Automated Shoe Outsole Dispenser for Left-Right Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual classification and dispensing of left and right shoe outsoles lead to defects and increased costs due to manual errors and low productivity in shoe manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
An automated shoe outsole dispensing apparatus that uses a dispenser with guide members, detection sensors, and a controller to classify and dispense adhesive-coated outsoles accurately and efficiently onto opposite sides of a conveyor, reducing the need for manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual classification and dispensing of outsoles is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases and manual errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical classification system with an automated dispensing apparatus that uses sensors to detect outsole orientation and a control system to automatically direct left and right outsoles to appropriate conveyors, eliminating manual labor while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing apparatus autonomously classifies and directs outsoles without human intervention by using sensors to detect outsole characteristics and automatically controlling the dispensing mechanism, allowing the system to serve itself in the classification task
2Manufacturing precision
If manual classification of outsoles is performed, then operational flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing precision decreases due to manual errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and classification with an automated sensor-based detection system that objectively identifies outsole orientation and directs them to the correct conveyor, eliminating human error while achieving high classification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing apparatus incorporates sensors that detect outsole characteristics and provide feedback to the control system, which then adjusts the dispensing action in real-time to ensure accurate classification and direct placement of left and right outsoles on the appropriate conveyors
3Loss of time
If manual dispensing operation is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but loss of time increases due to slow classification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow manual classification with an automated system using sensors and control mechanisms that rapidly detect outsole orientation and direct them to appropriate conveyors, dramatically reducing classification time while accepting increased apparatus complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing apparatus performs preliminary detection and classification of outsoles as they are discharged from the adhesive applicator, determining their left or right orientation before directing them to the appropriate conveyor, thereby eliminating subsequent manual classification steps and reducing overall processing time
Data Source
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AI summary
A shoe outsole dispensing apparatus having a dispenser located above the conveyor carrying adhesive-coated shoe outsoles that are classified into left outsoles and right outsoles and that are dispensed such that the left outsoles to a first side of the conveyor and the right outsoles to a second side of the conveyor is provided. A controller controls the operation of the dispenser. As a result of the outsoles coated with adhesive being automatically classified as left and right outsoles by the dispenser, and the outsoles are dispensed on opposite sides of the conveyor carrying the outsoles, this has the result that productivity of assembling shoes greatly increased as a result of the ability to dispose outsoles very quickly compared to the prior art operation of manually sorting the outsoles, and also the occurrence of shoe defects due to manual errors may be prevented, thus enhancing shoe quality.