Parcel Distancing Conveyor Control for Phase-Accurate Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying systems, particularly tray conveyors, face challenges in delivering parcels accurately in phase and cycle due to the large moving masses and mechanical load, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage or failure, especially when handling parcels of varying sizes and sequences.
Innovation Solution
A conveying system with a delivery device, distancing device, and control unit that adjusts the speed of individual belt conveyors to align parcels accurately in phase and cycle, using sensors to detect parcel dimensions and control the speed profiles of distancing conveyors to ensure parcels are positioned correctly within conveyor trays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tray conveyors are operated at constant speed to avoid dynamic control, then mechanical load and energy consumption are reduced, but delivery accuracy in phase and cycle deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling individual belt conveyors to dynamically adjust their speeds according to detected parcel characteristics. The control unit modifies speed profiles in real-time based on parcel size, weight, and position, transforming the static constant-speed operation into a dynamic adaptive system that achieves both reliability and flexibility without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that continuously detect parcel parameters (size, weight, position) and feed this information to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the speed of individual belt conveyors based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures accurate delivery while adapting to varying parcel conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If individual belt conveyors dynamically adjust speed, then parcel delivery accuracy in phase and cycle is improved, but mechanical load and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling only specific individual belt conveyors to dynamically adjust their speeds based on local parcel characteristics. Rather than adjusting the entire conveying system uniformly, only the relevant sections modify their operation, minimizing unnecessary energy consumption while achieving precise parcel positioning where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by dynamically modifying speed parameters of individual belt conveyors based on detected parcel properties. The control unit adjusts velocity profiles selectively, changing operational parameters only when and where necessary to achieve positioning accuracy, thereby avoiding continuous high-energy consumption across the entire system
3Adaptability or versatility
If tray conveyors handle parcels of varying sizes and sequences, then system versatility is improved, but risk of parcel damage and system failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting parcel characteristics (size, weight, dimensions) before the parcel reaches the transfer zone. The control unit uses this advance information to pre-calculate and prepare appropriate speed profiles for individual belt conveyors, ensuring smooth acceleration and deceleration that prevents parcel damage while handling varying sizes and sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling real-time speed adjustments of individual belt conveyors based on detected parcel properties. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt its mechanical behavior to each parcel's characteristics, reducing shock loads and mechanical stress that could cause damage, while maintaining the ability to handle diverse parcel types and sequences
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device for transferring piece good (S, Sv, Sn) accurate in phase, delivered by a delivery device along a conveying direction (x) and the respective functional length (Lf) and a moment of delivery (t1) of the respective piece good (S, Sv, Sn) being detected at or upstream of a transfer section of the delivery device. The delivered piece good (S, Sv, Sn) is transferred from the transfer section of the delivery device accurately in cycle to a distancing device, which includes distancing conveyors along the conveying direction (x). The speed of each of the distancing conveyors is individually controlled by a transfer section of the distancing device for the transfer of the piece good(S) accurate in phase. The respective piece good (S, Sv, Sn) is transferred from the transfer section of the spacing conveyor to a discharge device accurate in phase.