Rejection Chute with Vertical Door for Conveyor Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rejection chutes in conveyor systems hinder pedestrian access due to their lateral extension, and they fail to efficiently redirect parcels to destinations not directly below them, leading to interference with subsequent processing.
Innovation Solution
A rejection chute integrated into the walking surface with a door and actuator, allowing parcels to be redirected vertically without extending outward from the conveyor, and an enclosure for access control and parcel guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional rejection chute extends laterally from the primary conveyor system, then it can receive and redirect rejected parcels, but it hinders the ability of individuals to walk unimpeded along the conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
The rejection chute is repositioned from a lateral extension to a vertical integration within the conveyor structure. The chute receives parcels from above and directs them vertically downward to a discharge location below the walking surface, eliminating lateral protrusion and restoring clear pedestrian access while maintaining rejection functionality
2Area of stationary object
If the rejection chute is positioned to discharge parcels directly below it, then it occupies minimal space, but it cannot redirect parcels to destinations not positioned directly below the chute
Solution Approach 1:
The chute utilizes vertical space to redirect parcels to destinations located at different horizontal positions. By receiving parcels from above and discharging them below the walking surface, the chute can serve multiple destination points along the conveyor without requiring lateral extensions, thus maintaining compact footprint while enhancing routing versatility
3Ease of operation
If the rejection chute has an open top for receiving parcels, then parcels can be easily transferred into it, but it creates a safety hazard for pedestrians walking alongside the conveyor
Solution Approach 1:
A movable door mechanism is installed at the top opening of the chute. The door can be opened to allow parcel transfer and then closed to eliminate the safety hazard. This dynamic element allows the chute to transition between operational states, maintaining both ease of parcel transfer and pedestrian safety
Data Source
AI summary
A rejection chute for a conveyor system, which receives and redirects rejected parcels, includes: a conduit defined by a plurality of side walls; a door; and an actuator operably connected to the door. The conduit includes an enclosed upper portion defining a first opening for receiving parcels into the rejection chute and a lower portion defining a second opening for discharging parcels from the rejection chute. The door is mounted proximate to the first opening and is configured to transition between a first position to cover the first opening and a second position to uncover the first opening. The rejection chute can be integrated into a walking surface alongside of a conveyor to receive and redirect parcels transferred off of the conveyor to a location below the walking surface. An enclosure can be combined with the rejection chute to regulate access and guide parcels into the rejection chute.