Container Alignment Apparatus Manual Automatic Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container alignment methods face challenges in smoothly transitioning between manual and automatic operations, leading to longer working times and potential jerky movements, especially when visual inspection is replaced by remote control with limited camera views and inaccurate position measurements.
Innovation Solution
An alignment apparatus that combines manual and automatic operations using a system of calculators and signal generators to calculate and set automatic operation regions, overlap detection, and speed reference signals for precise container positioning, allowing for smooth transitions and coordinated movement between manual and automatic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If remote control with cameras is used for container alignment, then operator safety is improved, but working time increases and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces camera-based visual inspection with a laser range finder that directly measures container position and spreader position. This substitution of measurement mechanism provides accurate positioning data automatically, eliminating the time-consuming visual assessment required when using cameras, while maintaining operator safety through remote operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic operation where the container alignment is performed autonomously based on laser range finder measurements. The control system automatically calculates target positions and controls the spreader movement without continuous operator intervention, significantly reducing working time while maintaining safety through automated decision-making algorithms.
2Productivity
If automatic operation is used for container alignment, then productivity is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that can switch between automatic and manual operation modes. The system dynamically adjusts the level of automation based on operational requirements, allowing high-speed automatic alignment when conditions permit, and manual intervention when flexibility is needed, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors container position and spreader position through laser range finders, providing real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the automatic operation to make precise adjustments while maintaining the capability for manual override when situational flexibility is required, balancing automated efficiency with operational adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual operation switches to automatic operation, then positioning precision is improved, but operational smoothness deteriorates due to jerky movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates the target container position and spreader position in advance using laser range finder measurements before initiating movement. By pre-computing the alignment parameters and preparing the control commands beforehand, the system ensures smooth transitions when switching from manual to automatic operation, eliminating jerky movements while achieving precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous feedback from laser range finders monitoring container and spreader positions enables the control system to make real-time adjustments during automatic operation. This closed-loop control ensures smooth, jerk-free movements while maintaining high positioning precision, as the system can compensate for any deviations immediately rather than making abrupt corrections.
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment apparatus of a container configured to an alignment of a container smoothly by using a manual operation and an automatic operation together is provided. The alignment apparatus includes a first calculator performing calculation measuring a position of the container based on a detection result of a position sensor, a second calculator performing calculation measuring a target position based on the detection result of the position sensor, the target container being placed on the target position, a third calculator calculating and setting a first automatic operation region performing the automatic operation based on a position of the container and a second automatic operation region performing the automatic operation based on the target position, respectively, a first signal generating part detecting overlapping of the first automatic operation region and the second automatic operation region, and generating a first speed reference signal so as to coincide the position of the container with the target position, and a second signal generating part generating a second speed reference signal for moving the container based on a manual control signal generated by an operation of an operator.