Light-Based Guidance for Carpet Roll Pole Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In carpet warehouse settings, forklift operators face difficulties in determining the correct height of a pole inserted into carpet rolls, leading to potential damage and misalignment issues due to line of sight problems, which affects warehousing efficiency and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A light-based guidance system is mounted on the pole, emitting a light beam parallel to it, providing visual indicators to the operator about the pole's position relative to the carpet roll, allowing for accurate alignment and placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator estimates the correct height of the pole manually, then the operation can proceed without additional equipment, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to damage and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical estimation method with an optical guidance system. A light source mounted on the pole emits a light beam that provides visual feedback to the operator, allowing precise alignment with the carpet roll without relying on manual height estimation. This substitutes the mechanical judgment process with an optical measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The light beam acts as an intermediary between the pole and the operator's visual system. Instead of directly observing the pole's position relative to the carpet roll, the operator uses the light beam as a visual mediator to determine correct alignment and height positioning.
2Measurement precision
If the operator advances the pole forward to test alignment, then actual positioning can be verified, but damage to the pole, carpet roll, or shelving occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The light-based guidance system provides visual alignment information before the pole is advanced forward. The operator can verify correct positioning and alignment in advance by observing the light beam's relationship with the carpet roll and shelving, preventing premature contact that would cause damage.
3Productivity
If carpet rolls are stacked many feet off the ground to minimize floor space, then warehousing efficiency improves, but the operator's line of sight to the pole and carpet roll deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the visual information system by mounting the light source on the vertically-positioned pole. This allows alignment information to be provided at the elevated working height where the pole actually operates, rather than requiring the operator to view from ground level. The light beam creates a visual reference in the vertical dimension where it is needed.
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 light-based guidance system enhances warehousing efficiency by improving loading and unloading times, reducing damage and misplacement of carpet rolls, and minimizing operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured to emit a light beam that is substantially parallel with the pole member
Data Source
AI summary
A light-based guidance system is disclosed that is mountable on a pole of a lifting device for carpet rolls. The light-based guidance system includes a light source disposed within a housing of the light-based guidance system, wherein the light source is configured to emit a light beam that is substantially parallel with the pole member.