Semi-Trailer Positioning System with Sensor-Controlled Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic pallet loading systems for semi-trailers require precise horizontal and vertical alignment, which is often labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the need for compatible positioning brackets and manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An automatic positioning system with movable front and rear platforms, flaps with angular sensors, and lateral and vertical position sensors, controlled by a controller to achieve precise and continuous alignment with the loading platform, allowing for quick and adaptive positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If positioning brackets are used to fix the semi-trailer position, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is designed to be universally compatible with different semi-trailer types without requiring specialized brackets or dedicated equipment. The same sensor-based system adapts to various trailer configurations, eliminating the need for trailer-specific positioning hardware while maintaining high positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning brackets with a sensor-based detection and control system. Lateral position sensors, vertical position sensors, and angular sensors electronically detect trailer position and automatically control platform adjustments, substituting mechanical fixing devices with an automated sensing and actuating system.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual positioning adjustments are performed, then positioning precision can be achieved, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system operates autonomously by automatically detecting the semi-trailer's position using sensors and controlling the platform adjustments without human intervention. The system self-regulates the lateral and vertical positioning based on real-time sensor feedback, eliminating manual positioning operations while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the semi-trailer position using lateral position sensors, vertical position sensors, and angular sensors, and automatically adjusts the platform based on this feedback. This closed-loop control enables rapid iterative corrections to achieve precise positioning quickly without manual intervention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the semi-trailer position is fixed using dedicated equipment, then positioning stability is improved, but adaptability to different semi-trailer types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is designed to work with various semi-trailer types through universal sensor detection and adaptive control algorithms. The system accommodates different trailer dimensions and configurations by automatically adjusting sensor measurement ranges and control parameters, maintaining both stability and adaptability without requiring dedicated equipment for each trailer type.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system dynamically adapts to different semi-trailer types by adjusting its operational parameters in real-time. The control system modifies platform movement ranges, sensor sampling frequencies, and correction magnitudes based on the detected trailer characteristics, enabling stable positioning across diverse trailer configurations.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is required during loading operations, then loading precision is improved, but the system cannot adapt to position changes during loading
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system operates continuously throughout the entire loading process, constantly monitoring trailer position via sensors and making real-time platform adjustments. This continuous operation maintains precise alignment even as the trailer position shifts during loading, unlike static positioning systems that only work at initial setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from lateral position sensors, vertical position sensors, and angular sensors to detect trailer movement during loading and automatically compensates by adjusting the platform position. This closed-loop control during the loading process maintains continuous alignment precision despite dynamic position changes.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An automatic positioning system for positioning a semi-trailer (2) with respect to a loading platform (5) comprises a front positioning platform (11) for supporting front wheels (3) carrying the semi-trailer (2) and a rear positioning platform (12) for supporting rear wheels (4) carrying the semi-trailer (2), each of the positioning platforms (11, 12) having its supporting surface movable laterally and vertically; a pair of flaps (61L, 61R), each being pivotally mounted at their first end to an edge of the loading platform (5); front lateral position sensors (41L, 41R); at least one front vertical position sensor (51L, 51R); and a controller (71) connected to the sensors (41L, 41R, 42L, 42R, 51L, 51R, 52L, 52R, 62L, 62R) and configured to, based on the sensor signals, control the lateral and vertical position of the front platform (11) and of the rear platform (12).