Gantry Lift Sensor Segmentation for Automated Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gantry lift devices face challenges in safe and reliable automated operation due to limited space and poor visibility conditions, which hinder effective use of sensor systems for object recognition and collision avoidance.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system comprising at least two sensor units, preferably up to four, mounted on each gantry strut for contactless object measurement and recognition, with movable viewing directions and optional 3D scanners or cameras, allowing redundant measurement and flexible field of view adaptation, along with an automatic calibration device for precise object recognition and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor systems are installed on gantry lift devices for automated operation, then object recognition and collision avoidance capabilities are improved, but the limited space and poor visibility conditions on the device create challenges for effective sensor deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into multiple sensor units distributed across different gantry struts of the lifting device. Each sensor unit independently captures data from its local field of view, and the combined data provides comprehensive coverage of the surrounding area, effectively overcoming the limited space constraint by utilizing multiple distributed sensing points.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor units are positioned at different spatial locations and orientations on the gantry struts, creating multi-dimensional coverage. By distributing sensors in three-dimensional space rather than concentrating them in a single location, the system achieves comprehensive object recognition capabilities despite the compact structure of the lifting device.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor units are installed on each gantry strut for redundant measurement, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor units on each gantry strut are merged into a unified sensor system with centralized control logic. The sensor units work together as an integrated system, combining their measurements to achieve redundant verification and improved measurement precision while managing complexity through systematic integration rather than independent operation of each sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensor data from multiple units is continuously evaluated and cross-verified. The control system processes measurements from all sensor units, compares results for consistency, and uses this feedback to enhance measurement reliability and detect potential sensor failures, thereby improving accuracy through systematic data validation.
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 safe and reliable automated operation by providing trustworthy measurement results, enhancing the ability to recognize and measure containers and obstacles, reducing collision risks, and improving operational efficiency in constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
sensor units for contactless object measurement and in particular object recognition
Implementation Method 2
sensor units... designed to determine sensor data of a surrounding area of the gantry lift device for object measurement and in particular object recognition
Implementation Method 3
sensor units... each comprising a 3D scanner, in particular a laser scanner
Implementation Method 4
sensor units... and/or a camera
Data Source
AI summary
A lifting gantry device for containers, in particular of the straddle carrier or sprinter carrier type, having four gantry supports spaced apart from one another and which by wheels of the lifting gantry device is floor-based and freely movable. A vehicle controller is provided such that the lifting gantry device can be controlled automatically. A sensor system is also provided and configured to determine sensor data on the surroundings of the lifting gantry device for automatically controlling the lifting gantry device. The sensor system comprises at least two, preferably four, sensor units for contactless object measurement and in particular object recognition, of which one sensor unit each is arranged on one of the four gantry supports and is configured to determine sensor data on the surroundings of the lifting gantry device for object measurement and in particular object recognition.