Sensor Calibration Tool with Rail and Alignment Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors on materials handling vehicles require precise calibration to ensure accurate operation, but existing methods lack efficiency and precision in aligning the sensor's scan field with the vehicle's environment.
Innovation Solution
A calibration tool with an elongate rail structure, alignment member, and visible indicia is used to position the sensor correctly, allowing for adjustments in yaw position to align the calibration scan field with the alignment member, providing clear cues for proper alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensor calibration methods are used, then the sensor can be calibrated, but the alignment precision and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a calibration tool as an intermediary device between the sensor and the vehicle environment. This tool includes a rail structure with visible indicia that serves as a mediator to establish precise geometric relationships, enabling accurate alignment of the sensor's scan field with the vehicle's coordinate system without requiring complex direct measurement methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration tool incorporates visible indicia (such as colored bands or patterns) that provide visual feedback to the operator during the alignment process. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to adjust the sensor position iteratively until proper alignment is achieved, significantly improving both precision and ease of operation compared to traditional methods without complex feedback systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex calibration procedures are used, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration tool uses visible indicia with distinct colors or patterns that change or become apparent when properly aligned. This visual coding system simplifies the alignment process by providing intuitive visual cues that guide the operator to the correct position, eliminating the need for complex procedures while maintaining high alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a rail structure for positioning, visible indicia for alignment cues, and an alignment member for reference. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall calibration process simpler and more intuitive while maintaining precision through the coordinated action of these segmented elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive calibration tool is designed, then adaptability across vehicle models improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration tool is designed with universal features that enable it to work across multiple vehicle models and sensor types. The rail structure and visible indicia configuration can be adapted to different vehicle geometries, making the tool multi-functional and widely applicable without requiring model-specific calibration equipment, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for calibrating a sensor is provided. The tool includes an elongate rail structure including a first end and a second end, wherein a direction of elongation of the rail structure is defined in a lateral direction between the first and second ends. A first plate element extends from the rail structure at least partially in a first direction that is transverse to the lateral direction, and a second plate element extends from the rail structure at least partially in the first direction and is spaced apart from the first plate element in the lateral direction. An alignment member extends from the rail structure at least partially in the first direction, the alignment member being located between the first and second plate elements.