Dynamic Axis Coupling for Tight Curve Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for conveying and sorting piece goods face challenges in guiding tightly packed elements through curved paths due to the fixed distance requirements between elements, which limits the number of elements that can be used within a given sorter length and affects sorting performance.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device that articulates one end of each element with respect to at least one axis of rotation, allowing the axis of rotation to change positions depending on the direction of movement, enabling elements to be guided around narrow curved paths with a relatively short coupling device. This is achieved through mechanisms such as four-bar chains, flexible coupling elements, or double joints, allowing for adjustable axis positions and enabling elements to pivot in opposite directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between adjacent elements is determined by their passage along curves, then the elements can navigate curves without collision, but the coupling devices become excessively long and the number of elements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device employs a movable axis of rotation that dynamically changes position based on the direction of movement. During joint movement in one direction, the axis lies on one side of the central axis; during movement in the opposite direction, the axis lies on the other side. This dynamic repositioning allows the coupling device to maintain a shorter length while ensuring collision-free navigation through curves, thereby increasing the number of elements that can be accommodated within the same sorter dimensions.
2Productivity
If the coupling device length is reduced to increase the number of elements, then the sorting capacity increases, but the elements cannot be guided around tight curves
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed with an axis of rotation whose position is not fixed but changes instantaneously depending on the direction of joint movement. This dynamic characteristic allows a short coupling device to effectively guide elements around tight curves by repositioning the rotation axis to the appropriate side during movement, thus maintaining curve navigation capability while enabling tighter packing of elements to increase sorting capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of axis position from a static value to a dynamic value that varies with movement direction. By selecting from two or more predefined axis positions or continuously adjusting the axis position based on movement direction, the coupling device adapts its geometric parameters to maintain adequate spacing during curve passage, enabling shorter coupling devices to navigate tight curves effectively.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling device (14) for articulately connecting two elements (12) of a device (10) for conveying and/or sorting unit loads, wherein the coupling device (10) articulately connects each end (24, 26) of the two elements (12) with respect to at least one axis of rotation (20) in a plane to both sides (24, 26), and the two ends (24, 26) are diametrically opposed in a neutral position. It is provided that the coupling device (14) is configured such that – starting from a respective central axis (28) of the two ends (24, 26) – the axis of rotation (20) is located on one side (24) of the central axis (28) during an articulated movement in the direction of one side (24) and on the other side (26) of the respective central axis (28) during an articulated movement in the direction of the other side (26). The invention further relates to a corresponding device (10) for conveying and/or sorting unit loads.