Hanger Trolley Coupling Detection via Laser Sensor

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing hanger trolley systems face issues with judging the succession of a hanger from a pre-process driving chain to a post-process driving chain due to malfunctions and timing delays, leading to potential separation of the hanger from the driving chain.

Innovation Solution

A hanger trolley system that includes a driving chain, a hanger trolley with a hanger dog attached to and detached from a chain dog, and a sensor that confirms the coupled state between the chain dog and the hanger dog using a laser vision camera and acceleration sensor to ensure proper coupling and succession.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the succession is judged based on manipulation timings of switches in chain dog and hanger dog, then the system structure remains simple, but the judgment accuracy deteriorates due to malfunctions and timing delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuccession judgment accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch-based detection system with an optical sensor system. The sensor detects the coupled state between chain dog and hanger dog through optical means, eliminating the timing delays and malfunctions associated with mechanical switches while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary element that directly detects the coupled state between chain dog and hanger dog. This intermediary provides accurate real-time information about the coupling status, eliminating the need for complex timing-based judgment and switch manipulation sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If switches are used to judge succession, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability deteriorates due to timing delays and non-conducting succession

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuccession judgment reliabilityVSAvoiddetection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch-based detection system with an optical sensor system. The sensor detects the coupled state between chain dog and hanger dog through optical means, eliminating the timing delays and malfunctions associated with mechanical switches while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system automatically detects and confirms the coupled state without requiring external intervention or complex timing sequences. The system self-verify the coupling status through direct optical detection, eliminating the need for manual switch manipulation and timing-based judgment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the coupled state is confirmed through sensor, then the succession reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensor components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehanger succession reliabilityVSAvoidsystem component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical switch-based detection system with an optical sensor system. The sensor detects the coupled state between chain dog and hanger dog through optical means, eliminating the timing delays and malfunctions associated with mechanical switches while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system effectively prevents abnormal succession and hanger separation by clearly judging the coupled state, enhancing the reliability of the hanger trolley system and preventing accidents.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor confirming coupling between the chain dog and the hanger dog

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Light

Implementation Method 2

acceleration sensor to ensure proper coupling and succession

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentUS9637137B2Hanger trolley system

Publication Date: 2017.05.02 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A hanger trolley system includes: a driving chain provided in a power rail; a hanger trolley including a hanger dog attached to and detached from a chain dog provided in the driving chain and moving along a free rail formed below the power rail; and a sensor confirming coupling between the chain dog and the hanger dog. A coupled state between the chain dog provided in the driving chain and the hanger dog provided in the hanger trolley is confirmed through the sensor, such that judgment on succession when the hanger trolley is succeeded from a pre-process driving chain to a post-process driving chain becomes clearer as compared with the related art.