Autonomous Shuttle Trolleys for Gravity-Fed Parcel Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current postal sorting systems for low-flow parcel sorting in sorting centers are poorly automated, relying heavily on manual labor and prone to errors, with existing automated solutions being costly and unsuitable for dynamic sorting passes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of autonomous shuttle trolleys that transport parcels between a loading point and receptacles, using a carrying tray to overhang the top opening of the receptacles, with a retaining mechanism allowing parcels to fall by gravity into the receptacles, enabling automated sorting with minimal operator intervention and adaptable to multiple sorting passes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sorting by operators is used, then sorting can be performed with simple equipment, but sorting efficiency and productivity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service sorting where autonomous mobile robots independently transport parcels from the loading point to the appropriate receptacles based on sorting plans, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting operations with autonomous mobile robots that use sensors, processors, and automated navigation to perform sorting tasks, thereby increasing productivity without requiring complex fixed mechanical sorting infrastructure
2Extent of automation
If fully automated on-line shoe sorters are used, then sorting automation is high, but cost and device footprint are excessive for low-flow sorting
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system is segmented into independent autonomous mobile robots that operate individually rather than as part of a large integrated automated sorter, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining high automation levels
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic mobile robots that can autonomously navigate and position themselves rather than fixed mechanical conveyors, allowing the automation system to adapt to varying sorting needs without requiring expensive reconfiguration capabilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual sorting with changing plans is used, then sorting can be adapted to different passes, but operator concentration requirements increase leading to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous robots incorporate sensors and processing units that continuously monitor parcel destinations and sorting plan requirements, providing real-time feedback to ensure accurate sorting without relying on operator concentration and attention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly reduces operator intervention, enhances sorting efficiency, and provides a cost-effective, reliable automated system capable of managing multiple sorting passes, improving parcel sorting rates while minimizing errors.
Implementation Method 1
the carrying tray for a postal object able to overhang the top opening of a receptacle
Implementation Method 2
which retains the object loaded on the carrying plate above the opening of the receptacle when the shuttle trolley moves away from the receptacle so that the object falls by gravity into the receptacle
Implementation Method 3
the object falls by gravity into the receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an object-sorting system (3) for sorting objects in containers (6) that are open at the top, for example bags, characterised in that it includes shuttle trolleys (1) with autonomous movement for each moving an object from a loading point (4) to a container, in that the shuttle trolleys each have a supporting tray (10) for an object capable of overhanging the top opening of a container, and in that a holding means (16) is provided above the openings of the containers, leaving a space (18) for passing a supporting tray between the holding means and the opening of a container and holding the loaded object on the supporting tray above the opening of the container when the shuttle trolley moves away from the container so that the object falls into the container by gravity.