Rotating Flap Guide Mechanism for Sorting Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collection containers for sorting systems, such as checkweighers and metal detection systems, do not allow for efficient single-item removal without interrupting the sorting process and often result in items falling out when the flap is opened, making it difficult to handle sorted objects with one hand.
Innovation Solution
A collection container with a rotatably mounted flap and a guide device featuring a guideway with end and intermediate positions, allowing the flap to be latched in various positions for controlled opening and closing, enabling single-handed removal of sorted objects without halting the sorting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flap is opened to remove sorted items, then items can be accessed, but all items fall out and the sorting process must be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The removal device is segmented into a flap and a withdrawal device with a withdrawal opening. The flap can be opened partially to access items without completely emptying the container, allowing selective removal while maintaining sorting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap is designed to be rotatable and can be held in different positions (closed, partially open, fully open) using a locking mechanism. This dynamic positioning allows the operator to access items when needed while maintaining the closed position during continuous sorting operations.
2Ease of operation
If the flap is opened for item removal, then sorted objects can be accessed, but items fall out due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The withdrawal device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the flap and the sorted items. When the flap is opened, the withdrawal device controls the opening to allow selective item removal while preventing complete discharge of the container contents.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple flap mechanism is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot provide controlled opening positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be operated manually by the user without requiring external power or complex control systems. The operator can engage and disengage the locking bolt at desired positions to control flap opening, providing self-service control with minimal complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The collection container (101, 201, 301) for a sorting system for storing sorted items has an inlet opening (102, 202, 302) designed for feeding sorted items into the interior of the collection container (101, 201, 301) and a removal device (103, 203, 303) designed for removing one or more sorted items from the interior of the collection container (101, 201, 301) and usually arranged below the inlet opening (102, 202, 302). The removal device (103, 203, 303) has a flap (104, 204, 304) which is rotatably mounted about a pivot axis (105, 205, 305). Furthermore, the extraction device (103, 203, 303) has two side walls (106, 206, 306) attached laterally to the flap (104, 204, 304).The invention is characterized in that the collection container (101, 201, 301) has a guide device (110, 210, 310) with at least one guide track (107, 207, 307) and at least one bolt (108, 208, 308) engaging in the guide track (107, 207, 307) during operation of the collection container (101, 201, 301). The guide track (107, 207, 307) is arranged either on a side wall (106, 206, 306) of the flap (104, 204, 304) or on the side of the collection container (101, 201, 301) and the bolts (108, 208, 308) are arranged opposite each other on the side of the collection container (101, 201, 301) or on the side wall (106, 206, 306) of the flap (104, 204, 304).