Forklift Laser Rangefinder for Container Posture Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forklift systems face challenges in smoothly loading cargo into containers due to unintended contact with the container's bottom, causing instability, which is exacerbated by the need for accurate marker placement and detection to align the forklift and container vertically.
Innovation Solution
A forklift equipped with a laser rangefinder that adjusts its radiation angle to measure distances to radiation points on the container, extracting detection point candidates and posture detection points to calculate the relative angle between the forklift and container, allowing for precise alignment and tilting of the loading device to prevent contact and ensure stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If markers are arranged on multiple containers for angle detection, then the relative angle between forklift and container can be obtained, but it takes time and effort to attach markers to each container and attachment accuracy may be low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the marker-based system and implements it directly on the forklift's imaging device. Instead of relying on external markers attached to containers, the system uses the forklift's own imaging capabilities to detect container edges and calculate relative angles, eliminating the need for marker attachment entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The forklift performs self-detection of container posture using its onboard imaging device. The system processes images captured by the forklift's camera to identify container edges and calculate the relative angle between the forklift and container, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external marker attachment or additional detection equipment on containers
2Stability of the object's composition
If markers are used to detect relative angle, then cargo stability can be maintained, but attachment accuracy of markers affects the accuracy of relative angle measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical marker attachment system with an optical imaging and image processing system. Instead of physically attaching markers to containers, the system uses the forklift's imaging device to capture images and algorithmically detect container edges, eliminating the source of measurement error associated with manual marker placement
3Measurement precision
If multiple markers are arranged on containers for accurate angle detection, then relative angle can be obtained accurately, but the complexity of the system increases due to marker management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the marker component entirely from the system and extracts only the essential detection function. By using the forklift's existing imaging device to directly detect container edges through image processing, the system eliminates the complex marker attachment, positioning, and detection infrastructure while maintaining angle measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The forklift's imaging device serves multiple functions: it captures images for container detection, processes images to identify container edges, and calculates relative angles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated marker detection systems and reduces overall system complexity
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 smooth and stable cargo loading by accurately detecting the relative angle between the forklift and container, reducing the risk of cargo instability and eliminating the need for marker placement on multiple containers.
Implementation Method 1
a laser rangefinder configured to radiate a laser toward a front side of the loading device
Implementation Method 2
measure, in correspondence with the radiation angle, a distance to each of radiation points in a group of radiation points that have been struck by the laser
Data Source
AI summary
A forklift includes a vehicle body, a loading device, a laser rangefinder, a first extractor configured to extract detection point candidates, a memory that stores at least one of dimension information, position information, and posture information of a container, a second extractor configured to extract at least two posture detection points by checking the detection point candidates against at least one of the dimension information, the position information, and the posture information, and a container posture detector configured to detect a relative angle between the forklift and the container in a vertical direction.