Optical Detection for Container Transfer Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container handling systems face inefficiencies and safety issues during the automatic loading and unloading of containers onto transport platforms, primarily due to inaccurate positioning of lock pins and containers, which can lead to direct and indirect damage and increased handling time.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing optical detection equipment to monitor a measurement zone defined by beams, detecting the positions of locking pins and containers, and automatically controlling the container transfer device to align pin holes with lock pins, thereby ensuring precise positioning and reducing the need for calibration and manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate optical devices are used to detect lock pins and containers, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and calibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical detection functions into a single optical detection device that can detect both lock pins and containers simultaneously using multiple beams. This merging approach maintains comprehensive detection coverage while eliminating the need for complex calibration between multiple separate devices, as all detections originate from one synchronized source
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection device is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple detection tasks using a single system. It can detect positions of lock pins, containers, and alignment status simultaneously through different beams, reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capabilities
2Ease of manufacture
If manual positioning and calibration are used, then initial setup is simpler, but handling time and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated detection and alignment control. The optical detection device automatically detects lock pin and container positions, and the control system automatically adjusts the container transfer device to achieve proper alignment, eliminating manual positioning and calibration operations while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of lock pin and container positions before the actual transfer operation. This preliminary action allows the control system to pre-calculate alignment requirements and prepare the container transfer device, thereby reducing overall handling time without complicating the initial setup
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning accuracy is improved through multiple detection points, then alignment precision increases, but system complexity and error detection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection process is segmented into distinct functional beams: first beams detect lock pin positions, second beams detect container positions, and third beams verify alignment. This segmentation provides multiple detection points for high precision alignment while keeping the system manageable through clear functional separation, and facilitates error detection by isolating detection functions
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 efficiency and safety of container handling by ensuring accurate alignment and reducing the risk of errors, allowing for automated detection and correction of positioning issues, thus minimizing damage and handling time.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring by optical detection equipment a measurement zone defined by one or more beams
Data Source
AI summary
A method and optical detection equipment for monitoring a container transfer device on lowering a container onto or lifting away from a transport platform. The container, its pin holes' position and the position of the lock pins of the transport platform are determined by the optical detection equipment, which includes a group of optical detection devices measuring obliquely from up the container and the transport platform during lowering or lifting of the container such that positions of the container and the lock pins are determined based on the measurement of the same optical detection devices.