Parallel Sorter Crossed Passes for High-Volume Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sorting systems face limitations in the number of distribution points they can support due to the number of sorter outputs and sorting passes, leading to increased costs and operational time, with existing solutions either expanding footprint or prolonging processing duration.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing two sorters with simultaneous first sorting passes and subsequent parallel sorting passes, where objects are distributed and processed across both sorters, allowing for increased distribution points without expanding the number of outputs or prolonging processing time, by effectively doubling the separation power of each sorting pass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the number of sorter outputs is increased to support more distribution points, then the number of distribution points that can be handled increases, but the footprint and cost of sorting facilities increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of distribution pointsVSAvoidfootprint of sorting facilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the sorting process by implementing multiple sorting passes. Instead of expanding spatially with more outputs, the system reuses the same outputs across multiple passes, effectively adding a time-based dimension to increase distribution point capacity without increasing physical footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary sorting actions in early passes to group objects by broader categories, then refines sorting in subsequent passes. This preliminary organization allows the same sorter outputs to serve multiple distribution points across different passes, increasing versatility without expanding physical infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of sorting passes is increased to support more distribution points, then the number of distribution points that can be handled increases, but the duration of operations increases and operational throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of distribution pointsVSAvoidduration of sequencing operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the assignment of distribution points to sorter outputs across different passes. The system optimizes which distribution points are served by which outputs in each pass, allowing flexible adaptation that maximizes throughput while supporting a large number of distribution points through multiple passes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent ensures continuous useful action by carefully planning sorting passes to minimize idle time and ensure that each pass contributes meaningfully to the final sequencing. Objects are kept in motion between passes, and the system maintains continuous processing flow to reduce overall operation duration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a single sorter is used with virtual systems to increase distribution points, then cost is reduced, but operational throughput is limited and the sorter becomes a critical element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of distribution pointsVSAvoidoperational throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sorting workload across multiple physical sorters working in parallel, with each sorter handling a subset of distribution points in each pass. This segmentation increases overall system throughput while maintaining the flexibility to support many distribution points, and eliminates the single point of failure risk associated with relying on one critical sorter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3702050B1Sorting of objects by parallel sorters with separate crossed passes

Publication Date: 2022.05.04 SOLYSTIC

Figure 1
Figure 2~3

AI summary

A method for sorting objects to be prepared for distribution routes using at least one first and one second sorter (T1, T2), in which the objects are distributed (St10) between the sorters, a first sorting pass (P1) of the objects is performed in parallel on the first and second sorters, the first groups (G1) of objects are retrieved (St30) from the first sorting outputs (S1) of the first and second sorters and brought to the input (E) of the first sorter (T1), the second groups (G2) of objects are retrieved (St30) from the second sorting outputs (S2) of the first and second sorters and brought to the input (E) of the second sorter (T2), and then successive sorting passes (P2, P3) are performed in parallel on the first and second sorters until the preparation of the objects on tour.