Transfer Station Cargo Receptacle Sorting via Dynamic Holder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo delivery systems face inefficiencies in sorting and handling due to the need for large, capital-intensive sorting centers, which hinder the reduction of cargo delivery times despite limitations in transportation speed.
Innovation Solution
A transfer station equipped with a transfer device featuring holder components, platforms, and electronic tracking systems that can move and manage cargo receptacles between storage units, allowing for direct sorting and handling without the need for separate conveyor systems, enabling dynamic assignment and rearrangement of cargo storage units and receptacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large sorting centers are used for cargo sorting, then sorting capability is improved, but capital investment and infrastructure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cargo storage system into multiple independent storage units that can be individually handled and sorted. Each storage unit acts as an independent module that can be moved and positioned separately, eliminating the need for a single large complex sorting center. This segmentation allows distributed sorting operations across multiple smaller units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability where storage units can be moved, repositioned, and reassigned based on real-time sorting requirements. The system transitions from static fixed sorting centers to dynamic mobile storage units that can adapt their positions and configurations, enabling flexible sorting operations without permanent infrastructure.
2Extent of automation
If traditional conveyor systems are used for cargo handling, then cargo movement is automated, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of cargo handling from complex conveyor systems and implements it through simpler holder components that can directly grasp, hold, and move storage units. The holder components perform the core automation function without requiring extensive conveyor infrastructure, reducing system complexity while maintaining automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder components serve as intermediary elements between the automated control system and the cargo storage units. These holders enable automated handling by mediating the interaction, allowing robotic or automated mechanisms to securely grasp and transport storage units without complex conveyor systems.
3Device complexity
If fixed cargo storage configurations are used, then infrastructure is simplified, but adaptability to changing logistics requirements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability where storage units can be moved, repositioned, and reassigned based on real-time logistics requirements. The system transitions from static fixed sorting centers to dynamic mobile storage units that can adapt their positions and configurations, enabling flexible sorting operations without permanent infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder components are designed as universal multi-functional elements that can handle different types of storage units and perform various operations (grasping, holding, moving, positioning). This universality allows the same infrastructure to adapt to changing logistics requirements without requiring specialized equipment for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A transfer station configured to handle cargo receptacles, wherein the transfer station includes: a transfer device that includes at least one holder component configured to hold and release cargo receptacles, at least one platform configured to support the cargo receptacles, at least one transfer device frame extending in a vertical direction, in which the at least one platform is mounted in a vertically displaceable manner, the transfer device frame includes at least one lifting drive component configured to vertically displace the platform, a base member on which the transfer device frame is mounted, an electronic circuit configured to control the operation of at least one component of the transfer station.