Shuttle Position Handover Sensing Across Mixed Conveyor Zones
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems face challenges in maintaining observability and determining the position of shuttles across different types of conveyors, particularly when shuttles transition between low-cost continuous conveyors and high-precision electromagnetic transport units, leading to potential loss of observability and operational errors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a conveyor sensor unit in the conveyor unit to determine the position of shuttles during handovers between conveyor and electromagnetic transport units, enabling continuous position determination across different conveyor types using existing stator sensors in the electromagnetic transport unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If shuttles are transported using conventional continuous conveyors, then cost is reduced and flexibility is improved, but position observability is lost and individual product transportation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor unit as an intermediary device mounted on the conveyor unit to detect shuttle positions. This sensor unit acts as a mediator between the conveyor system and the control system, enabling position observability without changing the fundamental conveyor mechanism. The sensor unit captures positional information and transmits it to the control unit, resolving the information loss issue while maintaining the flexibility and cost advantages of conventional conveyors.
2Loss of information
If electromagnetic transport units are used to determine shuttle position, then position observability is maintained, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cost-effective sensor unit mounted on the conveyor unit rather than using expensive electromagnetic transport units for position detection. This sensor unit is a simpler, more economical device that performs the specific function of position detection without requiring the complex electromagnetic drive system. By using this affordable sensing approach, the system maintains position observability while minimizing additional cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shuttles are handed over between conveyor units and electromagnetic transport units, then system flexibility is improved, but observability continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous position observability during handover operations by having the sensor unit actively detect shuttles throughout the transition zone between conveyor units and electromagnetic transport units. The sensor unit maintains detection capability across the boundary, creating an unbroken observation chain that spans the handover region. This continuous detection action eliminates observability gaps and ensures reliable tracking during flexible system transitions.
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
Ensures accurate observability and determination of shuttle parameters like mileage and wear, reduces operational errors, and enhances system efficiency by allowing seamless transitions and collision avoidance.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic transport unit interacting with the at least one shuttle in an magnetic effective area of the electromagnetic transport unit in order to move the at least one shuttle in said magnetic effective area
Implementation Method 2
the position of the at least one shuttle in the magnetic effective area of the electromagnetic transport unit is determined by the electromagnetic transport unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a conveyor sensor unit which enables position determination of at least one shuttle of the transport system across different types of conveyors. The at least one shuttle is handed over from an effective area of the conveyor unit to a magnetic effective area of an electromagnetic transport unit or vice versa. During handing over the at least one shuttle, the at least one shuttle is temporarily in the effective area of the conveyor unit and in the magnetic effective area of the electromagnetic transport unit, wherein the position of the at least one shuttle is determined by the conveyor sensor unit or by the electromagnetic transport unit. When the at least one shuttle is just in the effective area of the conveyor unit, the position of the at least one shuttle in the effective area of the conveyor unit is determined by the conveyor sensor unit.