Overhead Transport Vehicle 3D Sensing for Lower-Space Obstacle Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead transport vehicles face challenges in accurately and reliably detecting obstacles due to the narrow detection range of look-down sensors and potential misjudgment of peripheral equipment as obstacles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a three-dimensional ranging sensor, such as a stereo camera, to provide a wider detection range and accurate obstacle detection, along with a controller to determine the presence or absence of obstacles and control the lifting and lowering of the holder based on detection results, including swaying, tilting, and rotating of the article.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a look-down sensor is used for obstacle detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection range is narrow and misjudgment of obstacles occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional look-down sensor to a three-dimensional ranging sensor that captures spatial information in multiple dimensions. This dimensional expansion enables comprehensive obstacle detection throughout the lower space, eliminating blind spots and misjudgments while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensional ranging sensor serves multiple functions: obstacle detection, article position monitoring, and movement state determination. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate sensors for each task, reducing overall device complexity while improving detection reliability.
2Reliability
If a three-dimensional ranging sensor is used, then the detection range and accuracy are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The three-dimensional ranging sensor is designed to perform multiple detection tasks simultaneously - obstacle detection in the lower space, article position tracking, and movement state analysis. This consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate sensors, maintaining reliability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically processes the three-dimensional detection data to determine obstacle presence and article movement states without requiring additional processing devices. The system uses its own detection capabilities to self-analyze and self-control, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the detection range is expanded to include the lower space, then obstacle detection is improved, but the risk of misjudging peripheral equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
By capturing three-dimensional spatial information, the system can distinguish between obstacles and peripheral equipment based on their positional relationships. The depth and spatial context provided by 3D ranging enable precise identification, preventing misjudgment even when detection coverage is expanded.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously analyzes detection results and adjusts its interpretation based on the spatial context provided by the three-dimensional data. This feedback mechanism helps differentiate between actual obstacles and peripheral equipment structures, improving identification accuracy across the expanded detection range.
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 accurate and reliable obstacle detection, reducing misjudgments and preventing errors in article transfer by controlling the holder's movements based on three-dimensional sensor data.
Implementation Method 1
the three-dimensional ranging sensor may detect light emitted by the light emitter
Implementation Method 2
the three-dimensional ranging sensor may include a stereo camera
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead transport vehicle includes: a holding unit that is provided to be liftable and lowerable and configured to hold an article; a three-dimensional ranging sensor that has a detection range to include surroundings of a lower space formed directly below the article held by the holding unit; and a control device that is configured to determine presence or absence of an obstacle based on a detection result of the three-dimensional ranging sensor.