Telescopic Conveyor Indexing and Measuring System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual collection and distribution of shipments using telescopic conveyors are inefficient and require excessive space, leading to errors in automated recognition and sorting, especially when shipments are closely spaced.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a timing and measuring conveyor with a higher conveying speed into the telescopic conveyor system, creating a distance between shipments for automated length measurement and sorting, while maintaining compact dimensions and not disrupting the primary conveying process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual collection and distribution of shipments is used, then the telescopic conveyor can be operated, but the process becomes inefficient and requires excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of shipment collection and distributionVSAvoidspace required for manual operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automated sensors and conveyor mechanisms that operate without manual intervention. The sensor detects shipments automatically, and the indexing conveyor creates spacing and transfers shipments autonomously, eliminating the need for manual collection and distribution operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated system combining sensors, indexed conveyor mechanisms, and controlled telescopic segments. The sensor-based detection and automated conveyor indexing replace human operators in the shipment handling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If shipments are closely spaced on the conveyor, then the conveying capacity is high, but automated recognition and sorting errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveying capacityVSAvoidaccuracy of automated recognition and sorting

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The indexing conveyor creates spacing between shipments before they reach the sorting station. This preliminary spacing action ensures that each shipment is clearly separated and individually detectable by sensors, preventing recognition errors while maintaining high conveying capacity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The indexing conveyor acts as an intermediary mechanism between the main transport conveyor and the sorting station. It provides the necessary spacing and positioning that enables accurate sensor detection and reliable automated sorting

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If a separate indexing and measuring conveyor is added, then automated separation and measurement are enabled, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated separation and measurement capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity of conveyor system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The indexing conveyor is integrated with the telescopic conveyor structure, sharing common support elements and control systems. This merging of functions allows automated separation and measurement capabilities to be added without proportionally increasing overall system complexity or space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The indexing conveyor serves multiple functions: it creates spacing between shipments, enables length measurement, and facilitates automated sorting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Area of stationary object

If the telescopic conveyor is made compact, then space efficiency is improved, but the integration of measurement and sorting equipment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefootprint of telescopic conveyorVSAvoidability to integrate measurement and sorting equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The indexing conveyor and measurement equipment are nested within or integrated into the existing telescopic conveyor structure. The sensor and indexing mechanism share space with the telescopic segments and support frame, allowing compact integration without sacrificing measurement and sorting capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3883868B1Telescopic conveyor with integrated indexing and measuring conveying means

Publication Date: 2024.05.22 CHRISTEN HANSUELI

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a telescopic conveyor with an integrated indexing and measuring conveying means (10), the telescopic conveyor having a frame (20), at least one telescopic segment (30, 32) which is mounted to extend with respect to the frame (20), a transporting conveying means (40), and an indexing and measuring conveying means (10). The transporting conveying means (40) is driven at a first conveying speed (vi) and is supported on the at least one telescopic segment (30, 32) and on the frame (20). The indexing and measuring conveying means (10) is arranged on a discharge side (41) of the transporting conveying means (40), the indexing and measuring conveying means (10) being mounted on the same frame (20) and being driven at a second conveying speed (V2), the second conveying speed (V2) being greater than the first conveying speed (vi).