Object-Orienting Conveyor with Differential Aero Surfaces for Compact Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorters face challenges in efficiently sorting objects of varying sizes and weights, leading to tilting and blocking of end locations, which requires manual intervention and poses safety risks, while also necessitating increased space due to the need for multiple end locations.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an orienting apparatus comprising a conveying apparatus and an orienting mechanism using aero surfaces with differential acceleration/braking actions to rotate and orient objects, preventing tilting and allowing for compact configuration.
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 rotates objects between conveying directions. This allows objects to be oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction, enabling compact arrangement of end locations and increasing sorting granularity without proportionally increasing horizontal space requirements
2Productivity
If movement speed is increased to increase throughput, then productivity is improved, but heavy packages may be damaged due to ineffective deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different friction characteristics to different portions of the conveying apparatus. The orienting apparatus has portions with higher friction than the main conveying apparatus, enabling effective deceleration and orientation control of heavy packages while maintaining high throughput speeds in other sections
3Productivity
If end locations are configured narrowly to increase their number, then sorting capacity is improved, but object tilting probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an orienting apparatus that performs preliminary orientation of objects before they reach the narrow end locations. By pre-orienting objects perpendicular to the conveying direction, the system ensures objects are properly positioned for narrow end locations, preventing tilting and blocking while maintaining high sorting capacity
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 solution effectively prevents object tilting during transitions, reduces space requirements, and enhances sorting efficiency by allowing for a higher object throughput without manual intervention, accommodating objects of varying weights and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured as an aero surface (also referred to as vacuum surface, air sheet/plate or the like). In this case, a different acceleration/braking action is transmitted to the objects by the first portion and the second portion for the purpose of orienting the objects in the conveying apparatus.
Implementation Method 2
a different acceleration/braking action is transmitted to the objects by the first portion and the second portion
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, wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion is configured as an aero surface, and wherein the objects are subjected to a different acceleration/braking action by the first portion and the second portion for orientation purposes.