Tray Separation via Longitudinal Cavity and Movable Conveyor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated logistics systems for separating trays and products require costly and complex elements, leading to high maintenance and increased costs, and often necessitate manual intervention, limiting efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A separating system featuring a tray with a longitudinal cavity and a movable conveyor element that adopts two positions to transport the tray and product separately, using a bar and belt conveyor to facilitate automated separation without direct human intervention, allowing for efficient and versatile product handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If mechanical gripping arms are used to remove products from trays, then automation is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the separation process into two independent paths: one for products (via bars through tray cavities) and one for trays (via the conveyor). This eliminates the need for complex mechanical arms by dividing the function into simpler, separate mechanisms that work in parallel.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray cavities serve as intermediaries that receive bars, which then become the mediating element to lift and transport products separately from trays. This intermediary mechanism replaces complex mechanical arms with a simpler cavity-bar-product interaction system.
2Extent of automation
If multiple rods are used to lift articles through tray holes, then automation is improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bars introduced through the cavities serve multiple functions: they lift products, transport them horizontally, and can be repositioned. This multi-functional element replaces the need for separate lifting mechanisms and complex extraction systems, reducing implementation cost while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses movable bars that can be dynamically inserted and extracted from tray cavities based on the separation needs. This dynamic approach allows the same mechanism to adapt to different tray and product configurations without requiring multiple fixed complex structures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If complex extraction systems are used to avoid direct contact with rods, then product protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bars themselves serve as the contact element with products, but they are designed to be simple, smooth, and easily controllable. The system uses the bars' direct contact in a controlled manner rather than avoiding contact through complex mechanisms, achieving product protection through simple, manageable direct interaction.
4Device complexity
If manual separation is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The bars are pre-positioned and ready to be inserted into tray cavities. The system prepares the separation elements in advance, allowing rapid automated insertion and separation without complex real-time decision-making or complex mechanical manipulation, thus maintaining simplicity while increasing productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a separating system for separating a tray (2) and at least one product (1) placed thereon wherein the tray (2) comprises at least one longitudinal cavity (2a) in the contact surface with said product (1); and wherein the system comprises: an input conveyor element (3) of the tray (2) and of said product (1) placed thereon; a first output conveyor element (5) of said product (1); a second output conveyor element (6) of said tray (2); at least one bar (7) placed between the input conveyor element (3) and between the first output conveyor element (5); and a movable conveyor element (8) configured to adopt two positions: a) a first position in which the movable conveyor element (8) is placed between the input conveyor element (3) and the second output conveyor element (6); and b) a second position in which the movable conveyor element (8) is placed between the input conveyor element (3) and the first output conveyor element (5).