Double-Sided Parcel Terminal With Lift Cage and Sideways Loader
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated parcel terminals often have a single entry point and require a moving mast, which can be costly and impractical for smaller vendors, lacking flexibility and affordability.
Innovation Solution
A self-service parcel terminal with two parallel shelf rows, a lift cage, and a loader that moves sideways within the cage to serve multiple shelf columns, featuring a loader with a back cover to stabilize trays and protect users, and two entry and retrieval points for efficient parcel distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a moving mast lift system is used, then vertical parcel transport is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mast structure from the system by implementing a stationary mast with a lift cage that moves along fixed rails. The complex moving mast mechanism is replaced with a simplified stationary support structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining automated transport functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the mast move to access different shelves, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the mast stationary and moving the lift cage along the stationary mast. This inversion simplifies the overall system structure while achieving the same automated parcel transport objective.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple entry points are added, then vendor flexibility and parcel distribution efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lift cage serves multiple functions by being able to access shelves from multiple entry points. A single lift cage structure is designed to travel along the stationary mast and service multiple shelf rows, allowing the same hardware to fulfill multiple entry point functions without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple entry points into a single integrated lift cage system. Instead of having separate mechanisms for each entry point, one lift cage is designed to service multiple shelves and entry points, combining functionality and reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If a stationary mast with moving lift cage is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to serve multiple shelf rows decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The lift cage is designed with dynamic positioning capability along the stationary mast, allowing it to adaptively service multiple shelf rows at different heights and positions. The movable lift cage can be positioned dynamically to access any shelf within its travel range, maintaining high adaptability despite the simplicity of the stationary mast structure.
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
Enables efficient, flexible, and cost-effective parcel distribution with multiple entry and retrieval points, allowing vendors to fill and customers to retrieve parcels easily, reducing logistical complexity and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
counterweights
Implementation Method 2
lift driving belt
Implementation Method 3
pulleys
Implementation Method 4
toothed engagement racks in bottom side of the tray and toothed loading rollers
Data Source
AI summary
An automated parcel terminal having one or more entry and retrieval points is disclosed. The terminal has a lift cage and a loader that allows moving specifically designed trays to and from shelf columns on two sides of the lift cage. The lift and loader assembly allows the loader to serve multiple shelf columns in the terminal. The loader has a back cover configured to protect the users from moving parts of the terminal, but also to support trays in a shelf column while the loader pulls one tray out from the shelf column.