Order Picking Truck Steering for Autonomous Aisle Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low level order picking trucks require significant operator time for relocating and repositioning, reducing the time available for actual stock picking due to the repetitive nature of the pick process.
Innovation Solution
A materials handling vehicle equipped with sensors and a controller that automatically performs steer maneuvers to maintain a desired distance from objects, allowing the vehicle to navigate and position itself without manual intervention, using detection zones and steer correction algorithms to adjust its path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation of the order picking truck is used, then the operator can control the vehicle, but the operator spends excessive time relocating and repositioning the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The truck is equipped with sensors and an automated steering system that enables it to reposition itself autonomously. The sensor detects objects and the controller automatically adjusts the steering to maintain optimal positioning, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention in vehicle relocation tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical steering control is replaced with an automated electronic steering system. Sensors detect the position of objects and the controller electronically actuates the steering mechanism to maintain the truck at the desired distance from detected objects, substituting human mechanical control with automated sensor-based control.
2Ease of operation
If the operator manually repositions the truck frequently, then the truck can be positioned correctly, but the time available for actual stock picking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the position of the truck relative to detected objects using sensors and provides real-time feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the steering based on this feedback to maintain the truck at the desired distance from objects, ensuring accurate positioning without requiring frequent manual interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated steering system operates continuously to maintain optimal truck positioning throughout the stock picking process. This continuous automated adjustment eliminates interruptions and ensures the truck is always correctly positioned, maximizing the time available for productive stock picking activities.
Data Source
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AI summary
A materials handling vehicle automatically implements steer maneuvers when objects enter one or more zones proximate the vehicle, wherein the zones are monitored by a controller associated with the vehicle. The controller tracks objects in the zones via sensor data obtained from at least one obstacle sensor located on the vehicle and via dead reckoning. The objects are tracked by the controller until they are no longer in an environment proximate the vehicle. Different zones result in different steer maneuvers being implemented by the controller.