Rotatable Roller Module for Irregular Parcel Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting and transport line modules are not well-suited for handling parcels of small size and/or irregular shape, as they rely on rollers that are not adaptable to these dimensions and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A module for a sorting and transport line featuring four roller assemblies with double rollers coated with friction material, capable of rotating about both horizontal and vertical axes, allowing for precise control of parcel direction and path through the use of elastic transmission belts and electric motors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional roller modules are used for sorting and transport, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they cannot adapt to parcels of small size and/or irregular shape
Solution Approach 1:
The roller assemblies are made rotatable about vertical axes in addition to their horizontal rotation, allowing dynamic adjustment of roller orientation to adapt to different parcel sizes and shapes. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the same module to handle various parcel types effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The module is divided into multiple independent roller assemblies, each capable of independent rotation about vertical axes. This segmentation allows each roller assembly to be independently oriented and controlled, providing adaptability to different parcel configurations while maintaining modular simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If rollers are made rotatable about vertical axes to improve adaptability, then control precision over parcel direction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple driving functions are merged into a single integrated driving unit located in the lower portion of the module. This driving unit simultaneously controls both the horizontal rotation of rollers and the vertical orientation of roller assemblies, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Elastic transmission belts are introduced as intermediary elements to transmit rotational motion from the driving unit to the rollers. These belts provide flexible power transmission that accommodates the complex motion requirements while simplifying the direct mechanical connection between motors and rollers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic transmission belts are used to drive rollers, then adaptability to different parcel dimensions is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic transmission belts allow for parameter changes in the transmission system, specifically in the tension and contact pressure between the belt and rollers. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves good adaptability to different parcel dimensions while minimizing energy loss through proper belt tensioning and material selection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient sorting and transport of parcels of varying sizes and shapes by allowing for precise control of roller orientation and rotation speed, thereby defining a forward direction for parcels along the sorting and transport plane.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of elastic transmission belts (41) each configured to transmit the rotational motion from the second electric motor (40) to the roller (20) of a respective roller assembly (2)
Implementation Method 2
Each roller (20) is configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation Ya, Yb, Yc, Yd parallel to the sorting and transport plane P
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5
AI summary
A module for a line for sorting and transport along a sorting and transport plane (P) comprises roller assemblies (2), in turn comprising at least one roller (20) configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation (Ya, Yb, Yc, Yd) parallel to said sorting and transport plane (P), wherein each roller assembly (2) is configured to rotate about a respective axis of rotation (Za, Zb, Zc, Zd) perpendicular to said sorting and transport plane (P).