Sorting System With Dual-Side Discharge Carriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting systems lack flexibility in article discharge and sorting capacity, as they are limited to discharging articles only on one side of the output conveyor and have fixed discharge locations.
Innovation Solution
The sorting system incorporates output displacing members, such as cross-belts or trays with movable pushing elements, allowing articles to be discharged from both sides of the output conveyor and providing flexible discharge locations, enhancing sorting capacity and efficiency by synchronizing the movement of input and output displacing members to minimize friction and facilitate smooth article transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If articles are discharged only on one side of the output conveyor, then the discharge mechanism is simple, but the sorting capacity and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The output conveyor is divided into multiple discharge locations on both sides, with each carrier capable of discharging articles at different sides. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple destinations simultaneously, doubling the effective sorting capacity without requiring a completely separate conveyor for each destination.
Solution Approach 2:
The output supporting surfaces are made tiltable and movable, allowing dynamic adjustment of discharge locations. Carriers can selectively tilt their supporting surfaces to discharge articles at different sides and locations, providing flexibility in routing articles to various destinations based on real-time sorting requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the input supporting surface and output supporting surfaces form a common supporting surface at the transfer region, then article transfer is smooth with reduced friction, but the system lacks flexibility in locating discharge points
Solution Approach 1:
The output supporting surfaces are designed to be tiltable and movable relative to the input supporting surface. At the transfer region, they form a common supporting surface for smooth article transfer, but afterward, they can be selectively tilted to different positions to discharge articles at various locations, thus achieving both smooth transfer and flexible discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
The output supporting surfaces undergo periodic movement between the transfer position (forming common surface) and the discharge positions (tilted to different locations). This periodic action allows the system to alternate between ensuring smooth transfer and providing flexible discharge options at different destinations.
3Productivity
If cross-belts are used as output displacing members, then article transfer efficiency is improved with synchronized movement, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-belts are integrated with the carriers to form a combined output conveyor system. The cross-belts and carriers work together as a unified mechanism, with cross-belts providing the displacing action and carriers providing the supporting and tilting function, thereby improving transfer efficiency without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-belts serve multiple functions: they act as output displacing members to transfer articles, work in synchronization with input displacing members to minimize friction, and are integrated with the tiltable carrier system to enable flexible discharge. This multi-functionality improves efficiency while avoiding the need for additional dedicated components.
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 provides flexibility in locating the sorting system within a space, increases sorting capacity by enabling discharge on both sides of the output conveyor, and ensures efficient article transfer with reduced friction, allowing for high-speed and flexible sorting operations.
Implementation Method 1
synchronizing the movement of input and output displacing members to minimize friction and facilitate smooth article transfer
Data Source
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AI summary
A sorting system (1) comprises a frame (2) which supports an input conveyor (4) including an input supporting surface (8) for supporting articles (A), which input conveyor (4) is drivable with respect to the frame (2) in an input conveying direction (X) and an output conveyor (5) having a plurality of discrete carriers (10) including respective output supporting surfaces (11, 14) for supporting articles (A), which carriers (10) are drivable with respect to the frame (2) in an output conveying direction (Y) and are located behind each other in the output conveying direction (Y). The sorting system (1) comprises a transfer region (6) where the input supporting surface (8) and a part of the carriers (10) extend parallel to each other as seen from above and move synchronously in the same direction under operating conditions. The input conveyor (4) is provided with input displacing members (9) which are located behind each other in the input conveying direction (X) and move synchronously with the input supporting surface (8) in the input conveying direction (X) under operating conditions. The input displacing members (9) are drivable with respect to the frame (2) in transverse direction of the input conveying direction (X). At the transfer region (6) the input displacing members (9) and the output supporting surfaces (11, 14) are aligned with each other. The carriers (10) are provided with respective output displacing members (11, 15) for discharging articles (A) from the output supporting surfaces (11, 14) in transverse direction of the output conveying direction (Y).