Powered Industrial Truck HMI Guidance for Accurate Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to efficiently track and manage the operations of powered industrial trucks (PITs), leading to inefficiencies in material handling, such as misplaced materials and subjective assessments of operator performance, which can require additional shifts and equipment for correction.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a localized computing system on the PIT, providing map overlay data and real-time location data via a human-machine interface (HMI), coupled with wireless networks to enhance operator guidance and efficiency tracking, using sensors for height, weight, and scanning data to verify pickup and drop-off procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual tracking methods are used for PIT operations, then device complexity is reduced, but operator efficiency and accuracy of material handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously tracks PIT location, item pickup/dropoff status, and operator performance, providing real-time feedback through the HMI interface. This feedback loop enables operators to correct actions immediately and allows managers to identify efficiency patterns, directly improving productivity while the automated tracking handles the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking methods with an automated electronic system using sensors, wireless communication, and software algorithms. The LIDAR system, weight sensors, and automated image recognition substitute for manual observation and paper-based tracking, improving efficiency while the software manages the computational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If real-time tracking systems are implemented, then measurement precision of operator performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors PIT location, tracks item pickup and dropoff events, measures operator efficiency, and provides navigation guidance. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system rather than separate systems, the patent achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically captures performance data through sensors and image recognition without requiring manual input from operators. The automated image recognition system independently verifies item pickup and dropoff, and the location tracking occurs passively through LIDAR and wireless communication, eliminating the need for additional manual measurement devices.
3Manufacturing precision
If automated image recognition is used to verify pickup and dropoff, then manufacturing precision of material handling is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image recognition system operates periodically at key events (pickup and dropoff verification) rather than continuously. The system activates the camera and processing only when needed to verify item handling, reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining high precision for critical quality control moments.
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
Improves operator efficiency by reducing errors, minimizing the need for additional equipment and shifts, and providing real-time feedback, while enabling detailed performance analysis and maintenance insights.
Implementation Method 1
the current location data may be determined via a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system and the LIDAR system may be mechanically coupled with the PIT
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are methods, devices, and systems for improving efficiency of operators of powered industrial trucks (PITs) during material handling. According to one embodiment, a method is implemented on a localized computing system mechanically coupled with a PIT. The method includes providing map overlay data to a human machine interface (HMI) communicatively coupled with the localized computing system; receiving, over a wireless network, pickup location data for an item, and drop-off location data for the item; receiving current location data associated with the PIT; and providing display relative pickup location data, display relative drop-off location, and current location data to the HMI.