AGV Conveyor Alignment Using Photoelectric and Distance Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic guided vehicle technologies require detectable objects on the route for stoppage control, making it necessary to relocate or install new objects when conveyors are relocated or installed, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An automatic guided vehicle system that uses preset route data for initial approach and switches to sensor-driven control when close to an object, allowing precise alignment alongside a conveyor without the need for detectable objects on the route, using photoelectric and distance sensors for accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detectable objects are arranged on the route for stoppage control, then the automatic guided vehicle can be stopped at the correct position, but it becomes necessary to relocate or install new detectable objects when conveyors are relocated or installed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical detection system (detectable objects on the route) with a sensor-based system that detects the conveyor itself. The sensor mounted on the automatic guided vehicle directly detects the conveyor's position and characteristics, eliminating the need for separate detectable objects that would need to be relocated when the conveyor moves.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects the conveyor's position, determines the vehicle's own position relative to the conveyor, and enables stoppage control. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized detectable objects that only served for position detection, making the system more adaptable to conveyor relocation.
2Manufacturing precision
If sensor driving is used for precise positioning, then the vehicle can align accurately with the conveyor, but the system complexity increases due to switching between route data driving and sensor driving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning process into two distinct phases: approach phase using route data driving for coarse positioning, and alignment phase using sensor driving for fine positioning. This segmentation allows each phase to use the most appropriate control method, achieving high precision without requiring the entire system to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The route data driving performs preliminary positioning to bring the vehicle close to the conveyor before sensor driving takes over for precise alignment. This preliminary action reduces the initial distance and orientation errors, making the subsequent sensor-based alignment more efficient and accurate.
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 the automatic guided vehicle to accurately approach and align with a conveyor without requiring detectable objects on the route, improving efficiency and flexibility in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
front photoelectric sensor 80f and rear photoelectric sensor 80r
Implementation Method 2
front distance measuring sensor 90f and rear distance measuring sensor 90r
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic guided vehicle and a method for drive control enable setting the vehicle alongside a conveyor with high accuracy in stopping at a task address. An automatic guided vehicle includes photoelectric sensors which detect the presence of an article by projecting light to a reflecting plate arranged on a conveyor and receiving signal light reflected from the reflecting plate and are arranged in one at each of the front and rear portions of the automatic guided vehicle, and a unit for detecting the distance between the vehicle and the conveyor. When both the photoelectric sensors arranged at the front and read portions of the side surface of the vehicle, a steering vehicle is steered toward the conveyor, and the automatic guided vehicle is driven toward the conveyor until the distance between the vehicle and the conveyor becomes within a predetermined distance.