Automatic Distribution Wall With Rotating Sorting Assemblies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article sorting systems, such as loop and linear sorting machines, face inefficiencies in conveying and storage due to the need for multiple trolleys and conveyance mechanisms, which can lead to article slipping and reduced sorting efficiency, especially for small articles.
Innovation Solution
An automatic put wall system with linearly distributed sorting-conveying assemblies that rotate articles to designated storage positions, utilizing conveyor belts and rotating mechanisms to improve sorting efficiency and reduce slipping, combined with an alternating lifter for vertical conveyance and a stacker for automated storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If loop sorting machine or linear sorting machine is used, then articles can be conveyed and sorted, but multiple conveying trolleys and conveyance mechanisms are needed which increases device complexity and causes article slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system is divided into multiple independent sorting-conveying assemblies arranged linearly, each capable of autonomous operation. Each assembly includes a conveying portion with conveyor belt and a rotating portion with rotating shaft, allowing distributed sorting across multiple stations rather than requiring a single complex mechanism to handle all articles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal-only conveyance to a combination of horizontal and vertical movements. The rotating portion enables the conveying portion to rotate vertically, allowing articles to be delivered to storage positions at different heights and locations, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space for sorting operations.
2Productivity
If multiple conveying trolleys are used, then articles can be transported to multiple positions, but article slipping occurs and sorting efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical trolley-based conveyance with a conveyor belt system. The conveyor belt provides continuous surface contact with articles, using friction-based transmission to move articles reliably without the mechanical coupling issues that cause slipping in trolley systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and motion parameters of article conveyance by using a continuously moving belt surface rather than discrete trolley movements. This creates smooth, continuous transport that maintains consistent contact pressure and velocity, preventing article slipping during conveyance.
3Ease of operation
If linear sorting machine transports trolley to convey articles, then articles can be sorted, but the system requires complex trolley conveyance mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conveying function and sorting function into a single integrated sorting-conveying assembly. The conveying portion and rotating portion work together as one unit, eliminating the need for separate trolley mechanisms that would otherwise be required to transfer articles between conveyance and storage systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sorting-conveying assembly serves multiple functions: it conveys articles horizontally, rotates to change direction, delivers articles to storage positions, and can operate independently or in coordination with other assemblies. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized mechanisms with a single versatile unit.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An automatic distribution wall, comprising: at least one sorting and conveying assembly (100) which is arranged linearly, wherein the sorting and conveying assembly (100) comprises a carrying part (110) and a rotating part (120), the carrying part (110) is used for carrying and conveying articles, and the rotating part (120) is connected to a base (111) of the carrying part (110) to drive the carrying part (110) to rotate about a vertical direction so as to adjust the direction of conveyance of articles by the carrying part (110) to a storage position facing the articles. In the distribution wall, a plurality of sorting and conveying assemblies distributed linearly are used for conveying articles to specified positions, and then the carrying parts are rotated to convey the articles to corresponding storage positions, so that the sorting efficiency for small articles is improved.