Model of the process of load unit stream sorting by means of flexible active fence

The paper presents results of simulation of a sorting process applied to a stream of unit loads (cubiform parcels) carried on a belt conveyer. The sorting was performed by means of an active fence (a springy arm, of one degree of freedom, making rotary motion over the conveyer). The examination was based on theoretical models, in which elastic-damping properties of the manipulated load were described by a modified Kelvin model, and those of the arm – with the use of the Timoshenko beam model. The equation describing the motion of the fence along with the interacting object was derived based on the method of rigid finite elements (RFE). The developed model makes it possible to assess the influence of the fence’s constructional and exploitation parameters on the process of sorting, and evaluate dynamic forces exerted on the manipulated loads.