Fork-lift Truck Optical Detection for Target-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fork-lift trucks rely on cargo handling targets for positioning, which is inflexible and fails when targets are missing, limiting their ability to avoid dangerous situations and efficiently operate in varying warehouse environments.
Innovation Solution
Equipping fork-lift trucks with two movable optical detectors and an optical analyzing unit, allowing for three-dimensional object detection and positioning adjustments to prevent collisions and optimize operations, even without cargo handling targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cargo handling targets are used for positioning, then position control is achieved, but the system becomes inflexible and fails when targets are missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dependency on cargo handling targets by extracting the positioning function from target-based systems. The optical detectors directly detect objects and their positions without requiring any attached targets, making the system flexible and adaptable to situations where targets are missing or cannot be placed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical detectors and optical analysing units as intermediaries between the fork-lift truck and the cargo. These detectors capture images and the analysing units process them to determine relative positions, replacing the need for cargo handling targets and enabling target-independent operation.
2Measurement precision
If cargo handling targets are required for positioning, then position control is possible, but the system cannot operate when targets are absent
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the positioning capability from target-dependent operations. By using optical detectors to directly image and analyze objects, the system eliminates the single point of failure represented by cargo handling targets, ensuring continuous operation regardless of target presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from target-specific features to general object characteristics. The optical analysing unit processes images to identify objects and their positions based on inherent visual features rather than requiring specific target markers, thereby improving operational reliability.
3Device complexity
If a single optical detector is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot detect objects in all necessary positions and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into two separate optical detectors with different fields of view. The first detector monitors areas close to the load carrier, while the second detector monitors predetermined volumes above the load. This segmentation enables comprehensive detection coverage without requiring a single complex detector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to detection by positioning detectors at different locations and orientations. The second optical detector is calibrated in relation to a predetermined position on the fork-lift truck, creating a three-dimensional detection network that covers multiple spatial zones around the load carrier.
4Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required for position control, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system where optical detectors continuously monitor the environment, optical analysing units process the visual data to determine object positions, and the control unit automatically adjusts the load carrier position based on this feedback. This closed-loop system replaces manual intervention while maintaining operational flexibility and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fork-lift truck performs self-positioning and self-adjustment through its automated optical detection and control system. The system independently identifies objects, calculates relative positions, and executes positioning maneuvers without requiring manual intervention, thereby increasing operational efficiency while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A fork-lift truck includes a load carrier, a first optical detector, an optical analyzing unit, and a second optical detector. The analyzing unit receives and analyses information from the second optical detector, wherein the first and second optical detector are movable together with the load carrier, and the first optical detector is positioned in relation to the load carrier, such that a first field of view includes at least a part of the load carrier and an extension of the load carrier. The second optical detector is positioned, such that a second field of view includes a predetermined volume above the load carrier The position and orientation of the second detector is calibrated in relation to a predetermined position on the fork-lift truck, in case one or more objects are positioned in the predetermined volume, at least one three-dimensional relative position can be determined.