Dual Conveyor Mail Loading Optimizing Parcel Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual loading of inhomogeneous postal goods into transport units is inefficient, resulting in low throughput and ergonomic challenges, and existing automated systems do not fully optimize space utilization or reduce operator workload.
Innovation Solution
A device with two conveyor units, each conveying piece goods flows sorted by physical criteria, allows for optimal space utilization and ergonomic loading by distinguishing between 'pourable' and 'non-pourable' goods, using different conveyor tracks and a sorting unit to automate the sorting process, reducing manual lifting and increasing throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading is used to handle heterogeneous postal goods, then flexibility in handling different item types is maintained, but loading throughput remains low (less than 1000 parcels/hour) and ergonomic challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system is segmented into multiple conveyor units (first conveying unit and second conveying unit) that can independently convey different streams of goods. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different item types, increasing throughput while maintaining specialized handling for different cargo characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by introducing automated conveyor mechanisms with adjustable speeds and positions. The conveyors can be controlled to match the optimal loading speed for different item types, transforming the manual operation into an automated process that achieves higher throughput without compromising ergonomic handling.
2Ease of operation
If telescopic conveyors with lifting platforms are used to assist loading, then adjustment to loading height is improved, but operator lifting effort is not relieved and space utilization is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds vertical dimensionality by implementing conveyor units at different heights (upper conveying unit and lower conveying unit). This multi-level arrangement allows goods to be conveyed and deposited at optimized heights for different item types, improving both ergonomics and space utilization while maintaining high throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor units are designed with multi-functionality, capable of conveying different types of goods (mail items, packages, parcels) with varying physical properties. The system universally handles heterogeneous cargo through standardized conveyor mechanisms that can be configured for different loading requirements.
3Device complexity
If goods are loaded without sorting by physical properties, then loading process is simple, but space utilization and filling density are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sorting of goods by physical properties (size, weight, shape) before loading onto the conveyors. This pre-sorting action enables optimized arrangement of items during loading, maximizing the utilization of transport unit volume without significantly increasing overall process complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optimized spatial arrangement copy of the goods based on their physical properties. By analyzing item characteristics and creating an optimal loading pattern, the system achieves high filling density while maintaining a relatively simple loading process through automated conveyor positioning and item placement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for loading a transporting unit (10) intended for transporting piece goods (12), in particular mail deliveries, comprising a first conveying unit (18), which can be moved into the transporting unit (10) and is intended for conveying and unloading a first stream of piece goods (22) in the transporting unit (10). In order to provide a device of the type in question by which loading that is optimized with respect to the transport filling density of the transporting unit can be achieved, along with an increased loading throughput and increased working convenience, it is proposed that at least one second conveying unit (20) is provided for the conveying and unloading of a second stream of piece goods (24) in the transporting unit (10), wherein the piece goods (12) are distributed among the streams of piece goods (22, 24) according to at least one sorting criterion.