Rack-Mounted Leaky Waveguides for Reliable Shuttle Radio Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shuttle systems face challenges in maintaining reliable radio signal reception due to signal shielding from conveyed goods and infrastructure, leading to intermittent communication and potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of leaky wave conductors along main routes and storage channels to ensure consistent radio signal coverage, using dual-frequency networks with redundant transmission to maintain communication and prevent shuttles from entering unsafe states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If omnidirectional antennas are mounted at the entrance of aisles to transmit Wi-Fi radio signals, then the aisle is supplied with radio signals, but signal shielding from conveyed goods and infrastructure causes intermittent communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces leaky waveguide antennas as intermediary structures mounted on rack shelves to propagate radio signals along the travel paths. These waveguides act as mediators that channel and distribute signals throughout the storage system, overcoming the shielding effects that block direct transmission from entrance-mounted antennas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from point-source transmission (antennas at aisle entrances) to distributed linear transmission (leaky waveguides along shelves). By placing waveguides at multiple heights and locations throughout the rack structure, the system creates a three-dimensional signal distribution network that bypasses shielding obstacles through alternative spatial paths.
2Reliability
If leaky waveguides are assigned to shelves to emit radio signals along travel paths, then uninterrupted signal coverage is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leaky waveguide structures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for storage shelves, enable signal propagation along travel paths, and act as mounting surfaces for additional antennas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated signal transmission infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the storage rack structure with signal transmission functionality by integrating leaky waveguides into the shelf framework. This merging of structural and communicative functions allows the same physical infrastructure to serve both mechanical support and radio signal distribution purposes, reducing the number of separate components required.
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
This solution provides uninterrupted radio signal coverage, reducing the likelihood of shuttles entering unsafe states and ensuring continuous operation by minimizing signal interruptions and maintaining communication even in shielded environments.
Implementation Method 1
A leaky waveguide is assigned to the at least one shelf, which is configured to emit the radio signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A shuttle system comprising a rack (7), a shuttle (8) and a control device, wherein the shuttle (8) is configured to receive commands from the control device which are transmitted by means of radio signals, shall be characterized by at least one leakage waveguide (9) associated with the rack (7) which is configured to radiate the radio signals.