Pivoting Container Receiver for Flat Object Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for feeding flat objects, such as mail items, into transport containers lack controlled guidance, leading to a risk of discharge and damage during the feeding process, especially due to intermediate dropping of filled containers.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first transport device for moving empty containers, an input device for feeding flat objects in an opposite direction, and a second transport device for moving filled containers, with a container receiving means that can pivot to ensure safe and controlled movement, allowing for efficient filling and removal without objects falling out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the transport container is manually fed and guided down along an incline, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the transport process deteriorates due to uncontrolled guidance and risk of discharge
Solution Approach 1:
A container receiving means acts as an intermediary between the first transport device and the second transport device. This receiving means temporarily holds the transport container and enables controlled transfer, eliminating the need for direct incline-based transfer while maintaining system reliability and preventing uncontrolled discharge of contents.
2Productivity
If the container receiving means is rapidly pivoted to change containers, then the productivity is improved, but the stability of the transport container deteriorates causing objects to fall out
Solution Approach 1:
The container receiving means is designed to pivot the transport container into a receiving position before the actual container change operation. This preliminary positioning action stabilizes the container and its contents, allowing subsequent rapid pivoting operations to be performed safely without causing discharge of objects.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for feeding flat objects, in particular mail items such as envelopes or letters, in an upright position into a transport container. The device enables to achieve a high productivity and a high automation of the input of a plurality of flat objects and a safe guidance of the transport container by using a first transport device for transporting a transport container in a first transport direction, an input device for transporting flat objects along a second transport direction substantially opposite to the first transport direction, and a second transport device arranged below the first transport device for transporting the transport container in a third transport direction. Between the input device and the first and second transport device, a receiving device with a container receiver is arranged. The container receiver can be pivoted between a receiving position and a delivery position.