Image Sensing Assembly Vibration Isolation for Warehouse Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lift trucks in warehouses face challenges such as harsh environmental conditions, including condensation and vibration, which affect the accuracy of location tracking systems, and existing solutions like GPS may not function well indoors, while adding location-identifying beacons can be costly.
Innovation Solution
An image sensing assembly with a robust enclosure and vibration-dampening mounts is mounted on lift trucks to capture images, analyze positions, and transmit data wirelessly, using a two-part enclosure design with sealed apertures and a heating assembly to prevent condensation and isolate electronics from harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS is used for location tracking in warehouses, then location data can be obtained, but the system does not work well in indoor environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS (global positioning system) with an image-based positioning system that uses cameras to capture images of warehouse features and tracks position through image analysis. This substitution enables indoor location tracking by using visual recognition of known reference points, markers, or natural features within the warehouse environment, eliminating the need for outdoor satellite-based positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system consisting of image sensors, image processing units, and reference databases. This intermediary system captures visual data, processes it to identify known features or markers, and determines position based on the processed image information, serving as a mediator between the physical warehouse environment and the location tracking function.
2Measurement precision
If location-identifying beacons are added throughout large warehouses, then indoor location tracking becomes possible, but the cost becomes prohibitively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual copies or representations of the warehouse environment captured by image sensors instead of physical beacons. By capturing images of existing warehouse features, structures, or placed markers and storing them as reference data, the system creates a digital copy of the environment for position determination, eliminating the need for expensive physical beacon infrastructure throughout the warehouse.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes existing warehouse features, structures, or simple markers serve multiple functions: they act as both environmental elements and positioning references. This universal approach allows ordinary warehouse components to enable location tracking without requiring dedicated expensive beacon infrastructure, reducing implementation costs while maintaining tracking capability.
3Device complexity
If the image sensing assembly is exposed to the harsh warehouse environment, then the structure remains simple, but condensation forms and vibration affects component reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image sensing assembly into separate functional modules: an enclosed housing containing sensitive electronics and image sensors, and a mounting structure that attaches to the lift truck. This segmentation isolates the electronic components from the harsh external environment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The enclosure can be removed or accessed without detaching from the mounting structure, enabling easy servicing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary enclosure housing that acts as a mediator between the image sensing components and the harsh warehouse environment. This enclosure protects sensitive electronics from condensation and vibration while allowing the assembly to remain mounted on the lift truck. The intermediary structure filters out harmful environmental factors without requiring complex protection systems.
4Reliability
If the enclosure is sealed to protect against condensation, then component protection is improved, but access for servicing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the enclosure into separable parts that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The enclosure may consist of multiple panels or sections that can be detached from each other, allowing service personnel to access internal components by simply opening or removing sections rather than breaking the sealed structure. This segmentation maintains the protective seal when closed while enabling easy access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static sealed enclosure to a dynamic structure that can be opened or accessed when needed. The enclosure incorporates movable or removable parts that allow the transition between sealed protection mode and service access mode. This dynamic design enables the enclosure to adapt between its protective function and its servicing requirement without compromising either capability.
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 image sensing assembly effectively tracks lift truck positions and goods movement within warehouses, providing accurate location data and withstanding industrial conditions, while minimizing costs through efficient tooling and easy servicing.
Implementation Method 1
Dampening mounts may isolate the enclosure that houses electronics from a mounting portion of the image sensing assembly that connects to a lift truck. Such dampening mounts may at least partially limit the intensity of vibration imparted to an image sensing assembly from a lift truck
Implementation Method 2
A gasket may at least partially separate the front portion and the rear portion from each other, to increase a quality of the seal formed when the front and rear portions are attached together
Implementation Method 3
a heating assembly to prevent condensation and isolate electronics from harsh environments
Data Source
AI summary
An image sensing assembly includes an enclosure that defines a first viewport aperture in a front wall of the enclosure. The image sensing assembly includes a first image sensor attached within the enclosure, the first image sensor aligned with the first viewport aperture in the front wall of the enclosure to capture image data representative of a scene viewed through the first viewport aperture. The image sensing assembly includes a bracket attached to the enclosure at a first portion of the bracket and attached to a first mounting plate at a second portion of the bracket. The image sensing assembly includes a vibration dampening mount located between the bracket and the first mounting plate to at least partially isolate the enclosure from vibration of the first mounting plate.