Autonomous Cargo Handler Steering for Narrow Container Aisles

The cargo handling vehicle employs dynamically adjustable ground engaging means that can change their orientation and position during operation. The steerable wheels can be angled relative to the vehicle body, and the lifting boom can be extended and repositioned, allowing the vehicle to adapt its configuration to navigate narrow aisles while maintaining cargo handling capability. This dynamic adaptability enables operation in confined spaces without sacrificing operational efficiency.

The invention introduces additional degrees of freedom through the steerable ground engaging means and extendable lifting boom, effectively adding dimensional flexibility to the vehicle's movement and operation. By allowing the wheels to steer at angles and the boom to extend horizontally beyond the vehicle body, the system can access cargo in narrow aisles from multiple positional configurations, reducing the required aisle width while maintaining full cargo handling functionality.

The cargo handling vehicle is divided into functionally independent segments: steerable ground engaging means, a movable lifting boom with lifting unit, and a control system. Each segment can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing the vehicle to navigate narrow aisles by coordinating the movement of these segments. The ground engaging means can steer to angle relative to the vehicle body while the lifting boom can be extended to reach containers, enabling operation in reduced space through coordinated segmental movement.

The vehicle utilizes variable parameters including wheel steering angle, boom extension length, and lifting unit position to adapt to different aisle widths. By dynamically changing these parameters, the vehicle can operate in narrower aisles while maintaining the ability to handle standard-sized freight containers. The system adjusts multiple parameters simultaneously to optimize navigation and cargo handling in confined port area spaces.