Parcel Re-Orientation Mechanisms for Space-Efficient Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handling objects of different sizes and shapes in logistics operations requires diverse handling processes, leading to increased costs, space, and time, and often necessitates significant manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising object-orienting mechanisms with pivot-assemblies and actuators that re-orient objects based on their shape and dimensions, allowing them to be deposited into transport receptacles efficiently, and a bin with a releasing mechanism for controlled object handling and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling is used to process objects of different sizes and shapes, then flexibility in handling diverse objects is improved, but labor cost and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal handling mechanism that can process objects of various sizes and shapes through automated orientation and sorting. The mechanism includes adjustable guides and receptacles that adapt to different object dimensions, eliminating the need for separate manual handling procedures for each object type while maintaining processing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling is replaced with an automated system that uses mechanical conveyors, orienting mechanisms, and automated placement devices. The system automatically detects object characteristics and adjusts handling parameters, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems that operate continuously without time loss.
2Manufacturing precision
If diverse handling processes are used for objects of different sizes and shapes, then handling accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains handling accuracy by dynamically changing handling parameters such as conveyor speed, guide positioning, and receptacle configuration based on detected object characteristics. Rather than using completely different handling processes for each object type, the system adjusts parameters within a unified handling framework, preserving precision while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where guides, receptacles, and conveyor parameters can be modified in real-time based on object properties. This dynamic adaptability allows a single handling process to accommodate various object sizes and shapes with high accuracy without requiring multiple static handling systems.
3Productivity
If significant space is allocated for processing large numbers of objects, then processing capacity is improved, but facility space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system increases processing capacity by utilizing vertical space through multi-level conveyor arrangements and stacked receptacle configurations. Instead of expanding horizontally to accommodate more objects, the system stacks handling levels vertically, allowing multiple processing streams to occupy the same horizontal footprint while dramatically increasing overall processing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs nested arrangements where smaller components are integrated within larger structures. Receptacles are nested on conveyor paths, and handling mechanisms are integrated within the conveyor framework, maximizing the use of available space and increasing processing capacity without proportional increases in facility area.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for shifting, orienting, organizing, and/or routing objects including parcels and packages. In different aspects, the systems can shift objects, re-orient the objects, e.g., based on dimensions and/or geometries, and then can deposit the objects into transport receptacles used for additional shifting, organizing, and/or routing. In one aspect, an object-orienting mechanism includes a pivot-assembly having a plurality of pivoting-extensions, e.g., that can be independently rotated into different positions, e.g., to manipulate a package. In another aspect, a bin for holding objects includes a base, a plurality of sidewalls extending from the base, and a releasing mechanism that is adjustable into different configurations. In another aspect, a method of re-orienting objects onto a side of smallest dimension or cross-section is provided. This can be used to increase the efficiency of processing objects, e.g., in a logistics network operation.