Parcel Sorting System Planar Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parcel sorting robot systems face inefficiencies due to the need for elevated platforms, which increase construction and maintenance costs, and cause congestion and waiting times among robots, especially in high-density environments.
Innovation Solution
A parcel sorting system where the supply end, moving transport apparatus, and item receiving apparatus are arranged in the same plane, eliminating the need for elevated platforms and allowing for flexible placement, reducing waiting times and improving efficiency by preventing overlap between transport and drop areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If elevated platforms are used to arrange drop grids below robot movement area, then sorting function is achieved, but system flexibility and cost are greatly compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional arrangement (elevated platform with drop grids below) to a two-dimensional planar arrangement (supply end, transport area, and receiving area all on the same level). This dimensional change eliminates the need for platform construction while maintaining sorting functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between construction cost and system flexibility.
2Productivity
If drop grids are located within robot movement area in array form, then sorting is achieved, but robot waiting and collision avoidance reduce system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into three distinct non-overlapping areas: supply end area, transport area, and receiving area. By separating the drop/receiving function from the robot movement area, multiple robots can operate simultaneously without interference, eliminating waiting time and collision avoidance while maintaining high sorting efficiency.
3Extent of automation
If cross-belt sorters are used for automated sorting, then sorting automation is achieved, but large investment and slow return on investment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential sorting function from complex cross-belt sorter systems and implements it using simple planar robot navigation. By removing unnecessary mechanical complexity while retaining automated sorting capability through software-controlled robot movement, the system achieves automation with significantly reduced investment cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an item sorting system and method. The system includes: a supply end configured to provide a to-be-sorted item in the first area; a moving transport apparatus configured to transport the to-be-sorted item in a second area; and an item receiving apparatus configured to receive the to-be-sorted item in a third area. The second area and the third are arranged in order without overlapping with each other.