Mobile Inspection Laser Planes for Irregular Object Collision Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile scanning inspection systems with anti-collision bumper protection are inadequate for objects with irregular contours, as they only provide point protection and fail to prevent collisions with vehicles or inspection arms when encountering objects of varying heights and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A mobile scanning inspection system equipped with first and second laser inspection planes on either side of the inspection tunnel, which emit parallel laser beams to provide comprehensive plane protection, and a controller that issues alarm signals and stops the vehicle movement when an object exceeds preset sizes, allowing for zonal collision prevention and height-exceeding protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If anti-collision bumper with travel switch is used, then collision protection for regular-shaped objects is achieved, but protection for objects with irregular contours fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision protection effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability to irregular objects
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from point-based protection (bumper bar) to plane-based protection (laser inspection planes). By emitting laser planes that form two-dimensional protective surfaces on both sides of the inspection tunnel, the system achieves comprehensive coverage for objects with irregular contours, heights, and shapes that cannot be protected by traditional point-based bumpers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection system is divided into multiple laser inspection devices positioned at different locations (first inspection device on cross arm, second inspection device on vertical arm). Each device emits laser planes that cover specific zones, creating a segmented but comprehensive protective network throughout the inspection tunnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If single point protection with bumper bar is used, then simple collision detection is achieved, but comprehensive coverage for varying object heights and shapes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection system simplicityVSAvoidprotection coverage area
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system expands from one-dimensional point protection to two-dimensional plane protection using laser beams. The laser inspection planes extend across the inspection tunnel, creating extensive coverage areas that can detect objects of varying heights and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If laser inspection planes are emitted on both sides of inspection tunnel, then comprehensive collision protection is achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision protection comprehensivenessVSAvoidnumber of inspection devices
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser inspection devices serve multiple functions: they emit inspection laser planes for collision detection, and simultaneously provide zonal collision indication by dividing the inspection plane into multiple detection zones. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components while achieving comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection system is segmented into multiple functional zones within the laser planes, allowing each inspection device to cover specific areas. This segmentation enables comprehensive coverage through strategic positioning of a limited number of devices rather than requiring dense coverage throughout the entire tunnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system significantly reduces the probability of collisions by offering wide coverage and zonal collision indication, enabling effective prevention and analysis of potential collisions during the scanning process.

Implementation Method 1

a first inspection device to emit a first laser plane is provided on the cross arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a second inspection device to emit a second laser plane are provided on the cross arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3327469B1Mobile scanning inspection system
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3327469B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3327469B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3327469B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application discloses a mobile scanning inspection system, comprising a vehicle body (102) and an inspection arm (104) including a cross arm (1042) and a vertical arm (1044), wherein a first inspection device (108) and a second inspection device (110) are provided on the cross arm (1042); wherein the first inspection device (108) is arranged on the side proximate the vehicle body (102) and a first laser inspection plane (S1) emitted from the first inspection device (108) is arranged parallel to the side plane of the vehicle body (102), and the length of the longest portion of the first laser inspection plane (S1) is longer than the length of the vehicle body (102); wherein the second inspection device (110) is provided on the side proximate the vertical arm (1044) and a second laser inspection plane (S2) emitted from the second inspection device (110) is arranged parallel to the side plane of the vehicle body (102) and the second laser inspection plane (S2) is centered on the vertical arm (1044), and extends a first preset distance (Lc) and a second preset distance (Ld) forward and backward. The system (10) is capable of plane protection on both sides of the inspection tunnel to provide a more comprehensive crash protection, reducing the risk of the vehicle and inspection arm (104) being hit.