Vibratory Disgorgement of Objects in Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object distribution systems rely heavily on human intervention to sort and distribute objects of varying sizes and weights, which is inefficient and costly, especially when dealing with disorganized and fragile items.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a container handling system with a lift and rotate mechanism to tilt containers to a disgorgement angle, combined with vibration actuators to induce controlled slipping of objects, allowing for efficient and controlled disgorgement of objects onto a conveyor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are tipped over to empty contents manually, then the emptying process is simple and quick, but fragile items are crushed in the avalanche of goods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibratory motion to the container at controlled frequencies and amplitudes to induce gradual disgorgement of objects. The vibration causes objects to shift and slide out individually or in small groups rather than collapsing in an avalanche, thereby protecting fragile items while maintaining efficient emptying rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic vibratory cycles with controlled duration and intensity to progressively empty the container. By applying vibration in repeated cycles rather than continuously or all at once, the system allows objects to be discharged in a controlled sequence, preventing crushing while maintaining productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If human workers manually sort objects from disorganized groupings, then flexibility in handling various object types is maintained, but labor costs increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows objects to self-sort and self-distribute onto the conveyor system through controlled vibratory motion. Objects naturally arrange themselves and feed onto the conveyor without requiring manual handling, thereby eliminating labor costs while maintaining the ability to handle diverse object types through the same automated mechanism.
3Extent of automation
If conventional sorting systems use a rigid sequence of operations with singulated streams, then automated processing is achieved, but the systems cannot efficiently handle disorganized objects of varying sizes and weights
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically adjustable vibratory parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) that can be modified in real-time based on the characteristics of the objects being handled. This dynamic control allows the same automated system to adapt to different object types, sizes, and weights without requiring reconfiguration or manual intervention.
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
The system effectively reduces damage to fragile items by controlling the disgorgement process, increases efficiency by automating the sorting and distribution of objects, and reduces labor costs by minimizing human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
vibration actuators to induce controlled slipping of objects
Implementation Method 2
rotation means for rotating the container to a disgorgement angle
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for controlling the disgorging of objects. The system includes a container system including a container for containing objects, rotation means for rotating the container to a disgorgement angle, and movement means for moving at least a portion of the container system in a repetitious manner with a net zero distance of travel of the at least the portion of the container system such that the objects are disgorged from the container at a controlled rate of disgorgement.