Movable Test Body for Precise AGV Protective Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing testing methods for protective devices on driverless transport vehicles are inflexible, often requiring reprogramming and are not suitable for mobile use, leading to inaccurate test results due to premature deceleration from the warning field, and risk returning the device to an incorrect original state.
Innovation Solution
A device with a movably arranged test body that can be positioned in the vehicle's travel path without triggering the protective device's sensor in a first position, and only triggers a safety-related action in a second position, allowing for flexible and accurate testing without reprogramming, with features like a base, test body, and a control and evaluation unit for precise movement and data recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a stationary test device is used to test protective devices, then testing can be performed, but the device cannot be used mobile and is not suitable for testing in industrial environments
Solution Approach 1:
The test device is divided into a base unit and a separate test body that can be detached and positioned independently. This segmentation allows the test body to be placed in the protective field while keeping the base unit stationary or mobile, resolving the contradiction between mobility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The test body is made movable relative to the base through mechanical, electromechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic arrangements. This dynamic capability allows the test device to adapt to different testing scenarios and locations, providing mobility without requiring the entire device to be complex and portable.
2Measurement precision
If the test body is positioned in the warning field, then the protective device can detect the object, but the vehicle decelerates before entering the protective field resulting in falsified test results
Solution Approach 1:
The test body is designed with specific dimensional characteristics (height, width) that are tailored to trigger only the protective field while remaining below the detection threshold of the warning field. This local quality adjustment allows precise control over which field is activated, ensuring accurate testing without premature vehicle deceleration.
3Reliability
If the protective device is reprogrammed for testing purposes, then objects in the warning field can be ignored, but the device is only tested in a reprogrammed state and may not be returned to its original state
Solution Approach 1:
The test body is pre-configured with specific dimensional parameters that inherently trigger only the protective field under normal operating conditions. This preliminary design eliminates the need for reprogramming the protective device, allowing testing to be performed in the device's original state and ensuring it returns to its normal operation after testing.
4Measurement precision
If the test device is dimensioned to be detected by the sensor, then a safety-related action can be triggered, but the device cannot be positioned in the travel path without triggering premature detection
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the triggering condition from a two-dimensional plane detection (where the entire device would be detected) to a three-dimensional configuration where only a small portion of the device (the test body at a specific height) intersects with the protective field. This dimensional approach allows the device to be positioned flexibly in the travel path while achieving precise triggering of the protective field.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for testing a protective device of a vehicle, in particular an automated guided vehicle, wherein the protective device has at least one sensor for monitoring a travel path of the vehicle. The device comprises a base and a test body which is movably arranged on the base and can be moved from a first position to a second position. The device can be positioned in the travel path of the vehicle and is dimensioned such that the device in the travel path of the vehicle cannot be detected by the sensor or, upon detection of the test body, no safety-related action is triggered by the protective device if the test body is in the first position and the test body can be detected by the sensor. Upon detection of the test body, a safety-related action is triggered by the protective device if the test body is in the second position.