Clamping Surface Positioning via Internal Feature Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load-clamping systems for industrial vehicles rely heavily on operator judgment and external surface sensing, which is insufficient for accurately determining correct pre-engagement positions of clamping surfaces relative to loads, leading to issues like pressure concentration, slippage, and damage during handling.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system that uses sensors and machine vision to ascertain correct clamping surface pre-engagement positions by identifying internal load features, allowing for precise positioning through a microprocessor-based controller and interactive terminal, or by scanning identification codes, ensuring accurate engagement of clamping surfaces along the direction of approach and in the vertical and lateral directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If operator judgment and external surface sensing are used for positioning clamping surfaces, then the system is simple to operate, but positioning precision is insufficient leading to pressure concentration and load damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator judgment and simple external surface sensing with an automated sensor system that uses machine vision and internal feature detection to determine clamping surface positions. The sensor system automatically identifies internal load features (reinforcement structures, voids) and calculates optimal pre-engagement positions, eliminating the need for operator visual estimation and significantly improving positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system that acts as a mediator between the external load surface and the internal determinative features. The sensor system penetrates through the external surface to detect internal features (such as reinforcement structures in cartons or center of gravity in paper rolls) and uses this information to determine correct clamping positions, bridging the gap between external sensing capability and internal feature-based positioning requirements.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If pre-engagement spacing between clamping surfaces is narrow, then load damage is reduced, but positioning precision becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of internal load features (reinforcement structures, voids, center of gravity) before the clamping surfaces engage the load. The sensor system identifies these features in advance and calculates the optimal pre-engagement positioning, allowing the system to approach the load with the correct spacing predetermined, thereby avoiding both excessive compression and gouging during engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor system continuously monitors the position of internal load features relative to the approaching clamping surfaces. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the pre-engagement spacing to ensure correct positioning, providing real-time correction that prevents both narrow spacing (which causes gouging) and wide spacing (which causes compression).
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system is provided for a load-handling clamp mountable on a vehicle, the clamp having a pair of opposed load-engagement clamping surfaces capable of clamping opposite sides of different types and configurations of loads. At least one of the clamping surfaces is closeable toward the other clamping surface along a direction which extends substantially laterally across a direction of forward approach of the clamp toward the load. The control system is capable of generating a variable signal indicating a desired forward, vertical and/or lateral pre-engagement position of the clamp from which the clamping surfaces can correctly engage the load.