Modular Package Collection Device With Mechanical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package handling systems require high investments and complex control technologies for automated unloading, limiting flexibility and safety for operating personnel.
Innovation Solution
A package collecting device with a telescopic belt conveyor interface, featuring a coupling device for mechanical coupling and decoupling, and adjustable working height, allowing for flexible integration with various transport systems without the need for complex control systems, ensuring operator safety through an overload device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated unloading devices are permanently integrated into package handling systems, then unloading automation is achieved, but investment cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The package handling system is divided into separate functional modules: a mobile collection device that can be detached and repositioned, rather than a permanently integrated automated system. This segmentation allows automation functionality to be achieved through simpler, modular components that can be independently managed and replaced.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling device acts as an intermediary between the mobile collection device and the transport conveyor, enabling mechanical connection and automatic decoupling functionality. This intermediary component provides the automation benefit while keeping the overall system complexity manageable through standardized interfaces.
2Measurement precision
If specialized control technologies are used for automated unloading, then unloading precision is improved, but control system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile collection device incorporates self-aligning features through its coupling device that automatically positions itself relative to the transport conveyor during coupling. This self-service mechanism achieves precise positioning without requiring complex external control systems, sensors, or actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex electronic control systems are replaced with a mechanically designed coupling device that provides automatic positioning and connection through pure mechanical means. The coupling device's geometry and movement constraints inherently guide precise alignment, eliminating the need for sophisticated control technology.
3Stability of the object's composition
If package collection devices are permanently integrated, then system stability is improved, but adaptability to different peripheral devices decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device transitions from a static, permanently integrated component to a dynamic, mobile unit that can be moved, coupled, and decoupled as needed. This dynamic design maintains system stability during operation while providing adaptability for different peripheral devices and reconfiguration scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is designed with universal characteristics that allow it to interface with different types of transport conveyors and peripheral devices. The standardized mechanical interface provides stable connection while enabling adaptability across various system configurations and device types.
4Productivity
If complex automated systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but safety for operating personnel decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The potentially hazardous function of permanently integrated automated systems is extracted and replaced with a mobile collection device that can be safely coupled and decoupled. This extraction allows productivity benefits to be retained while eliminating the safety risks associated with complex, fixed automated systems that require close personnel intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device incorporates an overload device that provides beforehand protection by automatically decoupling the mobile collection device from the transport conveyor when excessive forces are detected. This prior cushioning mechanism prevents serious accidents before they can occur, protecting operating personnel while maintaining normal productive operation under regular conditions.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a package collection device (2) for a package handling system (1) for unloading a plurality of packages (3) from a transport feeder (4) of the package handling system (1) and transferring unloaded packages (3) to a transport discharge device (5) of the package handling system (1), wherein the package collection device (2) comprises a collection element (6) having a support surface (7) for at least one package (3) during transfer from the transport feeder (4) to the transport discharge device (5), and at least one side element (8, 10) arranged thereon, which can be moved between a rest position and a working position and has a further support surface (9, 11) for at least one package (3), wherein the support surface (9, 11) of the side element (8, 10) is in the working position when the side element (8, 10) is in the working position.10) connects flush to the support surface (7) of the collecting element (6), and the package collecting device (2) also comprises a coupling device (27) for mechanically detachable coupling with the transport discharge means (5). The invention also relates to a package handling system (1) comprising such a package collecting device (2).