Line Sorter Track Loop Length Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Line sorters with closed loops of coupled sorting carts or slats face issues due to variations in length caused by temperature changes and wear, leading to increased acoustic noise, vibrations, and mechanical wear, and require complex and costly adjustment mechanisms that disrupt operation.
Innovation Solution
A line sorter with moveable adjustment elements at the end track sections allows for longitudinal displacement to match the track loop length, eliminating the need for adjustment mechanisms on the sorting carts or slats, enabling continuous operation and reducing noise and vibration through self-adjusting mechanisms like springs and controllable actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adjustment mechanisms are added to sorting carts or slats to compensate for length variations, then the track length can be adjusted, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A separate adjustment element is introduced as an intermediary component between the track sections. This adjustment element can be moved independently to change the track length without modifying the sorting carts or slats themselves. The adjustment element acts as a mediator that absorbs the complexity of length adjustment, keeping the sorting carts simple while achieving the desired adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The track is divided into separate sections with adjustment elements positioned between them. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of track length by moving only the adjustment element, rather than requiring adjustment mechanisms on every cart or slat. The track becomes a modular system where only specific segments need adjustment capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manually operated length adjustment on individual carts or slats is implemented, then the track length can be matched, but the sorter must be stopped and operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment element serves as an intermediary that can be modified without stopping the sorter. By placing the adjustment mechanism on a separate element rather than on the carts themselves, the system allows track length adjustment while maintaining continuous operation of the sorting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment element can be designed to automatically compensate for track length variations through self-adjusting mechanisms such as springs or actuators. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention and maintains continuous sorter operation, as the adjustment happens automatically without requiring the system to stop.
3Device complexity
If the track loop length is fixed and does not match the closed loop of carts or slats, then the system is simpler, but acoustic noise and vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The track length is made dynamic rather than fixed. The adjustment element can be moved to change the track length, allowing the system to adapt to variations in cart or slat loop length. This dynamic capability enables the track to match the actual loop length, reducing noise and vibration while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The track length parameter can be changed by moving the adjustment element. This allows the system to optimize the track length parameter to match the closed loop of carts or slats, thereby reducing harmful vibrations and noise without requiring complete redesign of the track structure.
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 solution provides a reliable, low-cost, and efficient sorting system with reduced acoustic noise and vibration, maintaining high operational availability and energy efficiency, even at high speeds, by automatically adjusting the track loop length to match the coupled sorting carts or slats.
Implementation Method 1
A spring arrangement may be provided to exert a force on the adjustment element so as to automatically move the adjustment element, preferably along one line, so as to provide a smooth track interface upon the end track section being displaced.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a line sorter for sorting items of various shapes, sizes and weights, in particular postal parcels or airport baggage. The line sorter (102) has a closed loop of coupled sorting carts or slats provided for moving along a loop track formed by an upper track section (104), a lower track section (106), one end track section connecting the upper and lower track sections at each of two ends of the line sorter, and one or more adjustment elements also forming part of the track loop. One of the end track sections 108, 109 can be longitudinally displaced relative to the upper and lower track sections to increase or decrease the resulting length of the track loop. The adjustment element(s) (210, 211) is movably mounted between said end track section and an adjacent upper or lower track section. A wedge shaped portion of the adjustment element is arranged for adjustable engagement with a correspondingly shaped portion of said end track section, or the upper or lower track section. This allows adjustment of a length of the track loop in accordance with displacement of said end track section, and still close a gap in the track by means of the adjustment element.