Shuttle Tray With V-Shaped Gutter For Non-Standard Parcel Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shuttle trolleys in logistics centers are not adequately designed to handle parcels of varying shapes and sizes, such as cylinders, plates, and other non-standard packages, which can hinder efficient sorting and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A shuttle trolley with a tray featuring a V-shaped central gutter and opposing side parts with parallel ribs, allowing for secure carrying and routing of non-standard packages, along with a control/command unit for automated sorting and movement optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional flat platform is used to carry parcels, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot securely carry parcels of various shapes including cylinders and plates
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is divided into a central gutter part and two side parts, with the central part having a V-shaped cross-section specifically designed to accommodate cylindrical parcels, while the side parts handle other shapes. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for specific parcel types without making the entire platform overly complex
Solution Approach 2:
The central part of the platform has a different geometric configuration (V-shaped gutter) compared to the side parts (flat surfaces). This local quality differentiation enables the platform to adapt to various parcel shapes - the V-shaped central part securely holds cylinders while the flat side parts support plates and other non-cylindrical items
2Adaptability or versatility
If the platform is designed to accommodate non-standard packages of various shapes, then versatility is improved, but the structural design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed with a combination of a central V-shaped gutter and flat side parts that can universally accommodate multiple types of non-standard packages including cylinders, plates, and other irregular shapes within a single structure, reducing the need for multiple specialized platforms
3Productivity
If manual handling of non-standard packages is used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but sorting efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The structured platform with its V-shaped gutter and side parts is designed to self-position and securely hold various parcel shapes during transport, enabling automated handling systems to efficiently move non-standard packages without requiring complex active control mechanisms for each parcel type
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
A shuttle carriage (6) for a logistics centre for sorting parcels comprises a tray (7) for carrying a parcel (HN) to be sorted and is characterised in that the tray has a central portion (7A) in the form of a gutter with a V-shaped cross-section and two lateral portions (7B, 7C) to either side of the central portion that extend in a same horizontal plane.