Sensor-Guided Truck Unloading for Pallet Presence and Path Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently unloading cargo from trucks, particularly in determining the presence or absence of pallets within the truck and storage areas, which is crucial for optimizing the transport paths of unmanned forklift vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a truck unloading apparatus that utilizes sensors to generate sensing information regarding the presence or absence of pallets within the truck and storage areas, and a controller that sets optimal transport paths for unmanned forklift vehicles based on this information, ensuring efficient unloading and storage operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If camera vision-based method is used to determine presence or absence of pallet, then unloading automation is achieved, but storage space cannot be recognized if concealed by obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that detect pallet presence/absence and provide information to the controller. These sensors act as mediators between the physical pallets and the control system, enabling reliable detection without requiring visual line-of-sight or complex camera systems. The sensors are placed at strategic locations to detect pallets even when obscured by obstacles.
2Ease of operation
If storage area is converted into space with shelves or racks for easy control, then pallet detection becomes easier, but enormous costs are involved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the storage area to self-report pallet presence/absence information through distributed sensors that automatically detect and communicate pallet status to the controller. This eliminates the need for manual inspection or complex infrastructure modifications, as the system self-monitors its own state using simple, cost-effective sensor devices placed throughout the storage area.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different types of pallets are unloaded from truck, then cargo variety is increased, but controlling pallets becomes relatively difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage area into multiple discrete storage positions, each equipped with sensors to independently detect pallet presence/absence. This segmentation allows the controller to track and manage individual pallets regardless of type, enabling precise control over diverse cargo while maintaining system simplicity through modular, position-based monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic truck unloading apparatus and method are provided. The automatic truck unloading apparatus generates sensing information regarding the presence or absence of a pallet on the truck by implementing sensors installed in a region of a truck and a region of a storage area, and sets optimal transport paths for multiple unmanned forklift vehicles based on the sensing information, and unloads a pallet from the truck and moves and stores the pallet in the storage area by implementing an unmanned forklift vehicle.