US 11,958,694 B2 · Magnetic XY sorting conveyor

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide a sorting system using the principles of linear motors to move a magnetized mat in multiple directions. The sorting system uses a series of stator coils in particular patterns to direct the magnetized mat along predefined looping pathways such that the magnetized mat can move articles in a desired direction. Embodiments include the use of multiple magnetized mats to improve package sorting rates. The magnetized mat is comprised of a plurality of magnetized and non-magnetized tiles which are connected using flexible tabs that form a living hinge. The living hinge flexes and allows the mat to travel along the predefined looping pathways. The sorting system may be used as a node in a larger grid sorting system and may be connected to conveyors, chutes, or other means for moving articles.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A sorter comprising:

a first XY-stator, a first tile assembly, and a controller,
wherein said first XY-stator comprises a first set of X-stator coils, a first set of Y-stator coils, and a first plurality of Hall sensors;
wherein said first set of X-stator coils is flush with said first set of Y-stator coils;
wherein said first XY-stator is operatively connected to said controller;
wherein said first tile assembly comprises a first plurality of tiles;
wherein said first plurality of tiles includes a first plurality of magnetic tiles and a first plurality of non-magnetic tiles;
and
wherein said controller is configured to receive signals from said first plurality of Hall sensors and is configured to selectively apply currents to said first set of X-stator coils and to said first set of Y-stator coils in order to direct motion of said first tile assembly.

5 more elements

A sorter comprising:

a first XY-stator, a second XY-stator, a plurality of curved sets of stator coils, a plurality of tile assemblies, and a controller;
wherein said first XY-stator comprises a first set of X-stator coils, a first set of Y-stator coils, and a first plurality of Hall sensors;
and said first set of X-stator coils is flush with said first set of Y-stator coils;
wherein said second XY-stator comprises a second set of X-stator coils, a second set of Y-stator coils, and a second plurality of Hall sensors;
and said second set of X-stator coils is flush with said second set of Y-stator coils;
wherein said first XY-stator is operatively connected to said controller;
wherein said second XY-stator is operatively connected to said controller;
wherein each of said plurality of curved sets of stator coils comprises an additional set of Hall sensors and is operatively connected to said controller;
wherein each of said plurality of tile assemblies respectively comprises a plurality of tiles;
wherein each said plurality of tiles includes a plurality of magnetic tiles and a plurality of non-magnetic tiles;
wherein an edge of said first XY-stator is adjacent to a top edge of each of said plurality of curved sets of stator coils and an edge of said second XY-stator is adjacent to a bottom edge of each of said plurality of curved sets of stator coils;
wherein said controller is configured to receive signals from said first plurality of Hall sensors, said second plurality of Hall sensors, and each said additional set of Hall sensors, and is configured to selectively apply currents to said first set of X-stator coils, to said first set of Y-stator coils, to said second set of X-stator coils, to said second set of Y-stator coils, and to each additional set of stator coils, in order to direct motion of said plurality of tile assemblies.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Magnetic XY sorting conveyor

Life of this patent

Magnetic XY sorting conveyor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24