Pivoting Gravity Conveyor for Dock Space Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor belts in high volume shipping scenarios occupy significant space on loading docks, creating barriers that hinder employee movement and increase loading times.
Innovation Solution
A storable conveyor system with pivot points and connector beams that allow the conveyor to be transitioned between an up position for use and a down position for storage, optimizing space utilization and enabling efficient loading operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conveyor belt is used to load trucks in high volume shipping scenarios, then loading productivity is improved, but the space occupied on the loading dock increases and employee mobility is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system incorporates movable support structures that can be dynamically positioned between an operational up-position and a retracted down-position. The support structures include pivot points and connector beams that enable the conveyor to transition states, allowing it to occupy minimal space when not in use while providing full functionality during loading operations.
2Productivity
If a conveyor belt is deployed on the loading dock, then shipment loading efficiency is improved, but employee movement between sides of the conveyor is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system can be dynamically repositioned between operational and retracted states. When not actively loading, the support structures can be lowered to the down-position, creating open space that allows employees to move freely between sides of the dock without being blocked by a stationary conveyor barrier.
3Reliability
If the conveyor system is left in its operational position, then it is ready for continuous use, but it occupies excessive space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The support structures are designed with pivot points that enable easy transition between operational and retracted positions. The connector beams and support members are configured to maintain structural integrity in both states, allowing the system to be quickly deployed when needed and efficiently stowed when not in use, thus optimizing space utilization while ensuring readiness for continuous operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A storable conveyor system may include support structures. The support structures may include a back support, an upper support, and connector beams, wherein the connector beams comprise a lower and an upper connector beam. The support structures may include a first pivot point, wherein the back support and the upper support are coupled at the first pivot point. The support structures may include a second pivot point, wherein the back support and the lower connector beam are coupled at the second pivot point. The support structures may include a third pivot point, wherein the upper support and the upper connector beam are coupled at the third pivot point. The support structures may include a connector pivot point, wherein the lower and the upper connector beam are coupled at the connector point. The storable conveyor system may include a top surface, wherein the top surface comprises a gravity flow conveyor surface.