Forklift Remote Operation AP Switching for Extended Travel Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial vehicle remote operation systems face limitations in traveling range due to reliance on single remote communication units, leading to disruptions in remote operation when the vehicle moves out of communication range.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple vehicle communication units and remote communication units spaced apart, allowing the industrial vehicle to search for and connect with alternative units based on signal intensity, ensuring continuous operation by switching between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single remote communication unit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the traveling range of the industrial vehicle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The remote communication unit is divided into multiple segments (first remote communication unit and second remote communication unit) positioned at different locations. Each segment covers a specific area, and the vehicle can switch between segments as it moves, thereby extending the overall traveling range without requiring a single complex long-range communication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle communication unit acts as an intermediary that manages communication with multiple remote communication units. It receives signals from different remote units, determines signal quality, and switches connections accordingly, enabling extended range while keeping individual communication units relatively simple.
2Length of moving object
If multiple remote communication units are deployed, then the traveling range is expanded, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle communication unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle communication with multiple remote communication units. It can simultaneously receive signals from different units, evaluate signal quality, and switch connections as needed, making the system scalable without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication connection is made dynamic through automatic switching based on signal quality. The vehicle communication unit continuously monitors signals from multiple remote communication units and dynamically switches connections to maintain optimal communication, allowing the system to adapt to vehicle movement without manual intervention.
3Length of moving object
If the vehicle moves out of communication range, then the traveling range is potentially expanded, but the remote operation reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the vehicle communication unit continuously monitor and search for available remote communication units before the current connection is lost. This proactive approach ensures that an alternative communication channel is ready when the vehicle moves out of the current remote unit's range, maintaining reliability while enabling extended travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the vehicle communication unit receives signal quality information from multiple remote communication units and uses this feedback to determine when to switch connections. This continuous feedback loop ensures reliable operation by maintaining connection to the strongest available signal throughout the extended traveling range.
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 expands the traveling range of the industrial vehicle by maintaining remote operation even when moving beyond the initial communication range, reducing downtime and enhancing convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a remote operation device having a plurality of remote communication units that are arranged spaced apart from each other and perform wireless communication
Data Source
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AI summary
An industrial vehicle remote operation system (10) includes a forklift (20) and a remote operation device (40). The forklift (20) includes a main wireless module (81) and a sub wireless module (91). The remote operation device (40) includes a plurality of APs (60a-60c) that are arranged spaced apart from each other, and remotely operates the forklift (20) by transmitting a remote instruction signal (SGa) instructing a remote operation using at least one of the APs (60a-60c). The main wireless module (81) receives the remote instruction signal (SGa) from the main target AP when in the main communication connection state, and the sub wireless module (91) receives the remote instruction signal (SGa) from the sub target AP when in the sub communication connection state.