Forklift Sensor Control for Precise Motion and Collision Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing forklift technologies lack precise control mechanisms for operations such as fork extension, retraction, and movement, leading to inefficiencies and potential collisions with obstacles during autonomous travel.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a calculation unit and control section that calculates and controls forklift operations in units of one-billionth of a second, utilizing detection information from sensors to manage fork and guide movements, ensuring collision avoidance and efficient cargo handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If forklift operations are controlled using conventional control mechanisms, then the system is simpler to implement, but the control precision and response speed are insufficient leading to collisions and inefficiencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple independent functional units: detection unit for sensing environment, calculation unit for processing control variables, and control section for executing commands. This segmentation enables high-precision control at each stage while maintaining overall system manageability through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The calculation unit pre-calculates control variables based on detection information before actual forklift operations occur. This preliminary calculation of position, speed, and acceleration parameters enables the control section to execute precise control actions immediately, achieving high measurement precision without excessive real-time complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If forklift operations are controlled at lower speed, then the control system is easier to manage, but the productivity and response time are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforklift operation speedVSAvoidcollision avoidance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit continuously monitors forklift position, speed, and acceleration in real-time and feeds this information back to the calculation unit. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain high operation speeds while reliably detecting obstacles and adjusting control variables to prevent collisions, thus improving both productivity and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts control variables based on real-time detection information. The calculation unit modifies position, speed, and acceleration parameters on-the-fly according to the forklift's current state and environmental conditions, enabling high-speed operation with maintained collision avoidance reliability through adaptive control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If conventional control mechanisms are used, then the system is easier to operate, but the forklift efficiency and production capacity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforklift efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The forklift system performs self-control through its autonomous calculation and control sections. The detection unit automatically senses the environment, the calculation unit autonomously computes optimal control variables, and the control section independently executes operations. This self-service capability maximizes forklift efficiency while minimizing the need for complex manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical control systems with an information-processing-based control system. Instead of purely mechanical linkages and switches, the system uses detection units, calculation units, and electronic control sections that process information and generate control signals, thereby improving forklift efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Speed

If high-speed control processing is implemented, then the productivity increases, but the system complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol processing speedVSAvoidcalculation and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calculation and control system is divided into specialized functional units: detection unit for data acquisition, calculation unit for computing control variables, and control section for command execution. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high processing speed without requiring a monolithic complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The calculation unit performs preliminary computation of control variables based on detection information before actual control actions are needed. By pre-calculating position, speed, and acceleration parameters, the system achieves high processing speed while reducing the computational burden during critical real-time control moments, thus managing system complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4610217A1Information processing device, program, and forklift
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 SOFTBANK GROUP CORP
  • EP4610217A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4610217A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4610217A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a calculation unit that calculates a control variable for controlling an operation of a forklift based on detection information detected by a detection unit mounted on the forklift, and a control section that controls the operation of the forklift based on the control variable calculated by the calculation unit.