summary
Storage device (10) for mail processing machine comprising a receiving tray (12) on a longitudinal edge of which extends a referencing wall (16), the receiving tray being crossed by a conveying belt (14) to convey mail items along this referencing wall, and a shock-absorbing ramp (30) mounted against the referencing wall and on which the mail items will impact after their ejection from the mail processing machine before falling back onto the conveying belt for their conveyance to the inclined plane.