Multi-Pass Object Sorting via Collection End Station

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Solution Overview

Problem

Sorting installations face challenges in efficiently distributing objects to a greater number of destination regions due to limited end stations, leading to a need for refined distribution methods without increasing physical space or installing additional end stations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method where objects are conveyed on a sorter and distributed in multiple passes, using a collection end station for intermediate storage, and automatically transported back to the sorter via a transport facility, allowing objects to be redistributed to multiple end stations without manual handling, thereby optimizing the use of existing end stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional end stations are installed to distribute objects to more destination regions, then the number of distributable destinations increases, but the space requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of distributable destinationsVSAvoidnumber of end stations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution process is segmented into multiple passes, with each pass handling a subset of destinations. The sorter divides the overall distribution task into sequential phases, distributing objects to different destination groups in each pass rather than requiring all destinations to be simultaneously accessible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a time dimension to the distribution process by implementing multi-pass distribution. Instead of expanding spatially with more end stations, the system expands temporally by performing multiple distribution passes, effectively adding a temporal layer to the previously spatial problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual handling is used to transport objects from collection end station back to sorter, then flexibility is maintained, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistribution flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated self-service through the transport facility that automatically retrieves objects from the collection end station and returns them to the sorter without requiring manual intervention. The transport facility operates autonomously to maintain the distribution cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling is replaced with an automated transport facility that uses mechanical systems (conveyors, transport mechanisms) to automatically move objects between the collection end station and the sorter, eliminating the need for human operators to physically handle and transport objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11485587B2Method for the sorting of objects and sorting installation

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 DEUT POST AG

AI summary

A method to sort objects in a sorting installation. The objects are conveyed on a sorter of the sorting installation. In a first distribution pass a few of the objects conveyed on the sorter are brought by the sorter into retrieval end stations of the sorting installation and others of the objects conveyed on the sorter are brought by the sorter into a collection end station of the sorting installation and, with a transport facility of the sorting installation, objects are automatically transported away from the collection end station and automatically brought back to the sorter. The objects brought back from the collection end station to the sorter by the transport facility are brought by the sorter into one of the end stations in a second distribution pass.