Tray Frame Lowering Mechanism for Continuous Conveyor Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for unloading trays on conveyor belts require stopping the conveyor and use specialized equipment, limiting flexibility and speed, especially when handling dissimilar and heavy articles.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a lowering device to move the tray frame without vertical movement of the transport plate, allowing for high-speed unloading without stopping, using support elements and a stripper to maintain a constant level and facilitate article removal, reducing the need for precise synchronization and additional equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If trays are stopped at specific stations for unloading, then articles can be unloaded with specialized equipment, but conveyor speed is reduced and time is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static unloading process into a dynamic one by enabling unloading during continuous conveyor movement. The lowering device actively moves the tray frame downward while the conveyor maintains its speed, allowing articles to be stripped off without stopping the conveyor line.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray frame is lowered in advance before the articles need to be removed. By preemptively lowering the frame during conveyor movement, the system prepares the tray for unloading without requiring the conveyor to stop, thus maintaining productivity while enabling easy article removal.
2Ease of operation
If lifting members raise articles vertically for processing, then articles can be handled, but synchronization between conveyors is required and speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of lifting the articles vertically as in conventional systems, this invention inverts the approach by lowering the tray frame while keeping the articles at a constant level on the transport plate. This eliminates the need for synchronization between multiple conveyors and allows continuous high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is segmented into a movable frame and a stationary transport plate. This segmentation allows the frame to be lowered independently while the transport plate remains at a constant level, enabling article handling without vertical movement and without synchronization requirements.
3Ease of operation
If articles are moved vertically during unloading, then they can be stripped from trays, but heavy articles cannot be handled reliably
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than moving articles vertically to strip them from trays, the system inverts the approach by lowering the tray frame while maintaining the transport plate at a constant level. This allows articles, including heavy ones, to be stripped without vertical movement, ensuring reliable handling.
4Ease of operation
If specialized equipment is used for unloading at stopped stations, then unloading can be performed, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lowering device serves multiple functions: it enables continuous conveyor operation, facilitates article stripping without specialized equipment, and handles various tray types. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized unloading equipment at stopped stations, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for unloading trays loaded with articles using a first supply conveyor on which trays to be unloaded are delivered. The trays include a frame with a peripheral raised edge and a base having at least one aperture and a transport plate for the articles, the transport trays being positioned on the base of the frame. A lowering device is provided for lowering the frame of the tray, substantially without vertical movement of the transport plate.