Pouch Sorter Buffer Sequencing for Faster Vehicle Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The final loading of delivery vehicles at distribution centers is manually time-consuming, and preparing multiple vehicles simultaneously increases the time required for delivery preparation.
Innovation Solution
A sorting arrangement with a pouch sorter that includes hanging pouches for receiving and storing objects, a delivery pouch buffer, and a control system for sequencing and automatically unloading parcels onto a conveyor based on vehicle routes, reducing manual intervention and optimizing parcel sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading of delivery vehicles is performed, then flexibility in handling different delivery scenarios is maintained, but loading time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sorting and sequencing of pouches in the delivery pouch buffer before loading, organizing them in the correct delivery sequence. This advance preparation eliminates the need for manual sorting during loading, significantly reducing loading time while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery pouch buffer acts as an intermediary between the pouch sorter and the delivery vehicle. It temporarily stores and sequences pouches, allowing the sorting system to prepare delivery sequences in advance while the vehicle is being positioned, thereby decoupling the sorting and loading operations.
2Productivity
If multiple delivery vehicles are prepared simultaneously, then delivery throughput increases, but the time required for preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the delivery process into separate segments: pouch sorting into individual delivery pouch buffers for each vehicle, and sequential loading. Each vehicle has its own dedicated buffer zone, allowing parallel preparation of multiple vehicles without interference, thus reducing total preparation time while maintaining high throughput.
3Productivity
If pouches are sorted into sequential delivery order, then loading efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery pouch buffer is designed to automatically maintain sequential order through its structure and control system. The buffer self-organizes pouches in delivery sequence using simple positional indexing rather than complex active sorting mechanisms, achieving high loading efficiency with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sorting arrangement for sorting objects, such as parcels of small and medium size, for loading onto a transport vehicle for delivery from a storage facility, such as a distribution centre, said arrangement comprising a pouch sorter having a plurality of hanging pouches for receiving and storing objects therein, including at least one delivery pouch buffer receiving said individually transferred pouch or group of pouches; wherein the pouches are transferred to the delivery pouch buffer in a predetermined sequence for providing a sequential delivery pouch buffer at the delivery vehicle loading position.