Terminal Chute Speed Control for Parcel Damage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor systems in parcel distribution centers face issues of damage to parcels due to gravitational sliding and frequent jams, particularly at terminals with steep inclines and narrow chutes, leading to potential damage and pressure on parcels.
Innovation Solution
The conveyor arrangement incorporates adjustable side guides, tumble detection systems, and multiple braking mechanisms, including brake belts and pushers, to control parcel speed and prevent tumbling, along with adaptable chute widths and height adjustments to mitigate damage and jams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If inclined chutes are used to overcome height differences, then parcels are conveyed from sorter to terminal, but parcel damage occurs due to gravitational sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is divided into multiple sections with different inclinations. The first section has a steeper incline for faster conveying, while the second section has a gentler incline to reduce impact speed and prevent damage at the terminal discharge point.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination angle parameter of the chute is changed along its length. The chute transitions from a steeper angle at the inlet to a gentler angle at the outlet, optimizing both conveying efficiency and parcel safety.
2Area of stationary object
If narrow chutes are used at terminals, then space is optimized, but parcel jams frequently occur
Solution Approach 1:
The chute width is made variable rather than fixed. The chute can dynamically adjust its width to accommodate different parcel sizes and prevent jams, while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of parcel characteristics before the parcel enters the narrow chute section, allowing the chute width to be adjusted in advance to prevent potential jams.
3Productivity
If steep inclines are used in chutes, then height differences are overcome efficiently, but parcel damage increases due to higher speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The chute is segmented into a first section with steeper incline for efficient height overcoming and a second section with gentler incline for safe parcel discharge, separating the functions of speed generation and speed reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The second gentler chute section acts as an intermediary between the high-speed first section and the terminal, gradually reducing parcel speed to prevent impact damage while maintaining overall conveying 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
The solution effectively reduces parcel damage and jams by controlling speed, preventing tumbling, and optimizing chute dimensions, ensuring safer and more efficient parcel transfer.
Implementation Method 1
the terminal chute (11, 12, . . . ) is inclined downwardly in the conveying direction (F) so that the conveyed object (9) is conveyed in a gravitationally sliding manner
Data Source
AI summary
SUMMARYConveyor arrangement (1), comprising a terminal chute (11, 12, . . . ), adapted tothe takeover a conveyed object (9), in particular a postal parcel (9), at a takeover area (A1), in particular from an upstream feed in device (7);for transferring the conveyed object (9) at a transfer area (A3), in particular at a terminal (4);for transmitting the conveyed object (9) in a chute area (A2) from the takeover area (A1) to the transfer area (A3),wherein the terminal chute is inclined downwardly in the conveying direction (F) so that the conveyed object (9) is conveyed in a gravitationally sliding manner,in particular comprising means for reducing damage to the conveyed material.