Remote Material Handling Vehicle Control Using Stored Condition Checks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material handling vehicles lack a continuous evaluation loop for vehicle conditions before receiving travel requests, which can lead to unsafe or inefficient operations, especially in remote control scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A system for a remotely controllable material handling vehicle that includes a controller with a processor and memory for continuous evaluation of vehicle conditions, allowing the vehicle to switch between manual and travel request modes, and enabling remote operation based on stored condition data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vehicle operates in travel request mode without continuous evaluation of vehicle conditions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of vehicle conditions (battery charge, fluid levels, component status) before executing travel requests. The controller checks stored condition data in advance to determine if the vehicle is safe and ready for movement, preventing unsafe operations before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a continuous evaluation loop that monitors vehicle conditions and provides feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism ensures that travel requests are only executed when vehicle conditions meet safety thresholds, maintaining reliability while enabling remote operation.
2Reliability
If the vehicle continuously evaluates vehicle conditions and stores data, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it manages travel requests, continuously evaluates vehicle conditions, stores condition data in memory, and determines safety thresholds. This multi-functionality consolidates the evaluation system within the existing controller rather than adding separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing sensors and controller to perform self-evaluation of its conditions. The vehicle monitors its own battery charge, fluid levels, and component status without requiring external inspection systems, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If the vehicle executes travel requests without evaluating stored condition data, then the productivity is improved, but the object-affected harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety checks by evaluating stored condition data before executing travel requests. This ensures that the vehicle only moves when conditions are safe, preventing harmful effects such as operating with low battery charge or insufficient fluid levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary anti-action by preventing travel requests from being executed when vehicle conditions indicate potential harm. The controller compares condition data against safety thresholds and blocks unsafe movements before they can cause damage or safety issues.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for a remotely controllable material handling vehicle switchable between a manual mode and a travel request mode is provided comprising a controller including a processor and a memory, where vehicle condition data previously evaluated by the controller can be stored in the memory and a remote control device which can be in communication with the controller, where a travel control function on the remote control device can be configured to provide a travel request to the controller so as to cause the material handling vehicle to move forward when the material handling vehicle is in the travel request mode. In the travel request mode. the controller is configured to receive the travel request, recall at least one previously evaluated vehicle condition data stored in the memory, and, based on the at least one vehicle condition data stored in the memory, command the material handling vehicle to move forward.