Tray and Carrier Motion Control for Fragile Article Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyance systems fail to accommodate articles with varying physical characteristics, leading to potential damage during sorting and transport, especially for fragile items, due to uniform movement speeds and methods that do not consider article fragility or orientation requirements.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled transport vehicle system that adjusts the manipulation of trays, belts, or carriers based on article characteristics to optimize deposit characteristics such as speed, acceleration, angle, and movement, ensuring minimal damage by customizing the sorting process for each article.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional conveyance systems use uniform movement speeds and methods for all articles, then the system operation is simple and consistent, but fragile articles may be damaged due to incompatible movement characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the conveyance system adaptable and adjustable rather than fixed. The system can modify movement speeds, acceleration rates, and handling methods dynamically based on the specific physical characteristics of each article being transported, thereby preventing damage to fragile items while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying key operational parameters such as movement speed, acceleration, and handling force according to the article's fragility and physical properties. This allows the system to optimize transport conditions for each article type, reducing damage risk without requiring a completely new system architecture
2Productivity
If articles are diverted while in motion on fixed track conveyance systems, then sorting efficiency is improved, but moving divert operations can cause damage to fragile articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preparing the article and conveyance system in advance for the divert operation. The system adjusts the article's position, reduces its speed, and modifies its orientation before diversion occurs, thereby minimizing the impact and potential damage during the sorting process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing preparatory steps before the actual divert operation. These include positioning the article correctly on the conveyance system, adjusting movement parameters, and ensuring the article is ready for safe diversion, which enables efficient sorting while protecting fragile items
3Productivity
If articles are dropped into totes or chutes from conveyance systems, then the sorting process is completed efficiently, but impact damage occurs to fragile articles during deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by preparing cushioning materials or protective structures in advance at the deposition location. These cushioning elements are positioned ready to receive articles before they are dropped, reducing the impact force and preventing damage to fragile items during the sorting process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by adjusting the article's velocity and trajectory before deposition. The system reduces the article's speed and controls its landing orientation in advance, ensuring that even when dropped into totes or chutes, the impact is minimized and damage is prevented
4Reliability
If cushioning is added to totes or chutes to protect fragile articles, then impact protection is improved, but glass-on-glass impact between articles still causes damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by controlling the deposition sequence and spacing of articles. The system ensures that fragile articles are deposited one at a time or with adequate spacing, preventing glass-on-glass impact between multiple articles in the same tote or chute, thereby eliminating the need for additional cushioning complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Method of transporting an article with a computer controlled transport vehicle to a destination includes transporting an article carried by a computer controlled transport vehicle to a destination, wherein a tray, belt, or carrier attached to the computer controlled transport vehicle engages the article. The method further includes determining a characteristic for the article. The method furthermore includes manipulating the tray, belt, or carrier from a first position to a second position to deposit the article at the destination, wherein the manipulation of the tray, belt, or carrier is adjusted based on the characteristic determined for the article to adjust a deposit characteristic of the article.