Aerial Work Platform Laser Plane Detection for Upward Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial work platforms struggle to detect downward-protruding obstacles above the deck, leading to potential collisions and safety hazards, and existing solutions either increase costs or compromise the platform's functionality.
Innovation Solution
Irradiate a planar laser beam parallel to the deck surface to create a laser light passing surface, capture its reflection with an image sensor, and stop the deck's raising movement when obstacles are detected within a defined area, using sensors for additional proximity detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a proximity sensor is attached to the safety rail to detect obstacles, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical proximity sensor system with an optical field-based laser beam detection system. The laser beam creates a visible or invisible plane that obstacles reflect off of, allowing detection without physical contact sensors on the safety rail. This substitution reduces device complexity while maintaining or improving detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary between the deck and the obstacle. Instead of directly detecting obstacles with sensors, the system uses the laser beam to illuminate the obstacle and detect its presence through reflection or blockage of the beam. This intermediary approach simplifies the detection system while improving coverage.
2Productivity
If the deck raises to maximum height, then productivity is improved, but the risk of collision with upper obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the laser beam detection system continuously monitors the space above the deck during raising operations. When an obstacle is detected by the laser beam, the system immediately sends a feedback signal to stop or reverse the deck raising, preventing collision while allowing full productivity when the path is clear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting obstacles before the deck reaches positions where collision would occur. The laser beam detects obstacles in advance during the raising process, allowing the system to take preventive action (stop or reverse) before the harmful collision can occur, thus maintaining productivity while preventing harm.
3Measurement precision
If a laser beam is irradiated to detect obstacles, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or intermittent laser beam irradiation rather than continuous operation. The laser beam is activated during critical phases of deck raising when obstacles might be present, and can be deactivated or reduced to lower power states during safe operating conditions. This periodic action maintains high measurement precision when needed while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.
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
Effectively detects all upward obstacles without obstructing the deck's functionality, preventing collisions and ensuring safety while maintaining workability.
Implementation Method 1
a laser light generator 51 that irradiates a planar beam 81 of laser light diffused in a planar shape parallel to a floor surface 32 of the deck 30 from a laser light irradiation position rp at a position with a predetermined height H1 with respect to an upper end of the deck 30
Implementation Method 2
capturing an image of the laser light passing surface 82 from a bottom surface side of the laser light passing surface 82 by an image capturing device 52
Data Source
AI summary
During raising of a deck, a floor surface of the deck is irradiated, in a parallel-plane shape, with laser light serving as a planar beam from a prescribed height on one end side of the deck, and a laser-light-passing surface, which is a surface through which the planar beam passes, is produced. The laser-light-passing surface is imaged at an oblique angle from below a laser generator by an imaging device capable of capturing an image of light having the wavelength of the laser light. When an upward obstacle reaches the laser-light-passing surface, a reflected part of the planar beam appears in the image due to the upward obstacle, and the appearance of the reflected part with respect to a detection region that includes a position above the deck is monitored, whereby the approach of the upward obstacle toward the deck can be reliably detected.