Load Handling Equipment Laser Scanner Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for handling containers in ports face accuracy issues due to the need for calibrating multiple coordinate systems, which can lead to errors in container positioning and handling, affecting efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
Implementing load handling equipment with a single geographic coordinate system that uses a distance-measuring device, such as a laser scanner, to generate measurement data without requiring coordinate system transformations, allowing for accurate positioning and handling of containers without the need for frequent calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple coordinate systems are used for laser scanners and cranes, then the system can accommodate different equipment types and scanning positions, but calibration errors occur and positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into two independent parts: the laser scanner operates in its own geographic coordinate system while the crane operates in its own coordinate system. Instead of forcing one system to adapt to another, each system maintains independence and the control system mediates between them, eliminating calibration errors while preserving both systems' operational characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary between the laser scanner's geographic coordinate system and the crane's coordinate system. This mediator receives measurement data from the laser scanner, transforms it into the crane's coordinate system without requiring physical calibration, and uses it for precise positioning control, thus resolving the accuracy problem while maintaining equipment versatility
2Measurement precision
If coordinate system calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but crane downtime increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner performs self-positioning measurements autonomously in the geographic coordinate system without requiring crane intervention or calibration activities. The crane simply executes positioning commands based on the transformed measurement data, eliminating the need for frequent calibration downtime while maintaining high positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical calibration process with an optical measurement system. Instead of physically adjusting and calibrating coordinate systems through manual procedures, the system uses laser scanning to automatically measure positions and transforms the data computationally, eliminating calibration downtime while maintaining measurement precision
3Stability of the object's composition
If laser scanners are mounted on fixed posts in the port area, then the scanning system has stable positioning, but coordinate system matching becomes complex and requires frequent calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the coordinate systems into independent domains: the fixed laser scanner operates in a stable geographic coordinate system while the mobile crane operates in its own coordinate system. This segmentation eliminates the need to match coordinate systems physically, as the control system handles the transformation computationally, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control system serves as an intermediary that receives stable measurement data from the fixed laser scanner in the geographic coordinate system, transforms it to the crane's coordinate system, and provides positioning commands. This intermediary approach maintains the stability benefit of fixed mounting while eliminating coordinate system matching complexity
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 approach enhances the accuracy and efficiency of container handling by eliminating the need for complex coordinate system calibration, improving safety and reducing downtime for maintenance, thereby increasing the overall utilization of port operations.
Implementation Method 1
a distance-measuring device (116) mounted on at least one of the support structures, in this way distance measurement data is obtained from at least two of the following objects in relation to their mounting place, the object comprising: a vehicle positioned beneath or on a side of load handling equipment, the door of a vehicle, a person, a load, a reflector
Data Source
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AI summary
Load handling equipment comprises vertical support structures between which transport means are mounted to be moved along a horizontal support structure between the vertical support structures to move a load relative to the support structures, and a distance-measuring device capable of generating distance measurement data is mounted in at least one of said support structures. The distance- measuring device is arranged to generate distance measurement data on at least two of the following objects relative to their mounting position, the objects comprising: a vehicle positioned beneath or on a side of the load handling equipment, the door of a vehicle, a person, a load, a reflector and transport means for moving a load.