Sorting System With On-Board Pusher Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting systems are inefficient at higher speeds due to increased space requirements and risk of product damage from pusher bodies, as they are not designed to operate effectively above 2.5 meters per second without compromising sorting accuracy and product safety.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a distance-determining device that calculates a distance parameter between the pusher body and the product to be sorted, which is then used by the on-board control system to control the on-board driving device, allowing for precise and gentle product handling even at higher speeds by adjusting the movement of the pusher body in the sorting direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the speed of movement is increased above 2.5 meters per second, then productivity is improved, but the risk of product damage increases due to larger force exerted by pusher bodies
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher body is equipped with an on-board driving device that enables it to move dynamically along the carrying body in the sorting direction. This dynamic capability allows the pusher body to adjust its speed and position in real-time, enabling gentle contact with products at high system speeds and thereby preventing product damage while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
A distance-determining device continuously measures the distance between the pusher body and the product, providing real-time feedback to the on-board control system. This feedback mechanism enables the pusher body to adjust its movement precisely, ensuring gentle contact and preventing product damage even when the overall system operates at high speeds above 2.5 meters per second
2Productivity
If the speed of movement is increased, then productivity is improved, but the space requirement increases due to longer sorting locations
Solution Approach 1:
The pusher body's ability to move dynamically along the carrying body allows the sorting process to be completed more quickly and efficiently. This reduces the time products need to be in the sorting zone, thereby shortening the required sorting location length while maintaining high system speeds and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional stationary mechanical pushing mechanisms with an on-board driving device that provides controlled, motorized movement. This substitution enables more precise and efficient product sorting, reducing the space required for sorting locations while operating at high speeds
3Productivity
If the pusher body moves at high speed to maintain productivity, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulty in controlling pusher body position
Solution Approach 1:
The distance-determining device provides continuous real-time feedback on the position and distance between the pusher body and the product. This feedback enables the on-board control system to make precise adjustments to the pusher body's movement, maintaining high sorting speeds while ensuring accurate positioning and gentle contact with products
Solution Approach 2:
The on-board driving device enables the pusher body to move dynamically with precise control along the carrying body. This dynamic control system can adjust speed and position in real-time, maintaining manufacturing precision even at high sorting speeds by actively controlling the pusher body's movement based on real-time conditions
Data Source
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AI summary
Sorting system for sorting products as well as method for application thereof. The sorting system comprises a central control system and a number of combinations of an elongated carrying body and a pusher body. The carrying bodies extend parallel to each other and are each configured for carrying a product to be sorted. The sorting system further comprises a displacing device for moving the combinations. Each combination is further provided with a further displacing device that is provided with an on-board driving device for moving the pusher body in a sorting direction along the carrying body for pushing a product carried by the carrying body off of the carrying body with the pusher body, as well as with an on-board control system that is configured for receiving destination data emanating from the central control system and for driving the on-board driving device hereto. The sorting system further comprises a distance-determining device that is configured for determining a distance parameter that is related to the, or at least a, distance between a pusher body and a product to be sorted and for sending the distance parameter to the on-board control system. The on-board control system is configured for controlling the on-board driving device of the combination on the basis of this distance data.