Preventing Package Jams in the Logistics Center

The CMMT magnetic field sensor proactively prevents downtimes in logistics operations

Several packages in a busy logistics center move along a conveyor line consisting of a network of conveyor belts, infeeds, outfeeds and sorting machines. Any magnets in the packages can get stuck on metal parts along the conveyor line, causing jams that not only significantly impair the operational process, but can also damage the conveyor line or the packages themselves. Preventing jams is therefore essential. Packages with strong magnets must be identified in good time and removed for separate handling.

Your Benefits

Increased availability through early prevention of conveyor belt jams
Effective use of IO-Link for decentralized automation
Cost avoidance through preventive measures
Proactive identification of packages to be handled separately

Packages move along a conveyor line with conveyor belts, infeeds, outfeeds and sorting machines
Magnets in packages get stuck on metal parts of the conveyor line and cause expensive jams
Strategically placed CMMT magnetic field sensors detect changes in flux density prevent jams

Proactive jam prevention

The logistics center endeavors to find a preventive solution to proactively prevent costly package jams and ensure smooth operation. The integration of the CMMT magnetic field sensor enables the early detection of magnets in the packages in order to initiate suitable measures to prevent jams. Thanks to its non-contact, multi-axis detection of magnets, the sensor can identify potential disruptive factors at the infeed even before the packages reach the actual conveyor line.

Efficient positioning and flexible installation

To ensure comprehensive monitoring, three CMMT magnetic field sensors are strategically positioned along the infeed. As no specific alignment of an active face is required, they can be positioned both on the side walls and between the rollers of the conveyor belt to save space. All that is needed is a small recess between the conveyor rollers of the infeed. This arrangement enables the sensors to detect changes in the magnetic flux density as the packages pass them.

Increased availability through preventive measures

As soon as one of the CMMT magnetic field sensors detects that the limit value has been exceeded, it signals this to the conveyor belt controller via IO-Link. This triggers ejection to prevent a possible package jam. The package flow can continue on the actual conveyor line by the PLC stopping the infeed. At the same time, an LED light indicates to staff that the package in question should be handled separately.

Optimized integration and commissioning with TAS

The Turck Automation Suite (TAS) IIoT platform offers comprehensive functions for the configuration and optimized commissioning of CMMT magnetic field sensors. The magnetic field monitor app displays the data from the IO-Link sensors graphically, making configuration easier. In order to save time during commissioning and maintenance, it is also possible to configure several devices simultaneously using the batch functions. This enables intuitive and efficient configuration of the sensors.

The use of CMMT magnetic field sensors in this solution increases system availability through the early detection of strong magnets and the prevention of conveyor belt jams, thereby minimizing downtime costs.

Further Information

At a Glance: Condition Monitoring Greenfield

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