AGV Laser Scanner Cleaning Station for Precise Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Driverless transport vehicles face challenges in maintaining the precision of their navigation capability, particularly with the functionality of laser scanners, over their entire operational time.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method involving a test station with specific features for cleaning and maintaining laser scanners, including position sensors, a cleaning device, and a charging system, where the vehicle is autonomously guided into the station for cleaning and charging, ensuring precise alignment and functionality of the laser scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the laser scanner operates continuously without maintenance, then the operational time is extended, but the navigation precision deteriorates due to contamination and degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs maintenance actions (cleaning and alignment) before the laser scanner's precision deteriorates to a critical level. The automated test station is visited periodically to clean the laser scanner lens and realign it, preventing contamination and misalignment from degrading navigation precision during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser scanner undergoes periodic maintenance cycles at automated test stations during the vehicle's operational route. The cleaning and alignment processes are repeated at scheduled intervals, allowing the system to maintain precision over extended operational periods through regular refreshment of the laser scanner's condition.
2Measurement precision
If the vehicle frequently visits test stations for cleaning and alignment, then the navigation precision is maintained, but the productivity decreases due to interruptions in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle autonomously navigates to the test station and positions itself for maintenance without human intervention. The cleaning and alignment processes are automated, with the vehicle holding its position while maintenance is performed, then autonomously resuming its route. This self-service capability minimizes the impact on productivity by eliminating manual maintenance overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated test station serves multiple functions: cleaning the laser scanner, aligning the laser scanner, charging the vehicle's energy storage, and potentially other maintenance tasks. By combining multiple maintenance functions in a single stop, the system minimizes the total time lost from productivity while maximizing the benefits of each visit to the test station.
3Measurement precision
If the laser scanner is cleaned manually, then the cleaning precision can be high, but the ease of operation decreases and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced with an automated cleaning mechanism at the test station. The system uses automated applicators to apply cleaning solution and wipes to the laser scanner lens, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining cleaning effectiveness. This substitution preserves cleaning precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
An automated intermediary system mediates between the vehicle's navigation needs and the cleaning requirement. The test station acts as an intermediary facility that the vehicle visits autonomously, where the cleaning process is performed by automated equipment rather than human operators, thus maintaining precision while simplifying operation.
4Productivity
If the navigation system operates without regular maintenance, then the productivity is maintained, but the reliability decreases due to potential navigation failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively maintains the laser scanner through regular cleaning and alignment at test stations, cushioning against future failures. By preventing contamination accumulation and misalignment before they cause navigation failures, the system ensures both continuous operation and high reliability, eliminating the trade-off between productivity and reliability.
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 the continuous precision and reliability of the navigation system by regularly cleaning and charging the laser scanners, thereby extending their operational life and maintaining accurate navigation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
at least one laser scanner (2) is mounted in the outer region of the vehicle housing (40)
Implementation Method 2
a rotation measurement sensor (33) is provided on each drive wheel (7)
Implementation Method 3
a system for supplying energy to the transport vehicle by way of inductive lines, laid in the ground, using an induction current collector (39) is provided
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and method for maintaining the capability for precise navigation of an automated guided vehicle (TFS), comprising the following method features: a) an automated guided vehicle (1) is automatically sent into a testing station (26) for checking and cleaning of its laser scanner; b) the vehicle (1) is moved within the testing station (26) by means of its drive and the position of the vehicle is checked; c) if the positioning is correct, the laser scanner (2) of the vehicle (1) is cleaned; d) the result of the cleaning process is checked; e) and the vehicle (1) drives out of the testing station (26).