Dual Density Sorter With Movable Central Shoes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor and sorter systems face limitations in sorting capacity, typically managing around 11,000 packages per hour, and there is a need to increase throughput without significant equipment expansion.
Innovation Solution
A two-sided sorter design with centrally located shoes that can move to either side of the conveyor, allowing for dual-density operation and continuous input and output, effectively doubling the package handling capacity to approximately 21,000 packages per hour, and incorporating features like smart shoe technology and pin detection for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-sided sorter design is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the productivity is limited to around 11,000 packages per hour
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-sided sorter to a dual-density sorter that utilizes both sides of the conveyor for package sorting. This dimensional change allows packages to be sorted from both the left and right sides simultaneously, effectively doubling the sorting capacity from 11,000 to approximately 21,000 packages per hour without requiring a complete system overhaul
Solution Approach 2:
The centrally located shoes are designed to be movable to either side of the conveyor, allowing the same hardware component to serve multiple functions. The shoes can dock on either the left or right side of the conveyor based on operational needs, providing versatility in package routing while using a single set of shoes rather than requiring separate shoe sets for each side
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate slats (one per shoe) are used, then the adaptability is higher, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two shoes onto a single slat, creating a dual-shoe configuration that reduces the number of slats from two to one. This merging simplifies the overall system architecture, reduces the number of moving parts, and facilitates easier maintenance while still maintaining the capability to route packages to both sides of the conveyor through the centrally located movable shoes
Data Source
AI summary
A sorting system is provided. The sorter system includes a conveyor frame, slats disposed on the conveyor frame and extending substantially perpendicularly to a central axis of the conveyor frame. Shoes are disposed on the slat and are moveable between a central position adjacent to the central axis of the conveyor frame, and a distal position adjacent to one of a first and second side of the conveyor frame.