Platform Mover Motion Lockout for Collision-Free Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for moving and positioning large work platforms relative to target objects are inefficient, often requiring manual labor or equipment that lacks automated collision avoidance, leading to potential damage to the target object and difficulty in precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a drive vehicle attached to a platform with distance sensors and rotation angle sensors, a processing circuit that calculates allowable heading angles and zones to prevent contact between the platform and the target object, allowing safe movement within defined zones while restricting movement outside these zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If systems prevent movement of the drive vehicle to avoid contact between the platform and target object, then the target object is protected from damage, but the operator cannot move the drive vehicle and platform in any direction including safely backing away
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts motion constraints based on real-time sensor data and calculated allowable zones. Rather than static immobilization, the drive vehicle's movement capabilities are adaptively modified according to the platform's orientation and position relative to the target object, allowing motion in safe directions while preventing motion in dangerous directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of motion availability from a binary state (locked/unlocked) to a continuous state defined by allowable zones and heading angle limits. The processing circuit calculates specific angular ranges and distance thresholds that define when and where movement is permitted, transforming the control parameter from simple on/off locking to nuanced directional permission.
2Manufacturing precision
If the platform is positioned in very close proximity to the target object for manufacturing processes, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the risk of accidental contact and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the platform's position and orientation relative to the target object using distance sensors and rotation angle sensors. This real-time feedback enables the processing circuit to recalculate allowable zones and heading angle limits as the platform moves, providing dynamic adjustment of motion constraints that maintains safety while enabling precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of allowable zones and heading angle limits before permitting movement. By pre-computing safe movement parameters based on current platform configuration and target object position, the system prevents dangerous movements before they occur while allowing all safe movements, thereby enabling precise positioning without contact risk.
3Device complexity
If manual pushing and pulling methods are used to move the platform, then equipment complexity is reduced, but multiple workers are required and worker injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive vehicle autonomously determines and executes safe movement directions based on sensor input and processed calculations of allowable zones. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting its motion constraints without requiring external supervision or manual intervention, thereby eliminating worker exposure to hazardous forces while maintaining operational capability.
4Productivity
If standard forklift equipment is used to move the platform, then productivity is improved, but automated collision avoidance capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces passive mechanical collision avoidance (physical barriers or manual operator caution) with an active electronic control system that uses sensors, processing circuits, and algorithmic calculation of allowable zones. This substitution enables automated real-time assessment of safe movement parameters, providing intelligent collision prevention while maintaining the productivity benefits of mechanized platform movement.
Data Source
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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.