Sorting Carriage Discharge Locking for Simpler Sorter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting devices require complex control mechanisms for sorting actions, which can be inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A sorting device with a chassis that moves in two directions, where the discharging system is activated by the chassis's movement in the second direction, eliminating the need for separate control means, and utilizing mechanical interlocking mechanisms for product transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sorting device uses separate control means for discharging action, then the sorting action can be precisely controlled, but the device complexity and control cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the discharging system control with the chassis driving system. The discharging system is activated automatically when the chassis is driven in the second direction, eliminating the need for separate control means. The actuator controls both the chassis movement and the discharging action through a unified control mechanism, thereby simplifying the overall control structure while maintaining precise sorting control.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharging system is designed to activate automatically based on the chassis movement itself. When the chassis is driven in the second direction, the discharging system self-activates without requiring external control signals, making the system self-sufficient and reducing control complexity.
2Extent of automation
If the chassis is drivable in two directions with mechanical interlocking, then the discharging action is automated, but the mechanical structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chassis driving mechanism with the discharging activation mechanism. The same actuator and driving system that move the chassis in two directions also automatically activate the discharging system through mechanical interlocking, combining multiple functions into a unified mechanical structure rather than using separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical interlocking mechanism is designed to be dynamic, automatically engaging and disengaging based on the chassis movement direction. The activating elements are selectively lockable to the actuator, creating a dynamic coupling that enables automation without requiring complex static mechanical structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If the actuator and activating element are selectively lockable, then the sorting precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically selective, automatically engaging only when the chassis is positioned at the correct receiving location and driven in the second direction. The actuator and activating elements are selectively lockable based on position and movement direction, providing precise sorting control without requiring complex multi-position locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into discrete activating elements at different receiving locations, each corresponding to a specific discharge point. This segmentation allows precise control at each location while keeping individual locking mechanisms simple, rather than using a single complex locking system for all locations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sorting device (1) comprises a frame (2), a carriage (3) for supporting a product (P) to be sorted, an input (6) where a product (P) to be sorted is receivable by the carriage (3) and a plurality of receiving locations (7) for receiving a product (P) that is discharged from the carriage (3) when the carriage (3) is located at a selected one of the receiving locations (7), which receiving locations (7) are located next to each other along a sorting path. The carriage (3) has a chassis (4, 74) that is supported by the frame (2) and drivable with respect to the frame (2) in longitudinal direction of the sorting path in a first direction (X) and an opposite second direction (Y). The carriage (3) is provided with a discharging system (10, 24, 43, 55, 76) for discharging a product (P) from the carriage (3) and an actuator (11, 25, 47, 60, 83) for activating the discharging system (10, 24, 43, 55, 76). At the receiving locations (7) the frame (2) is provided with respective activating elements (15, 26, 50), which are selectively lockable to the actuator (11, 25, 47, 60, 83) of the carriage (3) such that the actuator (11, 25, 47, 60, 83) is locked with respect to an activating element (15, 26, 50) corresponding to a selected one of the receiving locations (7) when driving the chassis (4, 74) with respect to the frame (2) in the second direction (Y) at the sorting path. The chassis (4, 74) is drivable in the first direction (X) towards an activating element (15, 26, 50) corresponding to a selected one of the receiving locations (7) so as to lock the actuator (11, 25, 47, 60, 83) and the activating element (15, 26, 50) to each other. The discharging system (10, 24, 43, 55, 76) is adapted such that when the actuator (11, 25, 47, 60, 83) and the activating element (15, 26, 50) are locked to each other the actuator (11, 25, 47, 60, 83) activates the discharging system (10, 24, 43, 55, 76) upon driving the chassis (4, 74) in the second direction (Y) at the sorting path.