Nested Flexible Parcel Holder for Automated Sorting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional parcel sorting systems face challenges in maximizing packing density while maintaining automation and mechanization, as rigid boxes facilitate automated handling but do not allow for dense packing, and flexible bags allow for dense packing but are not easily processed in automated systems.

Innovation Solution

A parcel sorting system utilizing collapsible flexible parcel holders that deploy to conform to the internal surfaces of rigid containers, creating a nested container that maximizes packing density, while using hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or drawstrings for secure attachment and easy removal, allowing for efficient sorting and transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If rigid boxes are used for parcel transportation, then automated handling is facilitated, but packing density is not maximized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated handlingVSAvoidpacking density

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible parcel holder is nested within the rigid container, with the deployable elements folding outward to conform to the container's internal surfaces. This nesting arrangement allows the flexible holder to maximize space utilization while the rigid container provides structural integrity for automated handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible parcel holder employs deployable elements that can dynamically change configuration - folded during automated handling and nesting, and deployed during parcel loading to conform to container surfaces and maximize packing density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If flexible bags are used for parcel transportation, then packing density is maximized, but automated processing becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking densityVSAvoidautomated processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible parcel holder uses flexible materials that can conform to the rigid container's internal surfaces when deployed, maximizing packing density while maintaining a structured form that facilitates automated nesting and handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible holder is designed to nest within the rigid container in a compact folded state, enabling automated processing during transport, and can be deployed to conform to container surfaces for maximizing parcel packing density.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Quantity of substance

If deployable elements are deployed to conform to container surfaces, then packing density is maximized, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacking densityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible parcel holder is nested within the rigid container which provides the primary structural integrity. The deployable elements conform to the container surfaces to maximize packing density while relying on the rigid container for structural support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines flexible materials for the parcel holder with rigid materials for the container, creating a composite structure where each material performs its optimal function - flexibility for conforming and packing density, rigidity for structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS11993412B2Parcel sorting system, method and a container therefor

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 OCADO INNOVATION LTD

AI summary

A parcel sorting system is disclosed having bags located within rigid containers to form nested containers. The bags are configured to enable the bag to conform to an inner surface area of the rigid container. The resultant nested container can provide more efficient packing of packages and parcels for transportation.