AGV-Based Movable Inspection System for Flexible Port Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable container inspection systems lack flexibility and centralized control, making them unsuitable for intelligent ports where they need to perform scanning inspections efficiently and unattended, while also being limited by infrastructure requirements and operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A movable article inspection system using an automated guided vehicle (AGV) equipped with a radiation source and detection mechanism, allowing for flexible movement and centralized control, with the detection mechanism being rotatable and power-supplied, enabling scanning inspections without the need for site renovation or fixed paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal truck chassis is used to carry the inspection system, then mobility is achieved, but the system is limited by road regulations and requires operator steering control
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is mounted on an automated guided vehicle (AGV) that autonomously navigates and transports itself without operator intervention. The AGV's self-guided movement capability eliminates the need for manual steering control while maintaining mobility across the port area.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical steering control is replaced with an automated guidance system that uses sensors, controllers, and navigation algorithms to steer the AGV autonomously. This substitutes human-operated mechanical control with an automated electromechanical system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a track means is used to drive the inspection system, then flexible movement is achieved, but tracks of various paths must be laid and it is limited to fixed site use
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is extracted from the constraint of fixed track infrastructure and mounted on a mobile AGV platform. This removes the dependency on pre-laid tracks while retaining the capability for flexible movement to various inspection locations throughout the port.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static track-based configuration to a dynamic mobile platform that can adapt its movement path in real-time. The AGV can dynamically adjust its route based on operational requirements without being constrained by fixed track geometry.
3Productivity
If existing mobile inspection systems are used, then inspection capability is provided, but they present poor flexibility and cannot achieve centralized control
Solution Approach 1:
The AGV-based inspection system serves multiple functions: it can be centrally controlled for coordinated operation with other port equipment, flexibly repositioned to different inspection locations, and integrated into the port's automated guided vehicle fleet for unified management. This multi-functionality addresses both centralized control and flexibility requirements.
4Productivity
If the detection mechanism is mounted on the AGV, then scanning inspection is effectuated by relative movement, but the detection mechanism needs to be rotatable to switch between deployed and retracted states
Solution Approach 1:
The detection mechanism is designed with rotational capability that allows it to dynamically switch between deployed and retracted states. This dynamic configuration enables the detector to be positioned optimally for scanning operations when needed and retracted when not in use, balancing inspection efficiency with system compactness.
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 enhances inspection efficiency, reduces labor costs, and allows for flexible movement paths, enabling unattended operation and efficient scanning without occupying a fixed area, thus meeting the demands of intelligent ports.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source (1), and a detection mechanism (3)... scanning inspection of an article to be scanned is effectuated by means of relative movement between an article to be scanned and the first automated guided vehicle (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a movable article inspection system and inspection method, wherein the inspection system comprises: a first automated guided vehicle (5), a radiation source (1) and a detection mechanism (3); said radiation source (1) and said detection mechanism (3) are both mounted on said first automated guided vehicle (5), said first automated guided vehicle (5) is able to move to a preset scanning inspection position, such that scanning inspection of said article to be scanned is effectuated by means of relative movement between an article to be scanned and the first automated guided vehicle (5). Such movable inspection system based on an automated guided vehicle is capable of making full use of an existing automated guided vehicle and its control system to make a movement path of the inspection system more flexible, and capable of effectuating centralized control and management of the inspection system, so that it can improve the inspection efficiency, and save the labor cost. In addition, there is also no need to renovate a site of the automated guided vehicle, and there is no need to occupy a fixed area.