Terminal Device Segmentation for Fine Object Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sorting systems face challenges in fine distribution of objects beyond their destination area, as the number of terminal devices is often limited by space and existing systems lack efficient methods for distributing objects based on additional criteria like destination addresses and dimensions without requiring additional terminal devices.
Innovation Solution
A sorting system with a terminal device featuring two object stores and a transport device that directs objects along different paths to these stores, allowing for fine distribution based on predetermined criteria, such as destination addresses and dimensions, without the need for additional terminal devices. The transport device includes a non-driven gravity conveyor or a conveyor with a reversible drive, enabling objects to be directed to either store based on specific parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If additional terminal devices are installed to enable finer distribution of objects, then distribution precision is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device is segmented into multiple object storage units (first and second storage units) within a single device. The transport device can direct objects to different storage units based on distribution criteria, achieving fine distribution without adding more terminal devices. This segmentation allows precise object routing while maintaining system compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport device is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can transport objects to either the first or second storage unit based on different distribution criteria. This universal transport mechanism replaces the need for separate dedicated transport paths for each storage unit, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining distribution precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional terminal devices are installed to enable finer distribution of objects, then distribution precision is improved, but available space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device utilizes three-dimensional space by arranging multiple object storage units vertically or in different spatial planes rather than only horizontally. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to achieve fine distribution capability without proportionally increasing the floor space occupied, effectively solving the space constraint problem.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple object storage units are nested or arranged within the footprint of a single terminal device. The first and second storage units are positioned such that they share the same general spatial envelope, allowing the system to provide fine distribution capabilities while minimizing the area occupied on the sorter line.
3Device complexity
If a single object storage unit is used in the terminal device, then device complexity is reduced, but storage capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The storage capacity is segmented into multiple object storage units (first and second storage units) within the terminal device. Each storage unit can hold objects, and the combined capacity of both units provides significantly more storage space than a single unit would offer, while the segmentation is managed through a unified transport device.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple storage units are merged into a single terminal device under the control of one transport device. The transport device manages objects for both storage units through coordinated operation, combining the functionality of multiple storage locations while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture through centralized 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
This configuration allows for a more efficient and space-saving distribution of objects within the terminal device, increasing storage capacity and enabling distribution according to multiple criteria without requiring additional terminal devices, thus addressing the need for finer sorting in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The transport device (18) is configured to transport the objects (4) introduced by the sorter (6) into the terminal device (10) either along a first transport path to a first object storage area (12) or along a second transport path to a second object storage area (14)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sorting system (2a-2d) for sorting objects (4, 4a, 4b), which comprises a sorter (6) for conveying objects (4, 4a, 4b) and an end-station device (10) for receiving objects (4, 4a, 4b), wherein the sorter (6) is configured to introduce at least some of the objects (4, 4a, 4b) conveyed on the sorter (6) into the end-station device (10) along an object insertion direction (58) which is different from a local object conveying direction (60) of the sorter (6) in an area of the sorter (6) adjacent to the end-station device (10).To enable cost-effective fine distribution of the objects (4, 4a, 4b), it is proposed that the terminal device (10) comprises a first object storage unit (12), a second object storage unit (14), and a transport device (18), wherein the transport device (18) is configured to transport the objects (4, 4a, 4b) introduced into the terminal device (10) by the sorter (6) either along a first transport path to the first object storage unit (12) or along a second transport path to the second object storage unit (14). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for sorting objects (4, 4a, 4b) in a sorting system (2a-2d).