Gravity Chute Conveyor With Holding Brake for Parcel Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying systems at parcel distribution centers face issues such as parcel damage from high speeds, chute jams, and limited access for maintenance due to continuous operation, particularly in inclined chutes with high acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A conveying arrangement that includes a belt conveyor with a controlled speed reduction mechanism and a sliding bed with a holding brake, allowing safe access for maintenance while preventing parcel damage by adjusting the speed to a safe range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If inclined chutes are used to overcome elevation differences at high speed, then productivity is improved, but parcel damage increases and reliability deteriorates due to jams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the chute surface movable through a lifting mechanism. The chute can be raised to a maintenance position where the sliding bed becomes accessible, and during operation, the chute is in a lowered position for conveying. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to switch between conveying mode and maintenance mode, resolving the contradiction between continuous high-speed operation and maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the chute and the maintenance personnel. By introducing this intermediate device, the system can safely bring the chute to a maintenance position without requiring shutdown of the entire system, thus maintaining productivity while enabling safe maintenance access.
2Productivity
If inclined chutes operate continuously at high speed, then productivity is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is designed with dynamic positioning capability through the lifting mechanism. During normal operation, the chute remains in the lowered position for continuous high-speed conveying. When maintenance is needed, the lifting mechanism raises the chute to an elevated maintenance position, making the sliding bed accessible from the side without interrupting the overall system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveying system is segmented into movable chute sections that can be independently lifted for maintenance. This segmentation allows specific sections to be accessed for repair while other sections continue to operate, maintaining overall productivity while improving ease of repair.
3Productivity
If high acceleration is used in inclined chutes, then productivity is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to parcel impact and jams
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a braking zone at the end of the chute that acts as a cushioning mechanism. This braking zone with reduced inclination and braking elements provides beforehand cushioning to decelerate parcels before they reach the terminal, preventing impact damage and reducing jams while maintaining high acceleration in the main conveying section.
4Ease of repair
If maintenance access is provided from the upper area, then ease of repair is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to safety risks during system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanism provides dynamic positioning that physically separates the maintenance area from the operational area. When in maintenance mode, the chute is elevated to a safe position where personnel can access the sliding bed without risk of falling parcels. The system ensures that maintenance access is only possible when the chute is in the elevated maintenance position, not during lowered operational mode.
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
Ensures safe delivery of parcels without damage and enables maintenance access without disrupting the system's operation, reducing the risk of jams and ensuring personnel safety.
Implementation Method 1
a holding brake (23) which prevents the sliding bed (24) from moving due to gravity
Implementation Method 2
a belt conveyor (20) having a conveyor belt (21) on which the conveyed items (9) are conveyed at least in sections in the chute area (A2)
Implementation Method 3
inclined chutes are used between the sorter and the terminal, allowing the parcels to slide down them due to gravity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
Conveyor arrangement (1) designed - to take up a conveyable item (9), in particular a mail package (9), at a take-up region (A1), in particular from an upstream feed device (7), - to transfer the conveyable item (9) at a transfer region (A3), in particular to an end location (4); - to transport the conveyable item (9) in a chute region (A2) from the take-up region (A1) to the transfer region (A3), wherein the chute region (A2) comprises at least one chute (11, 12) which slopes downward in the conveying direction (F) and along which the conveyable item (9) is conveyed by sliding under gravity, wherein the chute region (A2) comprises a belt conveyor (20) with a conveyor belt (21), characterized in that the belt conveyor (20) has a holding brake (23) which is configured to hold the conveyor belt (21) in a rest position.