Wedge-Shaped Transport Tray for Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems for goods, such as flat containers or trays, are complex, prone to damage, and have short service lives due to multi-part designs, making them costly and inefficient for use in mail distribution and logistics centers.
Innovation Solution
A flat, box-shaped transport system with a wedge-shaped or ramped floor that slopes from one side to the other, eliminating the need for side walls and allowing goods to be automatically guided into a predetermined area using gravity, and enabling easy removal by sliding or lifting, with a one-piece polymer construction for increased robustness and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-part designs with frames and base plates are used, then goods can be secured during transport, but the means of transport becomes complex and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the frame and base plate into a single integrated means of transport structure. The base plate is permanently fixed to the frame, eliminating the need for separate components that can become loose or damaged. This merging of parts directly addresses the reliability issue by removing failure points associated with multi-part designs while maintaining the structural integrity needed for goods security.
Solution Approach 2:
The means of transport is divided into two main functional components: the frame structure for security and the base plate for transport, but these are permanently connected. The segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while the permanent connection eliminates the complexity and reliability issues of loose fittings and multiple assembly points.
2Ease of operation
If complex removal mechanisms are used, then goods can be separated from the means of transport, but the device becomes more expensive and less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex removal mechanisms from the means of transport entirely. Instead of incorporating mechanical devices for separating goods, the design relies on the simple geometric relationship between the base plate and frame, allowing goods to be removed by lifting or tilting the entire means of transport. This extraction eliminates costly and complex mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The means of transport is designed to facilitate goods removal through its own structural characteristics rather than requiring additional mechanisms. The base plate's dimensions and positioning relative to the frame create natural leverage points and access areas that enable easy goods removal without external devices, making the system self-sufficient for its operational needs.
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 solution provides a robust, cost-effective means of transporting goods that simplifies the removal process, reduces the risk of damage, and extends the service life by eliminating complex mechanisms and assembly steps, while allowing for efficient stacking and easy integration into existing conveyor systems.
Implementation Method 1
The floor of the means of transport is wedge-shaped or ramp-shaped in such a way that the distance between the supporting surface and the loading surface increases from a first side to the opposite, second side... allowing goods to be automatically guided into a predetermined area using gravity, and enabling easy removal by sliding or lifting
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a transport means (2), which in particular has the form of a flat, box-shaped container or a tray and is suitable for receiving goods (G), especially letters or parcels, and for being transported or moved within a transport and/or distribution system by means of conveyor belts and/or roller conveyors. The transport means has a base (4), the underside of which serves as a support surface (4a) on a substrate and the upper side of which serves as a loading surface (4b) for the goods to be transported. A characteristic feature of the transport means is that the base is wedge- or ramp-shaped such that the distance between the support surface and the loading surface increases from a first side to the opposite second side. The present invention also relates to a transport or distribution system and a method for transporting and distributing goods.