Sensor-Guided Roll Container Positioning for Automated Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for introducing roll containers into loading stations require manual assistance or expensive rail systems for precise guidance and positioning, lacking full automation and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A transport system with a sensor system and actuator system, such as a driverless transport vehicle, determines the relative position of the roll container using sensors like optical cameras, lasers, or LIDAR, enabling fully automated positioning and loading without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rail system is used to transport the roll container up to a loading position in the interior of the roll container loading station, then precise guidance and positioning of the roll container is ensured, but the system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rail system with a driverless transport vehicle (FTS) equipped with sensor systems. The FTS uses optical sensors, lasers, or LIDAR to detect its position and navigate to the loading position autonomously, substituting the mechanical guidance infrastructure with intelligent navigation technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicle is designed to autonomously navigate and position itself at the loading position without external control or manual intervention. The sensor system continuously monitors the vehicle's position and automatically adjusts its trajectory, enabling the system to self-correct and reach the precise loading position independently.
2Productivity
If manual assistance is used to introduce the roll container into the roll container loading station, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and automation level decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The transport vehicle autonomously performs the entire task of transporting the roll container from the receiving point to the loading position and precisely positioning it for loading. The vehicle self-navigates using its sensor system, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining high automation levels throughout the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system continuously provides feedback about the vehicle's position, orientation, and distance to the loading position. This real-time feedback enables the control system to make automatic adjustments to the vehicle's trajectory, ensuring precise positioning without manual intervention and maintaining high productivity.
3Reliability
If a rail system is used for precise guidance, then process reliability is improved, but the cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the expensive mechanical rail infrastructure with a driverless transport vehicle equipped with sensor-based navigation. The FTS uses optical sensors, lasers, or LIDAR to reliably detect and correct its position, maintaining process reliability through intelligent control algorithms rather than mechanical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport vehicle autonomously ensures its own precise positioning and guidance without requiring external rail infrastructure. The vehicle's onboard sensor system continuously monitors its position and automatically navigates to the correct loading position, ensuring process reliability through self-correction capabilities.
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
Enables fully automated, precise, and efficient introduction of roll containers into loading stations, enhancing process reliability and eliminating the need for manual handling or costly rail systems.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor system with which, in the loading position of the roll container in the interior of the roll container loading station, at least one relative distance between the roll container and at least one reference point in the interior of the roll container loading station is determined
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an arrangement for introducing a roll container into a roll container loading station, in particular for filling the roll container with sorted packages in a logistics centre, wherein the roll container is, for example, a forwarding container or an intermediate container, wherein the arrangement has a transport system for transporting roll containers, wherein the transport system connects a receiving location for empty roll containers to the roll container loading station, wherein the transport system has an end position for roll containers transported with the transport system in a loading position of the roll container in the interior of the roll container loading station, and the arrangement has a sensor system with which, in the loading position of the roll container in the interior of the roll container loading station, at least one relative position between the roll container and at least one reference point in the interior of the roll container loading station is determined. Furthermore, a corresponding method is described.