Vertically Adjustable Sortation Tables for Multi-Directional Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional conveyor systems require multiple interconnected devices for various sortation operations, increasing system size and reducing throughput due to the need for distinct tilt trays for each direction of transfer.

Innovation Solution

An integrated, multi-directional sortation device with an adjustable frame and pivotally attached sortation table that performs tilt operations to transfer articles to multiple locations at varying vertical positions, using rollers and a controller for precise sorting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interconnected conveyor devices are used for sortation operations, then sortation capability is improved, but system size increases and throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesortation capabilityVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sortation functions into a single conveyor device. The conveyor can perform crosswise transfer, longitudinal transfer, and vertical transfer operations within one integrated system, eliminating the need for multiple separate interconnected conveyor devices while maintaining comprehensive sortation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various sortation operations. By incorporating adjustable transfer points and variable conveyor orientations, a single device can handle multiple sortation scenarios that previously required different specialized devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple interconnected conveyor devices are used for sortation operations, then sortation capability is improved, but throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesortation capabilityVSAvoidthroughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated conveyor system enables continuous operation without the interruptions and transfer delays inherent in multiple interconnected devices. The seamless integration of various transfer operations within one device maintains continuous material flow, thereby improving throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Manufacturing precision

If distinct tilt trays are used for each direction of transfer, then transfer precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable transfer points that can change orientation and position during operation. The conveyor can adjust the tilt angle and transfer direction in real-time, eliminating the need for multiple fixed tilt trays for different directions. This dynamic adaptability maintains transfer precision while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor system changes operational parameters such as tilt angle, transfer direction, and conveyor speed dynamically. By adjusting these parameters, a single conveyor can achieve precise transfers in multiple directions without requiring multiple specialized tilt trays, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enhances throughput and efficiency by allowing articles to be sorted and transferred to multiple destinations with a single device, reducing the overall system size and improving conveyor network performance.

Implementation Method 1

The sortation device is configured to perform a tilt operation in which the sortation table rotates about the pivotal attachment between the sortation table and the adjustable frame so as to convey the article supported by the sortation table

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

The adjustable frame is configured to adjust a vertical position of the sortation table so as to modify a vertical position at which the article is conveyed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVertical adjustment:

Implementation Method 3

At least a portion of the first end or the second end of the sortation table is configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position so as to modify a length of the body measured between the first end and the second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExtension and retraction:

Data Source

PatentEP4273075B1Vertically adjustable sortation devices and systems

Publication Date: 2025.07.09 INTELLIGRATED HEADQUARTERS LLC

Figure 1~1A
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

Devices and systems are provided for improved article sortation. An example sortation device includes a height adjustable frame and a sortation table movably attached to the height adjustable frame. The sortation table defines a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a body extending therebetween. The body defines a first surface that supports an article thereon where a location of the body between the first end and the second end pivotally attaches the sortation table with the height adjustable frame. The sortation device performs a tilt operation in which the sortation table rotates about the pivotal attachment between the second end and the height adjustable frame so as to convey the article supported by the sortation table. The height adjustable frame adjusts a vertical position of the sortation table so as to modify a vertical position at which the article is conveyed.