Transport Robot Lid-Opening Detection Using Optical Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport robots fail to detect when a package with a closed container lid is opened during transport, posing a challenge in ensuring the lid remains closed.
Innovation Solution
A detection system equipped with an optical sensor and weight sensor on the transport robot, which uses reflection light and weight changes to determine if the lid is open, and includes a notification unit to alert external parties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transport robot transports a package with a closed lid, then the package can be securely transported, but the lid opening cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
An optical sensor acts as an intermediary between the lid and the detection system. The sensor includes a light source that emits light toward the lid and a light receiving unit that detects reflected light. When the lid is closed, it reflects light back to the sensor; when opened, the reflection pattern changes, enabling detection of the lid's state without physically contacting or obstructing the package during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical detection methods (such as physical locks or mechanical sensors) with an optical detection system. The optical sensor uses light emission and reflection detection to determine lid state, eliminating the need for mechanical contact while maintaining reliable detection capability throughout the transport process.
2Loss of information
If an optical sensor is added to detect the lid, then lid opening can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor serves multiple functions: it detects whether the lid is closed or open, and can potentially detect the position of the package on the transport robot. By consolidating these detection functions into a single optical sensor unit with both light source and light receiving unit, the system achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light source and light receiving unit are combined into a single optical sensor assembly that is integrated onto the transport robot. This merging of components into one unified detection unit reduces the overall system complexity compared to having separate light sources, receivers, and processing systems distributed throughout the robot.
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
Effectively detects when the lid is opened and notifies users or nearby individuals, ensuring the lid remains closed during transport, enhancing safety and security.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor provided on the transport robot to detect the lid in a state where the package is placed on the placing portion and including a light source and a light receiving unit configured to receive reflection light of emission light from the light source, the reflection light being reflected by the lid
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a detection system used in a case where a transport robot transports a package in a state where the package in which an opening portion of a container is closed by a lid is placed on a placing portion of the transport robot. The detection system is configured to detect that the lid is opened.