Variable Speed Conveyor Sorting Card Data Carriers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dispensing apparatuses for card-shaped data carriers require complex and space-consuming switch mechanisms and conveyor lines, leading to operational errors and increased installation space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A dispensing apparatus that uses a drive means operable at two different speed levels to sort card-shaped data carriers, eliminating the need for a switch mechanism and multiple conveyor lines by forwarding error-free data carriers at a higher speed into one receptacle and defective ones at a lower speed into another, utilizing gravity for separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a switch mechanism with multiple conveyor lines is used for sorting data carriers, then data carriers can be sorted into different receptacles, but the device complexity and installation space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex switch mechanism and multiple conveyor lines from the system. Instead, a single conveyor line is used with variable speed control to achieve sorting, extracting the unnecessary complex components while maintaining the sorting function through speed differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single conveyor line serves multiple functions: it transports all data carriers and simultaneously performs sorting by adjusting its speed. The drive means controls the conveyor speed to direct different types of data carriers to different receptacles, making the conveyor line a multi-functional component that replaces the dedicated switch mechanism and multiple conveyor lines.
2Reliability
If a switch mechanism with multiple conveyor lines is used for sorting data carriers, then data carriers can be sorted into different receptacles, but the installation space required increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple conveyor lines and a switch mechanism into a single conveyor line with variable speed control. This consolidation reduces the physical space required for the sorting unit while maintaining the ability to sort data carriers into different receptacles based on speed differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single conveyor line performs multiple functions including transport and sorting, eliminating the need for separate dedicated conveyor lines for different data carrier types. This multi-functionality reduces the overall footprint of the sorting unit to approximately 30x30 cm.
3Ease of operation
If a controllable switch mechanism is used for sorting, then data carriers can be directed to different conveyor lines, but the number of moving parts increases leading to more operational errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical switch mechanism with a control system that adjusts the speed of a single conveyor line. Instead of using mechanical moving parts to direct data carriers, the system uses variable speed control to achieve sorting, thereby eliminating the mechanical complexity and associated operational errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor line's speed is dynamically adjusted based on the type of data carrier being processed. The drive means modifies the conveyor speed in real-time to direct different types of data carriers to appropriate receptacles, providing operational flexibility without requiring mechanical switching components.
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 solution simplifies the sorting mechanism, reduces installation space, and ensures reliable operation by effectively separating error-free and defective data carriers using different speed levels and gravity-assisted sorting.
Implementation Method 1
forwarding error-free data carriers at a higher speed into one receptacle and defective ones at a lower speed into another, utilizing gravity for separation
Data Source
AI summary
A dispensing apparatus for dispensing card-shaped data carriers, includes at least one coding unit configured to encode a data carrier with at least one data set, and at least one detection unit configured to detect the functionality of the encoded data carrier. The dispensing apparatus further includes at least one sorting unit having at least one drive means configured to forward the data carrier, wherein the drive means is configured such that the data carrier is forwarded with a first speed upon detection of an error-free data carrier, and the data carrier is forwarded with a second speed upon detection of a defective data carrier, the first speed being different from the second speed.