Automated Container Provisioning via Pinch Belt Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual processes for receipt, storage, sortation, transport, and provisioning of containers within material handling facilities are time-consuming and expensive, necessitating the development of reliable and efficient automated systems.
Innovation Solution
Automated container provisioning systems that utilize transport belts with pinch mechanisms and guide surfaces to move and sort containers, combined with sensors for tracking and additional operations like printing and labeling, to streamline container management within material handling facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated container provisioning systems are implemented, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated container provisioning system is divided into distinct functional modules: container generation module, transport module with belts and pinch mechanisms, sortation module with divert mechanisms, and tracking module with sensors. Each module operates independently but coordinates through a central control system, allowing the complex system to be managed through modular components that can be maintained and replaced separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport belts serve multiple functions: they transport containers forward, enable sortation through pinch mechanisms that can engage and disengage to divert containers to different destinations, and provide tracking surfaces for sensors. The pinch mechanisms themselves are universal, capable of diverting containers to multiple different locations along the transport path, reducing the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each function.
2Loss of time
If manual container handling processes are used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Containers are generated in advance by the container generation module before they are needed at downstream stations. The system continuously produces and transports containers, so that when sortation or pickup is required, containers are already available and positioned for immediate action, eliminating waiting time and manual preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport belts operate continuously, maintaining constant motion of containers through the system. The pinch mechanisms engage and disengage in rapid succession to divert containers, and sensors continuously track container positions. This continuous operation eliminates idle time and manual intervention gaps, keeping the system in a constant state of productive action.
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 provides efficient and reliable automated container provisioning, reducing manual labor costs and increasing operational efficiency by enabling precise tracking, sorting, and additional operations during transport.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of transport belts may receive and engage a flap or other portion of the container... The pair of transport belts may apply friction in order to engage the engaged flap or other portion of the container
Data Source
AI summary
Automated container provisioning systems described herein may include one or more pairs of transport belts, one or more guide surfaces, and one or more sensors. The transport belts may engage flaps or other portions of containers, and the guide surfaces may support surfaces or other portions of containers, in order to transport containers to downstream stations within a facility. In addition, the sensors may detect containers during transport, responsive to which various additional operations may be performed with respect to containers, such as sortation, printing, labeling, tracking, packing, accumulation, or others.