The paper presents the application ranges of non-gripper sorting manipulators for unit loads (rectangular objects – e.g., postal parcels) transported continuously on conveyors. The performance characteristics of the manipulators were determined based on numerical optimization of sorting process models. The theoretical models required during optimization include studies of physical phenomena occurring during the interaction of the object with the manipulator’s working member. Impact-type reaction forces are defined by a modified nonlinear Kelvin model, and curvilinear frictional properties are defined using a B-spline curve. During the analysis, kinematic structures of manipulators were considered, which are representative technical solutions of currently used methods for applying an impulse to direct objects to new transport lines in logistics centers.The problem of sorting unit products exists wherever there is a high concentration of them. (…)
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Source: Logistics Magazine 6/2008