Object Orientation Conveyor Using Differential Braking to Prevent Jams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorters face challenges in efficiently sorting objects of varying sizes and weights, leading to tilting and jamming, which requires manual intervention and increases space requirements, while maintaining high throughput.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an orienting mechanism using a conveying apparatus and an orienting apparatus comprising two portions that apply different acceleration or braking actions to objects, rotating them to prevent tilting and reduce space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the number of end locations is increased to increase sorting granularity, then sorting precision is improved, but space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension (vertical orientation) by implementing an orienting apparatus that can rotate objects between horizontal and vertical orientations. This allows the same conveying apparatus width to accommodate objects with different dimensional orientations, effectively increasing sorting capacity without proportionally increasing the footprint area of end locations
2Productivity
If the movement speed of packages is increased to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but heavy packages may be damaged due to ineffective deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed control where the conveying apparatus can independently adjust speeds of different sections (first and second portions). This allows high-speed conveyance for lightweight packages to maintain throughput, while providing controlled deceleration zones for heavy packages to prevent impact damage, with speeds adaptable to package characteristics
3Productivity
If lightweight packages are conveyed at high speed, then productivity is improved, but they may tilt and become stuck during transition to narrow end locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an orienting apparatus that performs preliminary orientation adjustments before packages reach the narrow end locations. By pre-orienting lightweight packages in the correct vertical or horizontal position during the transition phase, the system prevents tilting and jamming at the destination, ensuring reliable delivery while maintaining high throughput speeds
4Area of stationary object
If the width of the conveying apparatus is reduced to decrease space requirement, then area of stationary object is improved, but objects may tilt during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for reduced width by utilizing vertical orientation changes. The orienting apparatus rotates objects to stand vertically or orient them optimally, allowing narrow conveying apparatus to accommodate objects that would otherwise require more width, while the orientation control prevents tilting during transition
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus effectively orients objects to prevent tilting, reduces space needs, and enhances sorting efficiency by minimizing manual interventions and accommodating diverse object sizes and weights.
Implementation Method 1
the first portion and the second portion are configured to transmit a different acceleration or braking action to the objects for the purpose of orienting the objects
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for orienting objects, including a conveying apparatus, wherein the conveying apparatus has an inlet for receiving the objects and an outlet and is configured to convey the objects in a conveying direction. In this case, the conveying apparatus has an orienting apparatus which at least partially extends along the conveying direction. The orienting apparatus has a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion are arranged next to one another along the conveying direction. At least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured as a roller conveyor. The objects are subjected to a different acceleration/braking action by the first portion and the second portion for orientation purposes.