Sorting Terminal Device with Adjustable Feed Side
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting and order-picking systems face challenges in maximizing storage capacity and efficient retrofitting in existing plants, with limitations in simultaneous storage and transportation of goods due to mechanical barriers and variable chute angles.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device design that allows for adjustable and pivotable transport devices, enabling multi-layer storage by lowering the feed side to create additional storage space, with a backwater wall to prevent goods from slipping, and a drive unit for precise control, allowing for efficient storage and retrieval of goods without costly conversions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the transport device is lowered to create storage space, then storage capacity is increased, but the risk of goods damage increases due to sliding
Solution Approach 1:
A backwater wall is introduced as an intermediary element to prevent goods from sliding when the transport device is lowered. The wall acts as a barrier between the goods and the downward movement, allowing the device to be lowered for storage while protecting the goods from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The backwater wall is positioned beforehand to cushion or prevent the harmful effect of goods sliding during the lowering process. By having the protective structure in place before the lowering occurs, the system prevents damage rather than reacting to it after the fact
2Quantity of substance
If the feed side is lowered to maximize storage space, then storage capacity is increased, but goods may slip down against the conveying direction
Solution Approach 1:
The backwater wall serves as an intermediary structure that blocks goods from slipping down against the conveying direction when the feed side is lowered. It mediates between the lowered feed side and the goods, preventing harmful movement while allowing storage
3Ease of operation
If mechanical barriers are used to prevent goods from overloading ramps, then storage organization is improved, but storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device is made dynamically movable between different height positions rather than being fixed. By lowering the feed side to a lower position, the system creates additional storage space while using the backwater wall to maintain organization and prevent overload, thus increasing capacity without sacrificing operational control
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
The solution enhances storage capacity, reduces the risk of goods damage, and optimizes space utilization by enabling multiple layers of goods storage while maintaining efficient operation, minimizing downtime and personnel deployment.
Implementation Method 1
The angle of inclination of each chute is adjustable to increase it when a piece of luggage comes to a stop, or decrease it when a piece of luggage gains too much speed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an end-point device (10) for a sorting and picking system (20), wherein the end-point device (10) has at least one conveying apparatus (11, 11a, 11b) having a feed side (12) and a discharge side (13), at the feed side (12) of which goods (40) of a feed-side conveying means (21) can be fed, which goods can be stored on the conveying apparatus (11, 11a, 11b) until the end of a loading cycle. The problem addressed by the invention is that of providing an end-point device (10) that can be integrated into existing sorting and picking systems without complex conversion measures and that additionally enables the largest possible storage capacity for goods (40). According to the invention, the problem is solved by means of an end-point device (10) in the case of which at least the feed side (12) of the conveying apparatus (11, 11a, 11b) is lowered from an upper height position ((Ho) to a lower height position (Hu) during the loading cycle.