Parcel Sorting Layout With Underfloor Collection to Prevent Accumulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current parcel sorting systems are limited by line speed, prone to failures, and face efficiency issues due to fixed outlet locations at the edges of platforms, leading to parcel accumulation and reduced transport efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A parcel sorting system with a 'double' structure where parcel outlets on the sorting device communicate with a collecting device below, allowing flexible outlet placement and using detection and transfer devices to manage storage and transport, along with mobile transport vehicles and scanners for efficient parcel information acquisition and routing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If parcel outlets are all provided at the edges of checking platforms to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but parcel accumulation occurs and transport efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoutlet arrangement structureVSAvoidparcel sorting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a single-layer edge arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration by placing outlets on both the upper surface edges and the lower surface of the checking platform. This spatial expansion allows parcels to be discharged from multiple locations simultaneously, preventing accumulation while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the number of parcel outlets is increased to handle more parcels, then productivity is improved, but parcel accumulation occurs due to limited platform area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparcel sorting capacityVSAvoidparcel accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By utilizing both the upper and lower surfaces of the checking platform for outlet placement, the effective outlet capacity is doubled without increasing the platform's footprint. This dimensional expansion allows more parcels to be processed simultaneously while maintaining adequate space for parcel flow and preventing accumulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If line running speed is increased to improve sorting speed, then productivity is improved, but the whole line stops working when a failure occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline running speedVSAvoidsystem continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sorting system into independent checking platforms that can operate autonomously. Each platform has its own outlets and can process parcels independently, so a failure in one platform does not halt the entire sorting line. This modular segmentation maintains high productivity while improving system reliability through fault isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3327644B1Package sorting system and method
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 ZHEJIANG LIBIAO ROBOT CO LTD
  • EP3327644B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3327644B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3327644B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A package sorting system and method. The package sorting system comprises a package sorting device (100) and a packet collection device (101). The package sorting device (100) are provided thereon with a plurality of package check inlets (104) and a plurality of package outlets (102). The package collection device is located directly below the package sorting device. The plurality of package outlets (102) on the package sorting device are respectively communicated with the package collection device. The plurality of package outlets (102) are respectively located at a middle section and/or an edge of the package sorting device. An accommodating device (103) is provided at a location on the package collection device and below each of the package outlets, and has an opening diameter exceeding that that of each of the package outlets. The method can increase package sorting efficiency significantly, is simple to implement, and has wide applications.