Oblique Container Positioning for Flat Object Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for feeding flat objects, such as mail items, into transport containers do not efficiently utilize the storage capacity of the containers, leading to suboptimal filling and removal of mail items.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an input device for serially transporting flat objects and a container receiving means that positions the transport container obliquely, allowing for the compression of stacked flat objects using compression units, thereby maximizing the storage capacity of the transport container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If flat objects are fed into transport containers in an upright position, then the storage capacity of the container is improved, but the complexity of the feeding device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container receiving means is designed to be movable between different positions (receiving position, input position, delivery position), allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically. This dynamic positioning enables the same device to handle container reception, filling, and delivery operations without requiring separate stationary structures for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining optimized storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container receiving means serves multiple functions: receiving empty containers from the first transport device, positioning them for filling, and delivering filled containers to the second transport device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized components for each operation, reducing device complexity while achieving optimal storage capacity through proper positioning.
2Productivity
If the transport container is positioned obliquely, then the filling efficiency is improved, but the precision of container positioning requires
Solution Approach 1:
The movable container receiving means can be positioned precisely in the input position where the container assumes an oblique arrangement. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to achieve the optimal oblique angle for filling efficiency while maintaining precise control over the container's position during the filling operation, resolving the contradiction between productivity and positioning precision.
3Quantity of substance
If compression units are used to compress stacked flat objects, then the storage capacity is maximized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression units are integrated into the existing container receiving means structure, merging the compression function with the container handling mechanism. This integration allows the compression function to be achieved without adding completely separate complex machinery, as the compression units work in conjunction with the movable container receiving means to maximize storage capacity efficiently.
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 device enables the efficient and optimal filling of transport containers with flat objects by compressing stacks, allowing for a higher number of objects to be stored within a given capacity, and facilitating easier removal of the filled containers.
Implementation Method 1
a compression unit for compressing a stack of flat objects fed into the transport container
Implementation Method 2
the transport container is arranged obliquely with respect to a horizontal plane
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for feeding flat objects, in particular mail items such as envelopes or letters, in an upright position into a transport container. The device comprises a feed device for transporting flat objects and for feeding the transported flat objects into a transport container, and a container receiver for positioning the transport container during the feeding of the flat objects in a feed position in which the transport container is arranged obliquely. The device and the method enable to take full advantage of the capacity of the transport container by using a compression unit for compressing the flat objects fed into the transport container, in particular while the transport container is arranged in the input position.