Transport Vehicle Curve Entry Detection for Accurate Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article transport facilities face inaccuracies in speed control due to discrepancies between designed and actual positions of detection targets for curved zones, leading to potential deviations in speed control based on incorrect zone positions.
Innovation Solution
The transport vehicle includes a control system that utilizes a front-rear wheel rotation speed difference to detect entry into curved zones, measures the distance-to-curve, and adjusts wheel speeds based on stored curve ahead information to ensure accurate speed control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the distance from detection target to curved zone is determined by design, then the system is simple to manufacture, but the actual position may deviate from designed position causing speed control inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/design-based position determination system with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on pre-determined design distances from detection targets to curved zones, the system uses detectors to optically detect the actual entry into curved zones and front-rear rotation speed differences to precisely determine curved zone positions, eliminating manufacturing and installation position deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the rotation speeds of front and rear wheels, detecting when the transport vehicle enters curved zones through rotation speed differences, and using this detected information to accurately determine curved zone positions and adjust speed control accordingly, rather than relying on pre-programmed design positions.
2Ease of operation
If speed control is performed based on detection target position, then the control is simple to operate, but the speed control will be performed at positions that deviate from actual curved zone positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple but inaccurate detection target position-based control with an optical detection system that uses detectors to actually detect when the transport vehicle enters curved zones, combined with rotation speed difference measurements, providing both ease of operation and high position detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotation speed difference as an intermediary parameter to accurately determine curved zone entry. By measuring the difference in rotation speeds between front and rear wheels, the system obtains precise information about curved zone positions without directly measuring position, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving high accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If detection target position is used for speed control, then the system is easy to manufacture, but the front-rear rotation speed difference causes timing deviation in curved zone entry determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manufacturing-simple but unreliable detection target position method with an optical detection system that directly detects curved zone entry through detectors and determines positions through front-rear rotation speed differences, achieving high reliability while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to self-determine curved zone positions by monitoring its own front-rear rotation speed differences. The transport vehicle essentially measures its own entry into curved zones through the rotation speed differential between front and rear wheels, eliminating the need for externally positioned detection targets and improving 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
This configuration allows for highly accurate speed change control in accordance with the actual position of curved zones, minimizing deviations and maintaining stable transport vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of traveling wheels configured to roll on upper surfaces of the pair of travel rails
Data Source
AI summary
A determination section determines that a transport vehicle entered a curved zone from a straight zone based on a front-rear rotation speed difference between the rotation speed of a first rear wheel and a second rear wheel and the rotation speed of at least either a first or second front wheel. A measurement section measures a distance-to-curve, which is the distance that the transport vehicle travels from when a detector detects a detection target until when the determination section determines that the transport vehicle entered the curved zone from the straight zone. If the detector detects a curve ahead detection target while curve ahead information is stored in a storage section, a travel control section executes speed change control before or when the transport vehicle enters the curved zone.