Dynamic Diverter Control for Even Article Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article carrier systems for grading apparatus, such as fruit processing lines, face inefficiencies in distributing articles evenly across multiple conveyor lanes, leading to uneven capacity usage and reduced throughput due to fixed diverters and manual alignment methods.
Innovation Solution
An article carrying apparatus with individually controllable diverters positioned at the receiving end of each lane, controlled by sensors and algorithms to adjust the input channel size based on capacity use parameters, ensuring even distribution of articles across lanes, thereby optimizing throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed diverters are used to distribute articles into carrier lanes, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the distribution of articles becomes uneven and throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the diverters individually controllable and adjustable during operation. Each diverter can be rotated to different positions to dynamically control the flow of articles into carrier lanes, transforming the static fixed diverter system into a dynamic adjustable system that optimizes article distribution and maximizes throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the diverters to be adjusted to different angular positions, thereby changing the flow parameters of articles into each carrier lane. The system monitors capacity use parameters and adjusts diverter positions accordingly, changing the distribution parameters to achieve even article distribution across all lanes.
2Productivity
If manual alignment of diverters is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the article distribution uniformity and capacity usage become uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the feedback principle by implementing a control system that monitors capacity use parameters for each carrier lane and uses this information to automatically adjust diverter positions. The system continuously receives feedback on lane capacity usage and makes real-time adjustments to distribute articles evenly, replacing manual alignment with automated feedback-controlled positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically monitor its own capacity use parameters and adjust its diverter positions without external intervention. The control system self-regulates the article distribution by detecting capacity imbalances and autonomously repositioning diverters to optimize throughput.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed infeed shelf configuration is used, then the manufacturing cost is lower, but the ability to balance article flow to outer carrier lanes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the infeed shelf into multiple sections, each with an individually controllable diverter. This segmentation allows independent control of article flow to different carrier lanes, enabling flexible adjustment of distribution patterns to balance load across all lanes including outer lanes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by transforming the static infeed shelf structure into a dynamic system where diverters can be individually positioned. The infeed shelf becomes adaptable to different distribution requirements by allowing real-time adjustment of diverter positions, enhancing the system's ability to balance article flow flexibly.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present subject matter relates to article carriers for use in grading apparatus and in particular, but not exclusively, for use in grading fruit. The present subject matter provides an article carrying apparatus (100) comprising a plurality of carrier lanes (120i=1-x) each for receiving and conveying a number of articles (160); one or more diverters (130k=1-z) arranged to control the distribution of received articles into the lanes; a sensor (140, 240) arranged to determine a capacity use parameter (Ci) for each lane; and a controller (150) arranged to control the position of each diverter dependent on the determined capacity use parameters.