Flexible Receiving Element for High-Density Parcel Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a packet processing device that can store packages in a small space with high packing density while preventing damage during input, as packages vary significantly in size, shape, and weight, and existing solutions do not effectively address these requirements.

Innovation Solution

A packet processing device featuring a flexible receiving element suspended between adjustable holding devices, allowing for adjustable length and position to accommodate packages of different sizes and weights, with a system of rotatable winding shafts and motors for precise control, and a sensor device for optimizing storage volume and preventing damage during input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a fixed storage structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but the packing density is low and packages of different sizes cannot be efficiently stored

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacking densityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible receiving element that can dynamically adjust its configuration through holding devices with adjustable positions. This allows the storage structure to adapt its shape and volume to accommodate packages of varying sizes, thereby improving packing density without requiring a completely complex rigid structure. The flexible element can be configured to match the actual package dimensions, maximizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The holding devices can adjust the position and configuration of the flexible receiving element, changing the physical parameters of the storage space. By modifying the length, position, and shape of the receiving element, the system optimizes packing density for different package configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the storage volume is increased to accommodate large packages, then packages of all sizes can be stored, but the drop height increases causing package damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage size accommodationVSAvoidpackage damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible receiving element with adjustable holding devices creates a dynamic storage system where the receiving position can be adjusted. This allows the system to accommodate large packages in terms of horizontal space while maintaining a controlled vertical drop height, as the receiving element can be positioned to minimize the falling distance regardless of package size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible receiving element acts as an intermediary between the input device and the final storage position. It can be adjusted to provide a gradual transition zone that reduces the impact of dropping, allowing packages to be accommodated without direct high-impact falls, thus preventing damage while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the receiving element is made rigid to provide stable support, then package stability is improved, but adaptability to different package shapes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage support stabilityVSAvoidshape adaptation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible receiving element that can deform and adapt its shape to accommodate packages of different geometries. This flexible membrane-like structure provides stable support through its tension and configuration rather than rigid structural resistance, allowing it to conform to various package shapes while maintaining sufficient stability to hold and transport the packages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP2905756B1Parcel processing device
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 WINCOR NIXDORF INT GMBH
  • EP2905756B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2905756B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2905756B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A packet processing device (1) comprises an input device (11) for inputting packets (3) into a storage space (100) and a storage device (2) arranged in the storage space for storing input packets (3). The storage device (2) has a flexible receiving element (22) suspended from two holding devices (20, 21) such that the receiving element (22) extends with a section (220) between the holding devices (20, 21) to receive packets (3) input via the input device (11) on the section (220), wherein at least one of the holding devices (20, 21) is adjustable for setting the length (L) of the section (220) extending between the holding devices (20, 21). In this way, a packet processing device is provided that enables the simple storage of packets in a small space at high packing density.