Movable Target Container Grid for Space-Efficient Object Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting devices are not flexible, fast, and space-efficient for sorting objects, often requiring multiple transfer devices and occupying excessive space.
Innovation Solution
A sorting device with target containers that move sequentially and can be reused, combined with a two- or three-dimensional grid pattern, and a feeding system that includes conveyor belts, slide gates, and diverting devices to efficiently transfer objects into target containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed container positions are used in sorting systems, then the system structure is simple, but the sorting flexibility and capacity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making target containers movable rather than fixed. The containers can dynamically reposition themselves between waiting positions and transfer positions based on sorting requirements. This is achieved through drive means that enable containers to move along conveying paths, allowing the system to adapt to different sorting configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a two-dimensional positioning grid with waiting positions arranged in rows and columns. Containers can be positioned at multiple waiting positions (W1-W6) in addition to transfer positions (T1-T6), creating a multi-dimensional storage and sorting space. This dimensional expansion significantly increases sorting capacity and flexibility without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If more target containers are accommodated, then the sorting capacity increases, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple target containers in a compact two-dimensional grid layout where containers are positioned closely together in rows and columns. The waiting positions are nested within the available space, allowing maximum container density. This nesting-like arrangement enables the system to accommodate more containers (W1-W6, T1-T6) within a minimized footprint, effectively increasing sorting capacity without proportionally increasing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from a linear single-row arrangement to a two-dimensional grid layout with multiple rows and columns of waiting positions, the patent efficiently utilizes spatial volume. The multi-dimensional positioning allows containers to be stacked or arranged in a grid pattern, significantly increasing the number of containers that can be accommodated per unit area compared to traditional linear arrangements.
3Productivity
If containers move dynamically between positions, then the sorting speed increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic container positioning where each target container is equipped with drive means enabling independent movement between waiting positions and transfer positions. This dynamic capability allows containers to be quickly repositioned based on real-time sorting requirements, significantly increasing sorting speed. The system can rapidly respond to changing sorting demands without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Each target container is equipped with its own drive means, enabling self-service movement without requiring external actuators or complex control systems for each individual container. The containers can autonomously position themselves at the appropriate waiting positions or transfer positions based on control signals, simplifying the overall control architecture while maintaining high sorting speed and flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device for sorting objects (1) comprising a feed device (5, 8, 9), at least one transfer device (17) and several target containers (12), wherein the feed device (5, 8, 9) is configured to convey the objects (1) to the at least one transfer device (17), and wherein the transfer device (17) is configured to transfer the objects (1) to the target containers (12), wherein the device has a sorting device (11) in which the target containers (12) are movable such that the target containers (12) can be selectively positioned either on one of the transfer positions (23) assigned to the at least one transfer device (17) or on any one of several waiting positions (24), wherein the waiting positions (24) form an at least two-dimensional position grid (25).