Sensor-Based E-Pallet Interface for Relative Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control methods for electric pallets (e-pallets) are not ideal, particularly when it comes to user interaction and environmental adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize sensors, such as radio-based sensors and cameras, to obtain data on the user and the e-pallet's relative position and orientation, allowing for controlled actions like unlocking doors, engaging/disengaging platoon mode, and detecting user falls or terrain changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical touch control is used for e-pallets, then the control method is simple, but the user interaction and environmental adaptability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical touch-based mechanical control with sensor-based detection systems. Sensors detect user presence, position, and orientation without requiring physical contact, enabling contactless control while improving environmental adaptability. This substitution allows the system to respond to various user states (walking, falling, stationary) and environmental conditions automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as an intermediary between the user and the e-pallet control system. These sensors act as mediators that detect user state and environmental conditions, translating them into control signals. This intermediary layer enables sophisticated environmental adaptability while keeping the user interface simple, as users naturally interact with the system through their presence and movements rather than learning complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If sensor-based control is implemented, then user interaction and safety are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional sensor systems that perform multiple safety and control functions simultaneously. The same sensors detect user presence for control purposes, detect falls for safety, and monitor environmental conditions for adaptability. This universal approach improves reliability across multiple functions while minimizing the increase in device complexity by avoiding redundant specialized sensors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where sensor data continuously monitors user state and environmental conditions, and the system automatically adjusts its behavior in response. For safety, the system provides immediate feedback by detecting falls or abnormal conditions and triggering appropriate responses. This feedback loop enhances reliability by making the system responsive to real-time conditions while managing complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If real-time sensor data processing is used, then control precision is improved, but the processing requirements and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial processing strategies where the system processes sensor data at different levels of detail based on operational needs. For routine control, simplified processing provides sufficient precision with lower energy consumption. For critical events like fall detection or precise docking operations, the system intensifies processing to achieve higher measurement precision. This selective processing approach maintains adequate control precision while managing energy consumption by avoiding continuous full-intensity data processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for controlling movement of an e-pallet includes one or more sensors configured to obtain sensor data as to a user of the e-pallet, a second e-pallet, or both; and a processor coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to at least facilitate: determining, using the sensor data, a relative position of the user, the second e-pallet or both, with respect to the e-pallet; determining, using the sensor data, a relative orientation of the user, the second e-pallet or both, with respect to the e-pallet; and taking a control action for the e-pallet, in accordance with instructions provided by the processor, based on both the relative position and the relative orientation.