Automated Guided Forklift Fork Control for Precise Shift and Rotation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automated guided forklifts face challenges in accurately and efficiently performing transverse shift and rotation operations due to insufficient precision and adaptability, leading to collisions and inefficient logistics operations, particularly in complex warehouse environments with narrow aisles and diverse goods layouts.

Innovation Solution

A fork transverse shift/rotation planning method for automated guided forklifts, utilizing sensors and processors to dynamically plan paths, avoid collisions, and optimize motion sequences through iterative algorithms, allowing simultaneous or sequential control of rotation and transverse shift based on weight coefficients and boundary conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional operator-based fork position adjustment is used, then adaptability to different goods and shelf layouts is achieved through experience, but accuracy and efficiency are insufficient in complex scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different goods and shelf layoutsVSAvoidaccuracy of fork position adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect goods and shelf positions, then automatically calculates and executes fork position adjustments. This substitution of mechanical operator-based adjustment with an automated sensing and control system resolves the contradiction by providing both high adaptability to various layouts and high precision in fork positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the forklift to automatically adjust its own fork position based on sensor feedback and algorithmic calculation, without requiring external operator intervention. The forklift autonomously detects the target position, computes the required adjustment, and executes the movement, achieving both adaptability to different scenarios and precision in positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If existing automated algorithms are used for transverse shift and rotation, then automation is achieved, but precision is insufficient leading to collisions and pickup failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of fork transverse shift and rotationVSAvoidprecision of transverse shift and rotation operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the forklift's position, orientation, and surrounding environment. This real-time feedback is fed into the control algorithm, which dynamically adjusts the transverse shift and rotation commands to achieve precise positioning. The feedback loop ensures both high automation and high precision by continuously correcting deviations from the target position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts the forklift's motion parameters during transverse shift and rotation operations based on real-time sensor data and calculated boundary conditions. The system adapts its control strategy mid-operation to maintain precision while fully automated, resolving the contradiction between automation extent and operational precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If high precision transverse shift and rotation are implemented, then accuracy of goods pickup and unloading is improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of goods pickup and unloadingVSAvoidtime for fork position adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations of the optimal fork position and motion trajectory before executing the transverse shift and rotation operations. By pre-computing the precise path and required adjustments based on detected goods and shelf positions, the system minimizes actual execution time while ensuring high accuracy, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous sensor monitoring and real-time position tracking during the forklift's approach and positioning operations. This continuous action eliminates the need for multiple stop-and-adjust cycles, maintaining high precision while reducing total operation time through uninterrupted, smooth motion control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12428274B1Automated guided forklift and fork control method therefor

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 VISIONNAV ROBOTICS USA INC

AI summary

An automated guided forklift and a fork control method therefor are provided. The automated guided forklift includes a fork and a controller. The controller is configured to perform the following steps: receiving a transverse shift step size, a rotation step size, and a target direction of the fork; controlling the fork to perform a transverse shift motion based on the transverse shift step size and the target direction; and controlling the fork to perform a rotation motion based on the rotation step size and the target direction.