Stepped Conveyor Segmentation for Mixed Shape Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing step conveyors are unable to efficiently convey cylindrical piece goods, such as bottles or cans, due to their low step height, which prevents them from being pushed upward and results in issues with edge alignment and separation in automated storage systems.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a second step conveyor with a higher step height suitable for cylindrical piece goods, combined with a control device that activates the first step until no more block-shaped goods are detected, then activates the second step to handle cylindrical goods, ensuring effective separation and sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a low step height is used to effectively separate block-shaped piece goods, then separation efficiency is improved, but cylindrical piece goods cannot be conveyed upward
Solution Approach 1:
The step conveyor is divided into multiple steps with different heights. The first step has a low height for effective separation of block-shaped goods, while the second step has a higher height to enable conveying of cylindrical goods. This segmentation allows each step to be optimized for different product types without compromising overall system performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The step heights are made adjustable or selectable based on the type of goods being conveyed. The control device can dynamically switch between using the first step (low height) for block-shaped goods and the second step (high height) for cylindrical goods, adapting the conveyor's characteristics to match the specific separation requirements.
2Device complexity
If a single step conveyor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but it cannot handle both block-shaped and cylindrical piece goods effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The step conveyor is designed with multiple steps that can serve different functions. The first step handles block-shaped goods with its low height configuration, while the second step handles cylindrical goods with its higher height. This multi-functionality allows a single conveyor device to effectively process multiple types of piece goods without requiring separate conveyor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using multiple separate conveyor units, the system segments the conveyor into distinct steps within a single device. Each step is optimized for specific goods types, allowing the entire conveyor to be controlled as one integrated system while providing specialized handling capabilities for different product shapes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the step height is increased to convey cylindrical piece goods, then cylindrical goods can be pushed upward, but block-shaped goods may jam or fail to separate properly
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor steps are segmented with different heights to prevent jamming. The first step maintains a low height that is optimal for block-shaped goods separation, eliminating the risk of these goods getting stuck or failing to separate. The second step provides the necessary height for cylindrical goods. This segmentation ensures that each goods type is handled at the optimal step height, maintaining high reliability for both types.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device acts as an intermediary that selects which step to activate based on the type of goods being conveyed. When block-shaped goods are detected, the control device activates only the first step to ensure proper separation. When cylindrical goods are detected, it activates the second step. This intermediary control prevents inappropriate step activation that could cause jamming or separation failures.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for separating piece goods which are to be stored in an automated store comprises a stepped conveyor for conveying piece goods from a stockpile beyond an upper edge of the stepped conveyor to a collecting device, wherein the stepped conveyor comprises an inclined bearing surface and a first step which can be moved in parallel over the bearing surface with a conveying edge which is parallel to the bearing surface, wherein the spacing between the bearing surface and the conveying edge corresponds to a minimum step height which suffices to push parallelepiped-shaped piece goods upwards, and a control device for actuating the stepped conveyor, which control device is coupled to a sensor which detects whether a piece goods item has been conveyed beyond the upper edge.