Grid Survey Module Using IMU Mapping for Rail Level Deviation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated storage and retrieval systems face issues due to level deviations and height differences in the grid cells, leading to wear and tear, damage to containers and handling vehicles, and potential system halts from uneven surfaces.

Innovation Solution

Implement a method using orientation sensors, such as IMUs, on container handling vehicles to measure pitch and roll, calculate height differences, and generate maps to identify and adjust level deviations in the grid cells.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional sampling methods are used, then the sampling process is simple, but the representativeness and accuracy of the collected data are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata representativenessVSAvoidsampling system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling area is divided into multiple grid sections with different sampling probabilities. High-variance areas are segmented into more sections with higher sampling rates, while low-variance areas use fewer sections with lower sampling rates, optimizing both accuracy and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sampling probability and number of samples are dynamically adjusted based on the calculated variance of each grid section. Sections with higher variance receive higher sampling probabilities, allowing the system to adapt to different data distributions and improve representativeness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive data collection is performed, then the data representativeness is improved, but the time and resources required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata accuracyVSAvoidsampling time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sampling probability parameter is changed dynamically based on the variance of each grid section. By adjusting this parameter, the system collects more data from high-variance areas and fewer data points from low-variance areas, improving accuracy while reducing overall sampling time and resource consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If uniform sampling is applied across all areas, then the sampling process is straightforward, but the efficiency and resource utilization are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesampling efficiencyVSAvoidsampling strategy complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different sampling probabilities are assigned to different grid sections based on their local characteristics (variance). High-variance sections receive higher sampling probabilities while low-variance sections receive lower probabilities, optimizing resource allocation and sampling efficiency for each local area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4288356B1Grid survey module
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 AUTOSTORE TECH AS
  • EP4288356B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4288356B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4288356B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method of measuring level deviation in an automated storage and retrieval system, wherein the system comprises: a rail system comprising a first set of parallel rails arranged to guide movement of a container handling vehicle in a first direction (X) across the top of a frame structure, and a second set of parallel rails arranged perpendicular to the first set of rails to guide movement of the container handling vehicle in a second direction (Y) which is perpendicular to the first direction (X), the first and second sets of parallel rails dividing the rail system into a plurality of grid cells, at least one container handling vehicle configured to operate on the rail system, wherein the at least one container handling vehicle is provided with at least one orientation sensor configured to measure at least one orientation parameter of the sensor in a three-dimensional cartesian reference system, a central control unit configured to receive, transmit and process data signals of the container handling vehicle and to receive and process data signals of the sensor, wherein the method comprises the steps of: arranging the container handling vehicle in a predetermined position on the grid, transmitting a data signal from the central control unit to the container handling vehicle commanding the container handling vehicle to move a distance in one direction (X, Y) along the grid, measuring at predetermined intervals, using the orientation sensor, at least one orientation parameter to produce orientation measurements that are indicative of the container handling vehicle's orientation within the three-dimensional cartesian reference system, transmitting data concerning the orientation measurements to the central control unit, and processing the orientation measurements using the central control unit in order to identify portions of the rail system that deviate from predetermined values.