Multi-Plane Scanner Support System for AGV Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety scanning systems for material transport vehicles, such as fork lift trucks and AGVs, are limited in their ability to detect objects in areas beyond the plane projected by traditional laser scanners, particularly when navigating around corners or in three-dimensional spaces.
Innovation Solution
A multi-plane scanner support system that includes a bracket and a mirror block configured to receive a scanning signal from a laser range scanner and reflect it into multiple directions, creating multiple scanning planes, which extends the safety zone detection to the front, right, and left areas of the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional single-plane laser scanner is used, then the system structure is simple, but the detection coverage is limited to a single plane and cannot detect objects in three-dimensional spaces or around corners
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by using a mirror block with multiple reflective surfaces arranged at different angles to deflect the laser beam into multiple planes. Instead of using a single scanning plane, the system creates multiple scanning planes (e.g., front, right, left areas) by reflecting the beam through different mirror surfaces, thereby expanding detection coverage from two-dimensional to three-dimensional space without adding multiple scanners
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror block serves as an intermediary component that receives the laser beam from the scanner and redirects it into multiple directions. This intermediary device enables a single scanner to achieve multi-plane detection by introducing reflective surfaces between the scanner and the target areas, effectively multiplying the detection coverage without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Reliability
If multiple scanners are used to cover multiple areas, then the detection coverage is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a single scanner system that performs multiple detection functions through the mirror block. The mirror block enables one scanner to simultaneously cover multiple areas (front, right, left) that would traditionally require separate scanners, thereby maintaining safety detection reliability while reducing the number of scanning devices needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single scanner system by using the mirror block to distribute the laser beam across multiple planes. Instead of having separate scanners for different areas, the system merges their functions into one integrated setup, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive coverage
3Area of stationary object
If nodding mechanisms are used to create multiple scanning planes, then the detection coverage is improved, but the maintenance requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical nodding mechanism from the system and replaces it with a stationary mirror block. By removing the moving nodding components and using fixed mirrors arranged at different angles, the system maintains multi-plane detection capability while eliminating the maintenance issues associated with mechanical wear, calibration, and failure of moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical nodding system with an optical solution using fixed reflective surfaces. Instead of mechanically moving the scanner to create multiple planes, the system uses stationary mirrors to reflect the beam into multiple directions, replacing a mechanical system with an optical one that has fewer moving parts and lower maintenance requirements
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
Enables enhanced safety zone detection and operation modification in previously uncovered areas, improving navigation and safety by creating a bent light curtain with multiple scanning planes without the need for 'nodding' mechanisms, reducing costs and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the mirror block is arranged to receive a scanning signal from the scanner and to reflect the scanning signal into a plurality of directions to create multiple scanning planes
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-plane scanner support system includes a bracket and a mirror block. The bracket is configured to be secured in a fixed orientation with respect to a scanner. And the mirror block is arranged to receive a scanning signal from the scanner and to reflect the scanning signal into a plurality of directions to create multiple scanning planes. The scanner can be a laser scanner. The scanner and multi-plane scanner support system can be attached to a material transport vehicle, for example, to provide safety functions. The vehicle can be manned or unmanned.