Tilting Tray Sorting Apparatus Using Gravity and Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tilting tray products sorting apparatus are costly due to complex mechanisms and the difficulty in modifying conveyor paths, as they typically require custom-designed conveyors and complex tilting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The use of common, commercially available conveyors like belt or driven roller conveyors with a simpler tilting mechanism, where carriages with trays are constructed from inexpensive materials such as plywood or particleboard, and a latch mechanism allows the trays to pivot between level and tilted positions for unloading, with tipping elements and leveling arms to manage the tilting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom-designed conveyors and complex tilting mechanisms are used, then the sorting apparatus achieves reliable product sorting, but the cost and device complexity significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tilting mechanism is segmented into modular components: a latch member with legs that can be independently positioned, tipping elements that act separately on each leg, and a carriage structure that separates the tray tilting function from the conveyor function. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and inexpensive while collectively achieving reliable sorting
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex mechanism to actively tilt the tray, the invention inverts the approach by using gravity and simple latch release. The tray is designed to naturally tilt when the latch is released, eliminating the need for motors, hydraulics, or complex linkages typically required for tilting operations
2Reliability
If custom-designed conveyors are used, then the sorting apparatus achieves reliable product sorting, but the ease of manufacture and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor system is designed to be universal by using standard, off-the-shelf conveyor components rather than custom-built systems. The carriage and tray assembly can be adapted to work with various conveyor types, making the system easier to manufacture and allowing for straightforward modifications to conveyor paths without redesigning the entire system
3Reliability
If complex tilting mechanisms are used, then the sorting apparatus achieves reliable product unloading, but the cost and ease of manufacture worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage and tray are constructed from inexpensive materials such as plywood, particleboard, or other suitable planar materials. These components are designed to be economical and can be easily replaced or modified, eliminating the need for expensive, precision-machined tilting mechanisms while maintaining reliable product unloading functionality
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 reduces the cost and complexity of the sorting apparatus while allowing easy modification of conveyor paths, enabling efficient and reliable product sorting with reduced operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
The products carriages gravitationally rest on the conveyor carrying and traversing surface and are thereby traversed between the loading station and the unloading stations
Implementation Method 2
the latch member is pivotable about the latch pivot axis between a latched position whereat the legs extend between the latch pivot axis and the base thereby preventing rotation of the carrying tray
Data Source
AI summary
A tilting tray products sorting apparatus employing belt and/or driven rollers conveyors for traversing tilting tray carriages between loading and unloading stations. A latch member between the carriage carrying tray and base is pivotable between a latched position for maintaining the tray level, and an unlatched position for tilting the tray. Tipping elements at each unloading station are selectively extended for engaging and pivoting the latch member to its unlatched position and tipping the tray. The tipping tray center of gravity maintains the tray in its tipped position. Leveling arms adjacent the conveyor engage tipped trays for pivoting them back to a level position and thereby pivoting the latch member to its latched position. The carriages gravitationally rest on and frictionally engage the conveyor carrying and traversing surface. Side walls along the conveyor maintain the carriages on the conveyor carrying and traversing surface.