Sorting Tray Retaining Barrier for High-Speed Object Discharge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting devices face issues with increased speed leading to objects being unintentionally released and dropped off trays due to dynamic behavior, causing operational disruptions and logistic problems.
Innovation Solution
A barrier device is implemented at the discharge section of the tray, capable of switching between operation modes to either surround objects and prevent them from being dislodged by dynamic forces or allow discharge, using a lever system and engagement means to pivot the obstruction means based on the tray's position along the path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the speed of the trays is increased to improve capacity, then productivity increases, but objects are unintentionally released and dropped off from the trays due to dynamic behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier device is designed to be dynamically adjustable between two positions: a first position where the barrier surrounds the object to prevent unintended release during high-speed conveyance, and a second position where the barrier is moved away to allow intentional discharge by the pusher arm. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the barrier's function to the operational phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameter of the barrier device between two discrete positions. In the first position, the barrier is positioned to surround the object at the discharge section, preventing release during high-speed conveyance. In the second position, the barrier is moved away to allow discharge. This parameter change enables the system to maintain both high speed capability and reliable object retention.
2Reliability
If a barrier device is added to prevent object release, then object retention improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier device is equipped with engagement means that automatically engage with setting means positioned along the conveyance path. The barrier device self-activates to switch between positions based on the tray's position, without requiring external control systems or complex actuators. This self-service mechanism minimizes added complexity while ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement means and setting means act as intermediaries between the barrier device and the control system. The setting means, positioned along the conveyance path, triggers the barrier device to switch positions through the engagement means. This intermediary mechanism provides simple, reliable control without requiring complex electronic or mechanical control systems.
3Productivity
If the barrier device switches between positions to allow discharge, then operational efficiency is maintained, but the mechanism requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier device is integrated with the tray assembly, combining multiple functions into a single unit. The barrier device includes the obstruction means, engagement means, and pivoting mechanism all integrated into one assembly that attaches to the tray. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining operational efficiency.
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 allows for increased tray speed and capacity by preventing objects from being dislodged during dynamic conveyance, maintaining the sorting device's operational efficiency and reducing logistic issues.
Implementation Method 1
the lever system is constructed so that its center of mass causes the lever system, when the barrier device is released from the setting means, to pivot the obstruction means from the first space downward due to gravity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A device for loading, conveying and discharging objects, comprising: - a plurality of trays each one of which is intended for carrying an object from a loading position to a discharge position, in which discharge position the object leaves the tray via an unloading section of the tray, - a drive system for conveying the trays in a conveyance direction from the loading position to the discharge position, wherein for the purpose of conveying the trays along a path, the drive system comprises a series of linked driving elements, - a drive for transferring a drive power onto the drive system, which drive power is required for conveying the trays, and - a pusher arm arranged on the tray for by means of pushing away, discharging an object present on the tray, wherein pushing away takes place substantially transverse to the conveyance direction of the tray and wherein at least during conveyance of an object present on the tray the pusher arm is in a first position facing away from the unloading section, and wherein at least for discharging an object present on the tray, the pusher arm moves to a second position in which the pusher arm is near the unloading section of the tray, characterized in that a retaining means is arranged at the unloading section of the at least one tray so as to retain, in a first operation mode, an object present on the at least one tray when the object is moving towards the unloading section as a result of being exposed to dynamic forces during conveyance, and to allow, in a second operation mode, the pusher arm to discharge the object present on the tray by means of pushing away, and an adjusting means is arranged to position the retaining means either in the first or second operation mode.