Product Sorting System with Layered Wireless Pusher Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for sorting products lack an effective communication topology for data exchange between a central control server and controllers, leading to increased complexity, costs, and potential synchronization issues.
Innovation Solution
A layered communication topology is implemented, with a central control server coordinating data transmission to controllers, which control multiple displacing devices, and utilizing stationary Access Points and wireless communication technologies like WLAN, Zigbee, and optionally 5G, to reduce complexity and synchronization issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional communication topology is used between central control server and controllers, then data exchange can be established, but wiring complexity and synchronization issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. Controllers on moving combinations communicate with the central control server via wireless Access Points, eliminating the need for complex wired connections while maintaining reliable data exchange and synchronization for pusher body control.
2Ease of operation
If each combination has its own controller, then control is decentralized, but the number of controllers and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal controller architecture where a single controller on each combination manages multiple pusher bodies. This multi-functional approach reduces the total number of controllers needed while maintaining the flexibility to control different pusher bodies at various sorting locations along the combination's path.
3Manufacturing precision
If more controllers are used to control each pusher body individually, then control precision is improved, but system complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless communication infrastructure with Access Points as intermediaries between the central control server and controllers. This mediator enables precise control of pusher bodies through reliable wireless data transmission without requiring direct wired connections or additional control hardware, maintaining sorting precision while reducing system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
System for sorting products comprising a number of combinations of an elongated carrying body and a pusher body, located one after another, which combinations are movable in a direction of movement following a path along which a number of sorting locations are provided, wherein the carrying bodies extend parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of movement and wherein the carrying bodies are configured for carrying the products to be sorted, a displacing device for moving the combinations in the direction of movement along the path, wherein each combination is further provided with a further displacing device comprising an electric motor for moving the pusher body in a sorting direction along the carrying body, the sorting direction extending perpendicularly to the direction of movement, for pushing a product carried by the carrying body off of the carrying body with the pusher body, and, amongst other, a plurality of controllers.