3D Optical Aisle Detection for Mobile Storage Closure Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detection systems in mobile storage systems are inadequate for detecting moving and stationary objects due to limitations in temperature-based sensors and infrared systems, which fail to cover all areas, leading to security concerns when closing aisles.
Innovation Solution
A 3D optical detection system using optical pulse emitters and detectors with a control unit that compares temporal reflection signals to detect objects in the aisle, ensuring comprehensive coverage with adjustable fields of illumination and view, and incorporating retroreflectors for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motion sensors are used to detect objects, then temperature changes can be detected, but moving objects and stationary persons cannot be reliably detected since their temperature matches ambient temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal detection (motion sensors detecting temperature changes) with optical detection (laser pulse emission and reflection detection). This substitution enables reliable detection of both moving and stationary objects by measuring light reflection rather than temperature, resolving the limitation where objects at ambient temperature were undetectable.
2Reliability
If infrared sources and receivers are installed to cover the aisle surface, then detection capability is improved, but gaps still exist leaving zones not covered by the detection system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a 2D plane coverage approach (infrared sources and receivers installed on surfaces) to a 3D volumetric detection approach using laser pulses that emit and reflect through the entire aisle space. This dimensional change eliminates detection gaps by probing the full three-dimensional volume rather than relying on surface-mounted sensors with limited fields of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser pulse emitter and detector system serves multiple detection functions simultaneously - detecting moving objects, stationary persons, and providing comprehensive aisle coverage - with a single integrated system rather than requiring multiple specialized sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple sources and receivers are installed to cover the aisle, then detection coverage improves, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic laser pulse emission instead of continuous operation of multiple infrared sources. By emitting pulses at intervals and detecting reflections, the system achieves comprehensive coverage with fewer components, reducing complexity while maintaining or improving detection coverage area compared to continuously operating multiple infrared sources.
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
The system effectively detects the presence of objects in aisles, preventing accidental closure and enhancing security by providing comprehensive coverage and robust object detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the optical pulse emitter emitting a light pulse in a field-of-illumination, the optical detector detecting a reflection of the light pulse in a field-of-view
Implementation Method 2
incorporating retroreflectors for improved accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile storage having a mobile storage unit having a detection side; an opposing component having an aisle side facing the detection side; the mobile storage unit being movable between a closed position and an open position wherein an aisle is defined; at least one detection module having an optical pulse emitter and an optical detector both provided at an end, facing the aisle, the optical pulse emitter emitting a light pulse, the optical detector detecting a reflection of the light pulse. An object detection method for a mobile storage comprising comparing a temporal reflection signal to a background temporal reflection signal to detect the presence of an object; and indicating a status of the aisle to be presence of an object if the object is detected to be present.