Separator Barrier Elements for Conveying Carrier Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separator devices for conveying systems are complex and require multiple elements for blocking and releasing conveyed goods carriers, making them inefficient for sorting tasks that require precise spacing between carriers.

Innovation Solution

A separator device with two barrier elements controlled by a link arrangement, where the drive element moves back and forth, causing the barrier elements to reciprocate and move in opposite directions, allowing for simple and rapid separation of conveyed goods carriers through predetermined movement profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple barrier elements are used to block and release conveyed goods carriers, then the blocking and releasing function is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblocking and releasing functionVSAvoidnumber of barrier elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier element is divided into two separate parts: a first barrier element for blocking carriers in the first conveying direction, and a second barrier element for blocking carriers in the second conveying direction. This segmentation allows each barrier element to perform a specific function independently, achieving reliable blocking and releasing while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If complex movement sequences are used for barrier elements, then precise carrier separation is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrier separation precisionVSAvoidmovement sequence complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drive element combines multiple functions into a single component: it controls both the first and second barrier elements, and simultaneously manages blocking in both conveying directions. This merging reduces the number of independent control mechanisms needed, simplifying the movement sequences and improving ease of operation while maintaining precise carrier separation through coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive element is positioned and configured in advance to automatically coordinate the movement of both barrier elements. The link arrangement is pre-designed with specific geometric relationships that inherently produce the required movement sequences, eliminating the need for complex real-time control logic and making the system easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If reciprocating movement of barrier elements is implemented, then carrier spacing is improved, but the speed of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarrier spacingVSAvoidseparation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive element performs continuous reciprocating movement that simultaneously controls both barrier elements in a coordinated manner. During each stroke, both barrier elements are actively engaged in blocking or releasing carriers, ensuring that the useful action of carrier separation continues without interruption. This continuous coordinated operation maintains precise carrier spacing while maximizing separation speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2121488B1Separator and suspended conveying device equipped therewith
Publication Date: 2010.05.19 RSL LOGISTIK GMBH & CO
  • EP2121488B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP2121488B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2121488B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a separator device for releasing carriers for material to be conveyed (4) for moving along a conveying path (20) in a conveying device, in which the carriers for material to be conveyed (4) are guided on guiding rails (2), comprising barrier elements (24, 25), which are disposed adjacent to each other at a distance along the conveying path (20) and can be alternately moved into and out of the path of the carriers for material to be conveyed (4) in order to block the front carrier for material to be conveyed (4) or released the blockage. The barrier elements (24, 25) of a barrier element pair are controlled by means of a gate arrangement, which comprises a drive element (38) that can be displaced back and forth transversely to the movement direction of the barrier elements (24, 25), two gate tracks (50, 52) as control cams and a gate engagement element (62, 64) running in a corresponding gate track (50, 52). A gate track (50, 52) and a gate engagement element (62, 64) each of a barrier element (24, 25) are associated with the drive thereof, so that the barrier elements (24, 25) are forced to perform back and forth movements during the back and forth movement of the drive element (38).