Dynamic Conveyor Sleds for Custom Packaging Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyor systems in fulfillment centers are limited in speed due to the risk of packaging containers slipping, tipping, or falling, as existing holding devices are designed for specific container sizes and cannot effectively manage custom-sized containers at higher speeds.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic conveyor system featuring sleds with adjustable holding devices that can securely engage packaging containers of varying sizes, using wheels and motors to move along rails, allowing for high-speed transport while maintaining stability through adjustable positioning and retention elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conveyor speed is increased to improve productivity, then transportation efficiency improves, but packaging containers may slip, tip, or fall off due to insufficient holding capability
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device incorporates a movable arm that can dynamically adjust its position and angle in response to container characteristics and conveyor speed variations, maintaining optimal holding force and angle to prevent slipping or tipping at high speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the holding device including arm angle, position, and potentially force applied, based on detected container properties and operational conditions, allowing the same device to effectively hold containers at varying speeds and sizes
2Reliability
If holding devices are designed for specific container sizes to ensure secure holding, then reliability improves, but adaptability to custom-sized containers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device features a movable arm with adjustable position and angle that can adapt to different container dimensions, allowing the same device to securely hold various container sizes by dynamically reconfiguring its geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed as a universal mechanism capable of handling multiple container types and sizes through its adjustable arm, eliminating the need for size-specific holding devices while maintaining reliable holding effectiveness across diverse container configurations
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 high-speed and efficient transportation of custom-sized packaging containers by securely holding them on the conveyor system, reducing the risk of accidents and optimizing packaging processes in fulfillment centers.
Implementation Method 1
one or more wheels mounted on the body and configured to move through the one or more channels in the rail
Implementation Method 2
one or more wheels mounted on the body and configured to move through the one or more channels in the rail
Implementation Method 3
The holding devices may interact with the goods and/or packaging containers to counteract forces that may cause the goods and/or packaging containers to slip, tip, or fall off of the conveyor systems
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyor system includes a rail having one or more channels therein and one or more sleds operatively associated with the rail. A sled can include a body and one or more wheels mounted on the body and configured to move through the one or more channels in the rail. A sled can also include a holding device connected to the body. The holding device can be configured to engage a packaging container to move the packaging container along the rail. Multiple sleds can be used to secure a packaging container therebetween and move the packaging container along the rail. The conveyor system may also include a queue system that dynamically moves packaging containers to packaging stations.