Dock-Mounted Vehicle Positioning With LiDAR Distance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle positioning systems lack the ability to reliably and precisely position vehicles at loading and unloading points without requiring vehicle-specific sensor systems, leading to potential accidents and injuries due to incorrect positioning.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising sensors mounted at the loading and unloading point, such as LiDAR, to detect vehicle position and provide visual feedback to the driver, ensuring precise positioning regardless of vehicle type or equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If distance warning systems are installed on vehicles, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring vehicle-specific sensor systems
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of equipping vehicles with sensor systems to detect their own position, the invention inverts the approach by installing sensors at the loading/unloading point to detect the vehicle's position. This eliminates the need for vehicle-specific sensor systems while achieving precise positioning measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary sensor system at the loading/unloading point that mediates between the vehicle and the positioning control system. This intermediary approach allows positioning without requiring sensors on the vehicle itself, reducing vehicle system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual manoeuvring by additional personnel is used, then positioning flexibility is improved, but safety deteriorates due to increased risk of injury in limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the driver to perform positioning independently through visual feedback from the display unit, eliminating the need for additional personnel in the limited space. The driver self-services the positioning task using real-time distance information displayed on the unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback loop where sensors continuously measure vehicle position and the display unit provides real-time visual feedback to the driver. This allows the driver to make informed adjustments without manual assistance, improving safety while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If vehicles are driven closer to loading points, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to collision risk and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time distance measurement and visual feedback system allows drivers to maintain optimal proximity to loading points with precision control. This enables productive close positioning while preventing collisions through continuous monitoring and immediate driver awareness of distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides more than sufficient information for safe positioning by displaying real-time distance data, enabling drivers to stop at the precise optimal position. This prevents both excessive distance (reducing productivity) and insufficient distance (causing collisions).
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
Enables reliable and precise vehicle positioning, reducing accidents and injuries by providing real-time distance feedback, suitable for various vehicle types and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
LiDAR is a method related to radar for optical distance and speed measurement as well as for remote measurement of atmospheric parameters. It is a form of three-dimensional laser scanning. Laser beams are used instead of radio waves as in radar. LiDAR systems emit laser pulses and detect the backscattered light. The distance to the location of the scattering is calculated from the time of flight of the signals.
Implementation Method 2
the at least one sensor comprises a LiDAR sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for positioning a vehicle, in particular a lorry, at a loading and/or unloading point, comprising at least one sensor for detecting a position of the vehicle, an evaluation unit for determining a distance between the vehicle and the loading and/or unloading point depending on the detected position of the vehicle, and a display unit for visualising feedback to a driver of the vehicle depending on the distance between the vehicle and the loading and/or unloading point, wherein the at least one sensor and the display unit are designed for mounting on the loading and/or unloading point. In this way, an apparatus for positioning a vehicle is provided, with which any vehicle can be positioned reliably and precisely at a predetermined point, irrespective of the vehicle type or vehicle equipment.