3D Collision Sensor Orientation for Forklift Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-dimensional, planar collision sensors on fork lifts face challenges in positioning due to limited space and orientation requirements, making it difficult to mount them in a stable, robust, and non-obstructive manner, especially in slimmer designs with reduced available space.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional collision sensor system that automatically detects the gravitational direction upon powering up and determines its orientation using a directional parameter, allowing for flexible mounting in various orientations (upright, lying down, or on its side), facilitating easier and more versatile positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two-dimensional planar collision sensors are mounted on fork lifts, then collision detection capability is provided, but positioning becomes difficult due to limited space and orientation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar collision sensors to three-dimensional collision sensors that can detect collisions from any direction. This dimensional upgrade allows the sensor to be mounted in various orientations (upright, lying down, or on its side) without compromising detection capability, thereby resolving the positioning difficulty caused by limited space and orientation constraints on fork lifts.
2Measurement precision
If two-dimensional planar collision sensors are mounted in specific orientations, then correct collision direction detection is achieved, but mounting flexibility is reduced due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a three-dimensional collision sensor with accelerometers on all three axes (x, y, and z), the system achieves full-directional collision detection capability. This eliminates the need for specific mounting orientations required by two-dimensional sensors, as the three-dimensional sensor can accurately detect collision directions regardless of how it is positioned on the fork lift structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensional collision sensor is designed to perform collision detection in all spatial directions simultaneously, making it universally applicable to various mounting positions on fork lifts. The sensor can be mounted upright, lying down, or on its side, and will still provide accurate collision detection, thereby achieving both measurement precision and mounting flexibility.
3Productivity
If fork lift designs become slimmer with more equipment, then functionality is improved, but available space for sensor mounting decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional collision sensor compensates for reduced mounting space by utilizing all three spatial dimensions for detection. Instead of requiring a large planar area like two-dimensional sensors, the three-dimensional sensor achieves comprehensive collision detection with a more compact form factor, making it suitable for slimmer fork lift designs with limited available space.
4Ease of repair
If two-dimensional planar collision sensors are positioned to avoid obstruction, then maintenance access is improved, but positioning options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional collision sensor maintains its collision detection effectiveness across all mounting positions, including those that facilitate maintenance access. Unlike two-dimensional sensors that require specific orientations for proper functionality, the three-dimensional sensor can be mounted in positions that do not obstruct maintenance activities while still providing accurate collision detection in all directions.
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
Enables easier and more flexible mounting of collision sensors on fork lifts, reducing damage to equipment and goods by allowing smaller fork lifts to be equipped with sensors, and providing more accurate collision detection with reduced obstruction and improved maintenance access.
Implementation Method 1
automatically detect a first direction based on the gravitational force; determine a first Cartesian axis as the detected first direction
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a collision sensor in a collision sensor arrangement (30) for detecting the impact direction of a collision with a fork lift vehicle (1). The collision sensor is characterized in that it is a three-dimensional collision sensor comprising an accelerometer (32) capable of registering and outputting motions along each perpendicular axis of a Cartesian coordinate system, wherein said three-dimensional collision sensor (31;41;51;61) is arranged to upon powering up, automatically detect a first direction based on the gravitational force; determine a first Cartesian axis (Z) as said detected first direction; determine a second (X) and a third (Y) Cartesian axis mutually perpendicular to each other and to said first Cartesian axis according to a directional parameter, predetermined in the three-dimensional collision sensor or received from a control unit (36), that determines the orientation of said three-dimensional collision sensor in relation to said fork lift vehicle. The present invention also relates to a control unit, a collision sensor arrangement, a method for arranging a collision sensor and computer program products.