Fork-lift Truck Optical Detector Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fork-lift trucks rely on cargo handling targets for positioning, which is inflexible and requires calibration, and cannot function if the target is missing, limiting their ability to accurately position loads without markings and recalibrate if the optical detector is dislocated.
Innovation Solution
A fork-lift truck equipped with a movable optical detector and an optical analyzing unit that identifies and determines the three-dimensional position of the load carrier relative to other objects without the need for markings, allowing for flexible and reliable positioning and automatic adjustment of the load carrier, even if the optical detector is slightly dislocated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cargo handling targets are used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but system flexibility deteriorates and recalibration is required if the optical detector is dislocated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dependency on cargo handling targets by extracting the marking requirement from the positioning system. The optical detector directly captures images of the load and surrounding environment, using natural features rather than artificial markers, thereby eliminating the need for targets and recalibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detector serves multiple functions: it identifies the load, determines the load carrier position, detects surrounding objects, and enables positioning all without requiring different components or calibration procedures. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized target-based system.
2Measurement precision
If cargo handling targets are used for positioning, then positioning control is achieved, but operational complexity increases due to target placement and calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning capability from the target-dependent system, allowing the optical detector to directly determine position using image analysis of natural load features and surrounding objects, eliminating target placement and calibration operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically analyzing images to identify the load carrier, determine its position relative to the load, and calculate required adjustments without external calibration or target assistance. The system serves itself through autonomous image-based measurement.
3Measurement precision
If markings are required on loads for detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but preparation time and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the marking requirement entirely by using the optical detector to identify loads through their natural visual features and by detecting the load carrier's position relative to the load and surrounding objects, eliminating the time-consuming marking process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image capture and analysis to identify the load and determine positioning without requiring any preliminary marking or preparation of the load. The optical detector immediately processes visual information upon encountering the load.
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 solution enables automatic pallet handling, minimizes manual intervention, and corrects small position discrepancies between expected and actual object positions, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by allowing the fork-lift truck to adapt to various warehouse configurations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical detector having a first field of view and arranged to provide an output
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fork-lift truck 1, 1', comprising a load carrier 2, an optical detector 3, 3' having a first field of view and arranged to provide an output, wherein the optical detector 3, 3' is movable together with the load carrier 2, an optical analysing unit 4, 4' arranged to analyse the output from said optical detector 3, 3'. The optical analysing unit 4, 4' is arranged to analyse the output from the optical detector 3, 3' so as to identify a first three-dimensional object, said first three-dimensional object being the load carrier 2, and a second three-dimensional object based on the output from the optical detector 3, 3', and to determine the three-dimensional position of the identified load carrier 2 relative to the identified second three-dimensional object. Further a method for operating a fork-lift truck, a method for modifying a fork-lift truck and a computer program product.