Multi-Directional Sortation Table for Warehouse Throughput

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveyor systems in warehouses and distribution centers require multiple interconnected sortation devices for various operations, leading to increased system size and reduced throughput, as each type of sortation operation necessitates a distinct device or system.

Innovation Solution

An integrated, multi-directional sortation device and system that includes two or more sortation devices capable of independent tilt and bomb bay operations, along with rollers for repositioning articles, allowing for transfer to multiple locations with a single device, enhancing throughput and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interconnected sortation devices are used for various sortation operations, then each type of sortation operation can be performed, but the system size increases and throughput is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesortation operation capabilityVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sortation table is designed to perform multiple sortation operations (tilt operation and bomb bay operation) within a single device. The table can pivot between different positions to enable both tilt-based sortation and bomb bay-style sortation, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and thereby increasing throughput while maintaining operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two distinct sortation mechanisms (tilt operation and bomb bay operation) into a single integrated sortation table. By merging these functions into one device, the system reduces the number of interconnected devices needed, decreases system size, and improves overall throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interconnected sortation devices are used for various sortation operations, then each type of sortation operation can be performed, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesortation operation capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sortation table is designed to perform multiple sortation operations (tilt operation and bomb bay operation) within a single device. The table can pivot between different positions to enable both tilt-based sortation and bomb bay-style sortation, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and thereby increasing throughput while maintaining operational versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines two distinct sortation mechanisms (tilt operation and bomb bay operation) into a single integrated sortation table. By merging these functions into one device, the system reduces the number of interconnected devices needed, decreases system complexity, and improves overall throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12157146B2Sortation devices and systems

Publication Date: 2024.12.03 INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS LLC

AI summary

Devices and systems are provided for improved article sortation. An example sortation device includes a frame and a sortation table movably attached to the frame. The sortation table defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body extending therebetween. The second end pivotally attaches the sortation table to the frame, and the body defines a first surface configured to support an article thereon. The sortation device performs a tilt operation in which the sortation table rotates about the pivotal attachment between the second end and the frame in a first direction. The sortation device also performs a bomb bay operation in which the sortation table rotates about the pivotal attachment between the second end and the frame in a second direction opposite the first direction. An example sortation system is provided that includes two or more of the example sortation devices.