Reflective Bumper Targets for AGV Safety Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and complexity of carriers with on-board electronics for safety bumpers on automated guided vehicles, where the cost of electronics often exceeds the carrier frame, and interchangeability is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A material handling device with automated guided vehicles and carriers equipped with flexible bumpers and reflective targets, using a sensor and light source to detect obstructions without the need for on-board electronics on the carrier, allowing for cost-effective and interchangeable safety bumpers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If on-board electronics are installed on the carrier for safety bumper operation, then safety detection capability is improved, but cost increases significantly and interchangeability becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The safety detection system is segmented into two parts: the sensor assembly remains on the automated guided vehicle while the reflective target is on the carrier. This separation allows the carrier to be simple and interchangeable without electronics, while the vehicle maintains the detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A reflective target serves as an intermediary between the carrier and the sensor. The reflective target passively reflects light from the sensor to detect carrier position and obstruction, eliminating the need for active electronics on the carrier while maintaining detection reliability.
2Reliability
If on-board electronics are installed on the carrier for safety bumper operation, then safety detection capability is improved, but cost of the carrier system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier uses a simple, inexpensive reflective target instead of expensive electronics. The reflective target is a passive, low-cost component that can be easily manufactured and replaced, making the carrier economical while maintaining safety detection through the vehicle-mounted sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The expensive electronic components are extracted from the carrier and placed on the vehicle. This leaves the carrier as a simple mechanical structure with only a reflective target, dramatically reducing carrier cost while the vehicle bears the cost of the sensor assembly.
3Reliability
If on-board electronics are installed on the carrier for safety bumper operation, then safety detection capability is improved, but carrier interchangeability becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented so that the complex sensor assembly remains on the vehicle while the carrier carries only a simple reflective target. This segmentation enables easy carrier interchangeability without affecting safety detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective target on the carrier serves multiple functions: it enables safety detection, provides position feedback, and works with any carrier type. This universal approach allows different carriers to be interchangeably attached to the vehicle without requiring carrier-specific electronics.
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 efficient and cost-effective obstruction detection and prevention, reducing the complexity of carrier electronics and lowering overall costs while maintaining reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The light source directs a first light beam at the vehicle reflective target and a second light beam at the carrier reflective target. The vehicle reflective target moves into a reflective position when the vehicle bumper is moved toward the sensor. The carrier reflective target moves into a reflective position when the carrier bumper is moved toward the sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
A material handling device includes an automated guided vehicle configured for use with a carrier. Both the vehicle and the carrier include a bumper having a reflective target mounted thereon. The automated guided vehicle includes a sensor having a light source and a scanner for receiving a reflection from the light source. The light source directs a first light beam at the vehicle reflective target and a second light beam at the carrier reflective target. When the vehicle bumper is moved toward the sensor, the vehicle reflective target moves into a reflective position and when the carrier bumper is moved toward the sensor, the carrier reflective target moves into a reflective position. The movement of the either bumper into the reflective position generates a signal from the sensor to a controller to control the movement of the automated guided vehicle in response to movement of either bumper.