Article Sorting Conveyance Paths With Speed-Based Collision Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting systems face challenges in efficiently handling and sorting articles of varying sizes, weights, and fragility, leading to inefficiencies and potential collisions, especially in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
An article conveyance sorting apparatus with distinct conveyance sections and speed adjustment mechanisms for lightweight and heavyweight articles, combined with a control server for precise timing and distribution to designated trays, ensuring efficient sorting and collision avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single conveyance path is used for all articles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sorting accuracy and collision avoidance deteriorate due to inability to differentiate article characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system is divided into multiple distinct conveyance paths (first conveyance path for lightweight articles, second conveyance path for heavyweight articles). This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for specific article types, improving sorting accuracy and collision avoidance while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
2Device complexity
If uniform conveyance speed is used for all articles, then the control system is simplified, but the productivity and sorting efficiency deteriorate due to inability to optimize for different article characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyance system implements dynamic speed adjustment where the conveyance speed is varied based on article characteristics (lightweight vs. heavyweight). The first conveyance path uses a first conveyance speed optimized for lightweight articles, while the second conveyance path uses a second conveyance speed optimized for heavyweight articles, maximizing sorting throughput and efficiency.
3Area of stationary object
If trays are densely arranged to maximize space utilization, then the area efficiency is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased collision risk between articles and trays
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting area is segmented into distinct zones corresponding to different conveyance paths. Lightweight articles are conveyed along the first path to designated trays, while heavyweight articles follow the second path to different designated trays. This spatial segmentation of article flow paths prevents collisions even when trays are densely arranged, maintaining high reliability while maximizing area utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an article conveyance sorting apparatus includes a distributing section, a first conveyance section, a second conveyance section, and a conveyance sorting section. The distributing section distributes an article in a first direction or a second direction based on a first distribution control signal or a second distribution control signal corresponding to a distinguishing result of the article distinguished based on article information. The first conveyance section receives the article distributed in the first direction. The second conveyance section receives the article distributed in the second direction. The conveyance sorting section sorts each of articles conveyed by the plurality of trays to a designated sorting destination.