Tipped Container Unloading via Parallel Conveyor Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for unloading packages from containers require significant space and multiple unloading points, leading to inefficiencies in throughput and handling, as containers need to be moved and handled at different times and locations for unloading and reuse.
Innovation Solution
A method where containers are moved along a guided path with a conveyor belt positioned parallel to the path, allowing for simultaneous conveying and unloading by tipping the containers sideways, enabling packages to slide onto the conveyor belt while maintaining continuous container movement and reducing space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple unloading points and buffer areas are provided to increase throughput, then the unloading capacity is improved, but the space requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the conveying function and unloading function into a single integrated system. The container is conveyed along a path and unloaded by tipping at a specific location along that path, eliminating the need for separate buffer areas and multiple unloading points. This merging of functions maintains high throughput while significantly reducing the space requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a discrete, multi-point unloading system to a continuous, linear unloading system. By arranging the conveyor belt parallel to the container path and enabling tipping at any point along the path, the system uses the linear dimension of the container path to replace the areal dimension of buffer zones, thereby reducing overall space requirements.
2Ease of operation
If containers are moved to separate unloading points for emptying, then the unloading process is simplified, but the handling time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous container movement along a defined path, with unloading occurring seamlessly during the conveyance process. The container is tipped and emptied at a specific location along the path without interrupting the overall flow, and then immediately righted and continued on its journey. This continuous action eliminates idle handling time while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is prepared for unloading in advance by positioning it along the conveyance path where it will be tipped. The side wall opening is pre-positioned to face the conveyor belt, and the tipping mechanism is ready ahead of time, allowing for rapid and simple unloading without complex on-site operations.
3Productivity
If containers are tipped sideways during movement to unload packages, then the unloading speed is improved, but the container handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic container handling where the container transitions from an upright position during conveyance to a tipped position during unloading, and then back to upright. This dynamic adjustment allows the container to be unloaded rapidly by gravity while maintaining stability during transport, achieving high unloading speed without excessive complexity through controlled positional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The container's own geometry and the gravity field are utilized to perform the unloading function. By tipping the container sideways, the packages automatically slide out onto the conveyor belt without requiring additional active mechanisms. The container essentially unloads itself through gravitational force, reducing the complexity of the handling system while maintaining high unloading speed.
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 approach simplifies and accelerates the infeed and removal of containers, reduces space needs for handling, and allows for higher throughput by eliminating the need for additional unloading stations and minimizing dwell times, as containers can be reused quickly without separate handling steps.
Implementation Method 1
the packages slide out of the tipped containers onto the conveyor belt
Data Source
AI summary
A method for unloading packages from a container, in particular a roller container. The method requires relatively little space, and the method involves a container guide and a conveyor belt, in which the containers are moved successively along a container path by the container guide. At least in some section or sections, the conveyor belt extends to the side of and at least substantially parallel to the container path. The containers are tipped sideways in the direction of the conveyor belt during the movement along the container guide and along the conveyor belt predetermined by the container path. The packages slide out of the tipped containers onto the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt conveys the packages that have slid out of the container onwards, and the emptied tipped containers are righted again during the movement along the container guide predetermined by the container path.