Postal Sorting Fork Destacker With Mobile Lifting Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing postal sorting equipment requires manual handling and has low throughput due to the need for manual emptying of storage bins into the machine's feed inlet, which limits the efficiency of mail item processing.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a storage bin conveyor and a front-opening shuttle bin conveyor system that automatically conveys and transfers flat-stacked mail items from top-opening storage bins to a shuttle tray with a motorized belt unstacker, allowing for automatic transfer and increased storage capacity, reducing operator handling and enhancing throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual emptying of storage bins is used, then operator handling is simplified, but throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated conveyors and transfer mechanisms that operate without manual intervention. The storage bin conveyor automatically transports bins, the bin exchanger automatically transfers mail items between bins, and the shuttle bin conveyor automatically delivers items to the feed inlet, creating a self-service automated system that eliminates manual emptying operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate devices including a storage bin conveyor as mediator between storage bins and processing area, a bin exchanger as mediator for transferring mail items between different bin types, and a shuttle bin conveyor as mediator for delivering items to the feed inlet. These intermediary devices automate the transfer processes that were previously manual
2Device complexity
If storage bins are manually emptied into the feed inlet, then equipment complexity is reduced, but processing speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into distinct functional segments: a storage bin conveyor segment for transporting storage bins, a bin exchanger segment for transferring mail items between bin types, and a shuttle bin conveyor segment for delivering items to the feed inlet. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve high throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic elements including movable conveyors that can adjust positions, a bin exchanger mechanism that dynamically transfers bins between conveyors, and a mobile lifting section in the destacker that adapts to different mail item configurations. These dynamic components enable flexible, high-speed operation
3Ease of manufacture
If top-opening storage bins are used, then mail item storage is simplified, but automatic transfer to feed inlet becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to empty top-opening bins directly into the feed inlet, the system inverts the approach by using a front-opening shuttle bin as an intermediate container. Mail items are transferred from top-opening storage bins to the front-opening shuttle bin, which then presents items correctly oriented for automatic feeding into the destacker, effectively solving the orientation and transfer problem through inversion of the transfer sequence
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5J
AI summary
The invention relates to a postal sorting apparatus for sorting flat postal items (P), including a postal sorting machine (1), a conveyor (7A) for open-top storage bins (5) that are filled with flat-stacked postal items, a conveyor (7B) for open-front shuttle bins (8) which are generally dihedral and in which the postal items are arranged edgewise in a stack, and a bin exchanger (7) that is capable of automatically transferring the flat-stacked postal items in an open-top storage bin to an open-front shuttle bin, the supply inlet (2) including a destacker with a fork-shaped magazine having teeth each of which is made up of a motor-driven belt, the shuttle bin and the fork-shaped magazine being designed such that when moving toward the destacker, the shuttle bin is straddled by the motor-driven belts of the magazine of the destacker, which slot in under the stack of postal items arranged edgewise in said shuttle bin, said magazine of the destacker also comprising a conveying portion that is mounted under the teeth of the magazine so as to be liftably movable.