Handling Device Hook Positioning and Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling devices fitted to vehicle chassis for loading and unloading crates are difficult to operate due to limited visibility and require precise alignment, posing risks of collision and excessive effort, which can lead to material damage and operational hazards.
Innovation Solution
A system equipped with sensors and a processing unit that determines the position of a hook in real-time, defining zones of interest such as slowing down, stopping, collision risk, and effort risk zones, to assist in precise maneuvering and prevent accidents by controlling the hook's speed and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operation of the handling device is used, then the operator has full control over the arm movements, but the alignment precision between the hook and the ring is insufficient due to lack of visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously determines the position of the hook using sensors (angular sensors, inclinometers, linear sensors) and provides real-time feedback to the operator through a display interface. This feedback loop enables precise alignment between the hook and the ring by showing the operator the actual position and orientation of the hook, compensating for the lack of direct visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual alignment with an electronic positioning system that uses sensors to calculate the hook's Cartesian position and orientation. The mechanical operation is supplemented by an electronic feedback system that substitutes for the operator's visual assessment, providing precise positional data.
2Productivity
If the arm moves quickly to improve productivity, then the loading and unloading operations are faster, but the risk of collision between the body and the rear of the truck increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines safe zones and collision risk zones in the working space. Before the arm executes rapid movements, the operator can visualize these zones through the interface, allowing preliminary assessment of potential collisions. The system prepares safety constraints in advance that will be automatically applied during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous position monitoring and real-time feedback enable the operator to see the arm's position relative to safe zones and collision risks. This feedback allows the operator to adjust movements to avoid collisions while maintaining high speed operation in safe zones.
3Measurement precision
If the hook is positioned close to the vehicle body to improve alignment precision, then the alignment between hook and ring is better, but the risk of excessive effort and material breakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-defines effort risk zones where excessive force may damage the vehicle body or arm. The operator can visualize these zones before positioning the hook, allowing preliminary planning of the approach trajectory that achieves precise alignment while staying outside high-risk zones.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback shows the operator the hook's position relative to effort risk zones. This enables the operator to maintain precise alignment while avoiding positions that would exert excessive force on the vehicle body or arm components.
4Reliability
If the handling device is equipped with multiple sensors and control systems to improve safety and precision, then the operational safety and alignment precision are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple sensors (angular sensors, inclinometers, linear sensors) that serve multiple functions: determining hook position, calculating orientation, monitoring safe zones, and detecting collision risks. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function, managing complexity through sensor versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing unit acts as an intermediary that integrates data from multiple sensors and translates it into meaningful information for the operator. It calculates the hook's Cartesian position and orientation, determines zone boundaries, and generates feedback signals, simplifying the interface between complex sensor systems and the operator.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a maneuvering system for a handling device for loading and unloading a crate (CT), comprising a hook (20), comprising: - a set of sensors configured to perform a continuous measurement during manipulation of the arm; - a processing unit (51) configured to determine the position (Pc) of the hook (20) continuously during the manipulation of the arm, from measurement(s) performed by the set of sensors, - a non-volatile memory (52) adapted to store characteristics of at least one area of interest defined in the XOY frame; the processing unit being further configured to continuously check during the manipulation of the arm whether the determined position (Pc) of the hook (20) is within the at least one area of interest.