Mobile Robot Alignment Display for Container Load Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The misalignment of a mobile robot with a robot arm relative to a container in a container truck can cause abnormal stops during load handling operations, increasing the time required for recovery and driver intervention.
Innovation Solution
A load handling system with a proper position display unit that emits lights to align the mobile robot relative to the container, allowing for manual or autonomous positioning to correct misalignment, and includes a movable stand with stopper-equipped casters for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mobile robot with a robot arm is used for load handling operations, then automation and operation efficiency are improved, but positional misalignment between the robot and container causes abnormal stops and increases recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing alignment marks and measurement guidelines before the load handling operation begins. The operator measures the positional relationship between the mobile robot and container in advance, and adjusts the robot's position to match the container's position before operation starts, preventing abnormal stops during the actual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual positional relationship between the mobile robot and container, comparing it with the proper positional relationship, and using this information to adjust the robot's position. This closed-loop approach ensures the robot is properly aligned with the container before operation begins.
2Measurement precision
If an operator manually measures and corrects positional misalignment, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the time required for measurement and correction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system consisting of alignment marks and measurement guidelines that facilitate accurate and quick measurement of positional misalignment. These intermediaries serve as reference points that simplify the measurement process, allowing the operator to quickly determine the correct position without complex measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a simplified visual measurement system using alignment marks and guidelines. This substitution allows for quick visual assessment of positional relationships without requiring sophisticated measurement equipment or time-consuming procedures.
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
The system enables quick alignment of the mobile robot to the proper position, preventing abnormal stops and reducing the time required for driver intervention during load handling operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first display that emits a first light toward the front and displays, when the first light hits a rear surface of the container, a position of the first light that has hit the rear surface
Implementation Method 2
a second display that emits a second light to the stand or the floor surface, and displays the proper position of the mobile robot relative to a position of the proper position display unit
Data Source
AI summary
In a load handling system, a load handling operation is performed between a platform and the inside of a container of a container truck. A load handling device that performs the load handling operation includes a mobile robot including, on an unmanned transport vehicle, a robot with a robot arm capable of handling a load. A proper position display unit is installed outside the mobile robot and displays a proper position of the mobile robot relative to a position of the container of the truck. After aligning the mobile robot to the proper position, the mobile robot autonomously travels.