Parcel Sorting System With Pivotable Trays For High-Speed Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current parcel sorting systems face issues with high packet loss due to increased conveying speed, large footprint, and low occupancy rates, leading to increased manpower and operational costs, especially during peak periods.
Innovation Solution
A sorting system featuring a first conveyor that feeds a loop conveyor with pivotable trays and an injection device using piston pushers to transfer parcels transversely, allowing for high-speed conveying while minimizing packet loss and footprint through inclined tray configuration and flaps that control parcel release into sorting outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conveying speed is increased to recover time wasted in handling packages, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to greater risk of packets falling
Solution Approach 1:
The trays are made dynamically adjustable in inclination angle, transitioning from a horizontal loading position to an inclined conveying position. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize for both stable package transfer at low speed and stable package containment at high speed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle of the trays is changed as a key parameter. By adjusting this parameter from 0 degrees (horizontal) to a positive inclination angle, the system achieves both stable package placement during loading and secure package containment during high-speed conveying, eliminating packet falling risk even at increased speeds
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of sorting outlets is increased to handle large number of package destinations, then the adaptability is improved, but the area occupied by the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a planar arrangement of sorting outlets to a three-dimensional configuration where outlets are arranged vertically along the inclined conveyor path. This dimensional change allows multiple destinations to be accessed along the length of the inclined conveyor rather than requiring lateral space, significantly reducing the footprint while maintaining high adaptability to numerous destinations
3Productivity
If the conveying speed is increased to reduce handling time, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to packet falling
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic inclination adjustment ensures that trays are in the optimal position for package containment during high-speed conveying. The inclined position creates a geometric constraint that prevents packages from falling off, eliminating substance loss while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies a preliminary geometric constraint through the inclined tray configuration before package falling can occur. By pre-establishing the inclined position that naturally prevents falling, the system counteracts the tendency of packages to fall off during high-speed operation, eliminating loss while maintaining speed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves stable high-speed parcel conveyance with reduced packet loss and minimized footprint, enhancing processing efficiency and reducing operational costs by standardizing parcel arrangement and aligning sorting outlets for vertical unloading.
Implementation Method 1
an injection device (6) mounted on said conveying portion of the first conveyor comprising piston pushers (11) able to move along said conveying direction facing each other and synchronously with the trays of the second conveyor and to move transversely relative to said first conveying direction so as to transfer by translation the objects of the first conveyor onto the trays
Implementation Method 2
said trays being pivotable between a position inclined downwards in the direction of conveying and a straightened horizontal position which comes flush with the first conveyor
Implementation Method 3
the said trays being pivotable between a position inclined downwards in the direction of conveying
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A parcel sorting system comprises a first parcel conveyor capable of conveying the parcels in series in a certain conveying direction, a second parcel conveyor extending above a plurality of sorting outlets which is capable of conveying the parcels in series. The first and second conveyors each comprise a contiguous conveying portion via which the first conveyor supplies the second conveyor with parcels via an injection device. The second conveyor is a conveyor with plates distributed in series and at constant spacing, said plates being able to pivot between a position inclined downwardly in the conveying direction and a straightened position, flush with the first conveyor. The system comprises a first and a second mechanical member designed to move the plates between the inclined and straightened position.