Perpendicular Sorting Planes Direct Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting arrangements face challenges in efficiently transitioning goods between different sorting levels, especially at high utilization rates, due to the complexity of scaling the interface between circulation sites and shelf warehouses.
Innovation Solution
The proposed sorting arrangement enables a process-reliable handover of goods between first and second load capacities without the need for additional transport means, allowing direct emptying of first load absorbers into second load capacities through methods like tilting or throwing, thereby simplifying the transition process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional transport means are used between first and second load-handling means, then transfer reliability may improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the intermediate transport means (conveyor belts, transfer mechanisms) from the system between the first and second load-handling means. The first load-handling means directly empties its contents onto the second load-handling means, eliminating the complex intermediate transport infrastructure while maintaining transfer reliability through direct gravitational transfer and precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent eliminates the need for intermediary transport means by designing a direct transfer interface where the first load-handling means (carousel sorter) directly empties onto the second load-handling means (rack storage system). This removes the intermediate layer of complexity while maintaining functional connectivity between sorting levels.
2Device complexity
If direct emptying without transport means is used, then device complexity decreases, but transfer reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the transfer interface at the same vertical level for both first and second load-handling means, enabling direct gravitational transfer without additional lifting or positioning mechanisms. The carousel sorter empties directly onto the rack storage system at an equipotential interface, eliminating the need for complex vertical transport while ensuring reliable transfer through controlled dropping and precise alignment.
3Productivity
If interface between carousel sorter and rack storage system is scaled to high sorting capacities, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sorting system into distinct functional modules: the carousel sorter for high-speed sorting and the rack storage system for storage, with a simple direct transfer interface between them. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, achieving high sorting capacity without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional horizontal sorting (carousel sorter) to three-dimensional storage (rack storage system with vertical racks). This dimensional change enables high sorting capacity by utilizing vertical space for storage while maintaining simple direct transfer at the interface, avoiding the need for complex multi-level transport mechanisms.
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
This solution allows for efficient and reliable transfer of goods between sorting levels, even at high utilization rates, without requiring additional dynamic aids like conveyor belts or driverless transport systems, thereby optimizing sorting efficiency and capacity utilization.
Implementation Method 1
The direct emptying can comprise the dropping or tipping of a good or product held in the emptied first load-handling means into the second load-handling means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sorting arrangement (1) for goods and merchandise (2), wherein the sorting arrangement (1) comprises at least one first sorter (3) with first load-handling devices (4) conveyed in a first sorting level, and at least one second sorter with at least one second load-handling device (7) conveyed in a second sorting level perpendicular to the first sorting level, characterized in that the sorting arrangement (1) has a transfer point (8) at which at least one of the first load-handling devices (4), preferably directly, is emptied into the at least one second load-handling device (7). A corresponding method is further described.