Modular Postal Sorting Device With Trolley Belt System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing postal sorting systems for low-traffic destinations require costly and time-consuming manual operations for sorting and transferring items to multiple outlets, and they occupy significant horizontal and vertical space.
Innovation Solution
A modular device with aligned modules, each equipped with a trolley and a belt system, controlled by an electronic unit to facilitate efficient transportation and discharge to multiple outlets, reducing space requirements and simplifying installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual operations are used for sorting and transferring items to final containers, then sorting can be implemented for low-traffic destinations, but the operation becomes onerous in terms of cost and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sorting function into modular units (trolleys with belts) that can be independently controlled. Each trolley serves as a discrete sorting station that can be activated only when needed, eliminating the need for continuous manual monitoring and reducing operational costs while maintaining versatility for low-traffic destinations
Solution Approach 2:
The automated belt system performs the sorting and transfer function that previously required manual operation. The belts automatically convey items from pre-sorting outlets to final containers, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for human operators to physically handle and transfer items, thereby reducing both time and cost
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional sorting systems are used, then multiple outlets can be served, but significant horizontal and vertical space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a traditional multi-level vertical arrangement to a horizontal linear arrangement of modules. Modules are aligned along a first rectilinear direction, allowing the system to expand horizontally rather than vertically, thereby reducing space occupation in both dimensions while maintaining the capability to serve multiple outlets through the modular trolley-belt configuration
3Productivity
If complex sorting systems are implemented, then sorting efficiency improves, but installation and maintenance become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system is divided into identical, standardized modules that can be independently manufactured, installed, and maintained. Each module contains a trolley with a belt and serves a specific sorting function. This modularity allows for simplified installation through repetitive unit deployment and ease of maintenance by replacing individual modules rather than troubleshooting complex integrated systems
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is designed to perform the same sorting function through its trolley and belt mechanism. The universal design means that any module can be deployed in any position along the linear arrangement, and the same maintenance procedures apply to all modules, greatly simplifying both installation and maintenance operations while maintaining high sorting efficiency through parallel processing
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for transporting, storing and discharging postal items, wherein a plurality of modules (10) is arranged in line along a first rectilinear direction (D1) and each module (10) is provided with a trolley (12) movable along a second direction (D2) transversal to the first (D1), between a first/second parking position. Each trolley (12) is provided with a belt (6) that extends between opposite end portions of the trolley (12) and is movable in a direction parallel (Dn) to the first direction (D1). A plurality of first outlets (20a) is arranged under the trolleys(12) when they are arranged in the respective first positions and at least one plurality of second outlets (20b) is arranged under said trolleys (12) when they are arranged in a different second parking position. An electronic control unit (25) is adapted to implement, for example, a transport mode for transporting items along adjacent trolleys (12) arranged in the first/second position and a discharge mode, whereby each module (10) allows sorting to four outlets (20a, 20b).