Platform Mover Motion Lockout Using Allowable-Zone Collision Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for moving large platforms relative to target objects are inefficient, requiring manual labor or equipment without collision avoidance, leading to potential worker injury and damage to the target object, and existing systems that prevent contact immobilize the drive vehicle, preventing safe positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system with a drive vehicle attached to the platform, equipped with distance and rotation angle sensors, calculates allowable zones for movement to avoid contact and allows or restricts movement based on these zones, adjusting speed and direction to ensure safe positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If systems prevent movement of the drive vehicle to avoid contact between the platform and target object, then collision avoidance is achieved, but the drive vehicle is immobilized and cannot be safely positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motion constraints based on real-time sensor data. The processing circuit continuously monitors distance sensor readings and rotation angle measurements, calculating allowable zones and dynamically permitting or restricting movement in specific directions. This dynamic approach allows the platform to be safely positioned by permitting movement only in directions that avoid contact with the target object, rather than completely immobilizing the drive vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If workers manually push and pull the platform, then movement is achieved, but worker injury risk increases due to large forces required
Solution Approach 1:
The drive vehicle autonomously moves the platform using its own drive members and motors. The processing circuit independently calculates allowable zones based on distance sensor and rotation angle sensor data, and controls the drive members to move the platform without requiring manual pushing or pulling. This self-service capability eliminates the need for workers to apply large forces, thereby preventing worker injury while achieving platform movement.
3Productivity
If equipment such as forklifts is used to move the platform, then movement efficiency is improved, but collision avoidance capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses distance sensors to continuously monitor the space between the platform and target object, and rotation angle sensors to measure the relative orientation. The processing circuit processes this feedback data in real-time, calculates allowable zones, and adjusts drive member control to prevent contact. This closed-loop feedback system enables the drive vehicle to move the platform efficiently while automatically avoiding collisions, combining the productivity of mechanical equipment with intelligent collision avoidance.
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes a drive vehicle configured to attach to the platform at a pivot point and to move the platform relative to the target object. One or more distance sensors are positioned to sense the target object, and one or more rotation angle sensors acquire an angular position of the drive vehicle relative to the platform. A processing circuit is configured to calculate one or more distances between the platform and the target object based on inputs from the one or more distance sensors. The processing circuit receives a command to move the drive vehicle in one or more forward, reverse, or rotational directions. The processing circuit allows motion in one or more directions in which the platform will not contact the target object and prevents motion in one or more directions that would cause the platform to contact the target object.