Parallel Feed Sorting Device for High Throughput
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting devices require multiple feed devices to handle piece goods efficiently, leading to increased investment costs and space requirements due to the need for oblique feeding, which can result in incomplete loading and reduced throughput.
Innovation Solution
A sorting device with a feed device arranged parallel to the sorting device in the transfer area, allowing for parallel feeding and unloading of piece goods, utilizing a transfer device that can move piece goods transversely and independently control feed and transfer speeds, along with an acceleration device for precise positioning, to optimize space usage and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple feed devices are provided to handle all transport positions, then all transport positions can be loaded, but investment costs and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The feed device is arranged parallel to the sorting device in the transfer area, changing the spatial relationship from oblique/angled feeding to parallel feeding. This dimensional reconfiguration allows a single feed device to service all transport positions of the sorting device without requiring multiple feed devices, thereby maintaining high productivity while reducing device complexity and space requirements
2Ease of operation
If the feed device is stopped to remove piece goods that cannot be transferred, then piece goods can be removed, but sorting efficiency and throughput decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The feed device is functionally segmented into a transfer area for normal operation and a return area for handling piece goods that cannot be transferred. This segmentation allows the feed device to continuously operate in the transfer area while diverting problematic piece goods through the return area, maintaining throughput while enabling easy removal of untransferable piece goods without stopping the entire system
3Ease of operation
If the feed device extends away from the sorting device, then piece goods can be fed, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the feed device away from the sorting device in a perpendicular or radial direction, the feed device is positioned parallel to the sorting device in the transfer area. This parallel arrangement optimizes space utilization by aligning the feed device with the sorting device's longitudinal axis, reducing the footprint and allowing better space planning in the sorting facility
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a sorting device (1) and a method for sorting unit loads (S). In order to supply a sorting unit (2) of the sorting device (1) with unit loads (S) using only one feed unit (3) in such a way that the sorting unit (2) can be operated with a high throughput, the invention provides that the sorting unit (2) and the feed unit (3) are arranged parallel to each other in a transfer area (7) in which unit loads (S) are transferred from the feed unit (3) to the sorting unit (2).