Flexible Buffer Device for Sorting Facility Take-Over
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sorting facilities face challenges in managing the intermediate storage of piece goods when the delivery rate exceeds the receiving or processing capacity at take-over regions, requiring a solution that is simple, low-maintenance, and does not rely on additional active conveying means.
Innovation Solution
A buffer device with a flexible, two-dimensional rest element forming a receiving trough for piece goods, featuring an adjustable mechanism to change the trough depth, allowing dynamic adjustment of storage space based on demand, using sensors and control devices to optimize storage capacity in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a buffer device is introduced to store excess piece goods, then the receiving capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer device uses a flexible rest element that can be adjusted between different positions to create variable storage capacity. This flexible membrane approach provides buffering functionality without requiring complex rigid mechanical structures, thus improving receiving capacity while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The rest element is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a first position (creating storage space) and a second position (reducing storage space). This dynamic adaptability allows the buffer device to respond to varying piece good flows without requiring complex fixed structures for different storage capacities
2Quantity of substance
If the storage space is increased to handle high delivery rates, then the receiving capacity is improved, but the loss of time increases due to slower emptying
Solution Approach 1:
The rest element can be dynamically adjusted between different positions during operation. When piece good accumulation is detected, the rest element moves to create storage space. When the buffer needs to empty, the rest element moves to reduce storage space and actively push piece goods forward, thus providing both large storage capacity and rapid emptying capability
Solution Approach 2:
The control device monitors the piece good situation and automatically adjusts the rest element position accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the buffer space is optimized in real-time - expanding when needed to store excess goods and contracting when needed to facilitate rapid emptying, thus resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and emptying speed
3Device complexity
If passive conveying is used to avoid additional conveying means, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases when piece goods need to be actively moved
Solution Approach 1:
The rest element serves dual functions: it passively receives and stores piece goods using gravity and kinetic energy from the sorting conveyor, and it actively conveys piece goods forward by moving between positions. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate active conveying devices while maintaining conveying efficiency when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The rest element is a multi-functional component that performs both passive storage (buffering) and active conveying functions. By adjusting the rest element position, the system can switch between storing piece goods and actively moving them forward, thus achieving both low device complexity and high productivity with a single component
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
The buffer device effectively manages excess piece goods by dynamically adjusting storage space, preventing overflow and ensuring efficient processing by adapting to varying delivery rates without the need for additional conveying mechanisms, thereby optimizing the flow into the take-over region.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable rest element (23.1, 23.2) which for the intermediate storing or buffering of piece goods (2) forms a receiving trough (24)
Implementation Method 2
the piece goods are conveyed solely by way of their kinetic energy which is obtained from the sorting conveyor and/or by way of gravitational assistance
Data Source
AI summary
A take-over appliance for a sorting facility for taking over piece goods which at a delivery location are delivered from a sorting conveyor, including a buffer device which forms a storage space, for the intermediate storing or buffering of delivered piece goods, wherein the storage space of the buffer device can be changed during the operation of the sorting facility. The buffer device includes a flexible, two-dimensional rest element which for the intermediate storing of piece goods forms a receiving trough for the piece goods, the receiving trough delimiting the storage space. The buffer device further includes an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the trough depth for the purpose of changing the storage space.