AGV Load Stability via Center of Gravity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) face challenges in maintaining load stability during lifting and transport due to unknown weight distribution, which can lead to instability and accidents, especially in indoor environments with space constraints and potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
An AGV equipped with a load supporting apparatus featuring a platform, weight sensors, and an electronic processor that determines the center of gravity of the load relative to a predefined stability boundary, providing real-time stability assessment and adjusting the stability boundary based on motion and speed to prevent instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If weight sensors and electronic processor are added to determine load stability, then load stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary stability assessment by calculating the center of gravity before the AGV begins lifting or transporting the load. The electronic processor receives weight sensor data, computes the center of gravity position, and compares it against predefined stability boundaries to determine if the load is stable before operation commences, preventing instability issues before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors load weight distribution through weight sensors and provides real-time feedback to the electronic processor. The processor calculates the center of gravity and compares it with stability boundaries, enabling dynamic adjustment and continuous stability verification during lifting and transport operations.
2Reliability
If real-time stability monitoring is implemented, then safety is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic processor performs stability calculations at periodic intervals rather than continuously, computing the center of gravity and comparing it with stability boundaries at predetermined time points or operational stages. This periodic assessment approach maintains safety while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time monitoring.
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 solution ensures stable load transport by continuously monitoring and adjusting for load stability, reducing the risk of accidents and overloading, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency in indoor environments.
Implementation Method 1
one or more weight sensors located in contact with the platform, the one or more weight sensors configured to provide a signal indicative of a weight of the load on the platform
Data Source
AI summary
An automated guided vehicle includes a chassis and a load supporting apparatus positioned on the chassis, the load supporting apparatus including a platform to support a load, one or more weight sensors located in contact with the platform, the one or more weight sensors configured to provide a signal indicative of a weight of the load on the platform, and an electronic processor arranged in electronic communication with the one or more weight sensors. The electronic processor is configured to receive the signal from each of the one or more weight sensors, and the electronic processor is configured to process the signal and determine stability of the load on the platform.