Overhead Conveyor Spacing Control for Faster Goods Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conveyor systems for hanging goods, such as garments or bags, are limited by a fixed distance between transport units, which cannot be adjusted based on the width of the goods, leading to inefficient space utilization and discharge time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that adjusts the distance between successive goods on an overhead conveyor by using a control system to minimize or maximize spacing based on their destination, utilizing a chain drive with a fixed pitch and variable engagement, and incorporating a thickness measurement and identification system to optimize space and discharge efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed distance between adapters and drive chain carriers is used, then the conveyor system is simple to operate, but the space utilization is inefficient and capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the distance between successive goods on the conveyor based on their destination. The control system varies the spacing dynamically: goods destined for the same diverter are positioned closer together, while goods for different diverters are spaced farther apart. This dynamic spacing optimization increases conveyor capacity without requiring complex additional hardware beyond standard actuators and control logic.
2Productivity
If the distance between successive goods is minimized, then space utilization is improved, but the discharge time at switches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the spacing strategy based on the destination of successive goods. When two consecutive goods are destined for the same diverter, they are positioned close together to maximize space utilization. When they are destined for different diverters, a larger minimum distance is maintained to allow sufficient time for the diverter switch to actuate and reset. This localized adjustment of spacing parameters optimizes both space utilization and discharge time based on specific operational conditions.
3Reliability
If goods are spaced out to allow switch actuation, then discharge reliability is improved, but the conveyor capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the spacing between goods based on their destination patterns. When successive goods share the same destination, the spacing is minimized to close to zero, maximizing conveyor capacity. When goods have different destinations, the spacing is increased to ensure reliable diverter switch operation. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve high capacity for homogeneous destination sequences while maintaining reliability for heterogeneous sequences, overall increasing average conveyor throughput.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating an overhead conveyor (1) for successive goods, in which method the goods are loaded onto the overhead conveyor (1) one by one by means of an inward transfer means (3A, 3B) and are transferred outward at a predefined point of the overhead conveyor (1) by means of a switch (8A, 8B), the distance between successive goods on the overhead conveyor (1) either being minimised if said successive goods are to be transferred outward at the same switch (8A, 8B), or the distance between the successive goods on the overhead conveyor (1) being increased in such a way that said distance corresponds to the minimum outward transfer distance if the successive goods are not to be transferred outward at the same switch (8A, 8B).