Underride Shuttle Sensor Array for Reliable Load Carrier Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing undercarriage shuttles face challenges in reliably detecting load carriers, which affects safety and operational parameters, and require a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution to prevent incorrect detection and adapt to varying load types.
Innovation Solution
A device with a field of sensor units on the undercarriage shuttle detects load carriers by outputting sensor bits, which are processed by an evaluation unit to determine the load carrier type using a storage unit, incorporating inductive sensors and a plausibility check for robust and reliable identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor units are arranged on the undercarriage shuttle to detect load carriers, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensor units arranged in an array on the undercarriage shuttle. Each sensor unit independently detects presence or absence of load carrier properties at specific detection positions, converting them into sensor bits. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive detection coverage while maintaining modular simplicity in each sensor unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor units are designed with multi-functionality to detect various load carrier types and properties using the same hardware components. The evaluation unit processes sensor bits from multiple sensors to determine load carrier codes and identify different load carrier types, making the system universally applicable to various load configurations without requiring different sensor types for each scenario.
2Reliability
If multiple sensor units are used to determine load carrier codes, then detection reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple copies of simple sensor units rather than a single complex sensor. Each sensor unit is a standardized, low-cost component that detects binary presence/absence states. The reliability improvement comes from combining multiple simple copies (sensor units) into a code determination system, rather than using one expensive complex sensor, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor units and evaluation unit work autonomously to detect, code, and identify load carriers without manual intervention. The system self-Service by automatically processing sensor bits through the evaluation unit to determine load carrier codes and identify types, reducing the need for additional expensive auxiliary systems or manual verification processes.
3Measurement precision
If sensor units detect properties at multiple positions, then load carrier type identification accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or manual detection methods with automated sensor units that electronically detect load carrier properties. The sensor units automatically sense presence/absence states at multiple detection positions and convert them into sensor bits, which the evaluation unit processes to determine load carrier codes. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic sensing and automated code determination simplifies operation while maintaining high identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit receives sensor bits from the sensor units and automatically processes this feedback information to determine load carrier codes and identify load carrier types. This feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor detection results and automatically adjust its identification process, maintaining high accuracy while keeping the operation simple through automated decision-making algorithms.
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
The solution enables accurate and reliable detection of load carriers, adapting operating parameters such as protective fields and speed, while being cost-effective and easy to integrate, ensuring high reliability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
sensor units arranged on the upper side of the undercarriage shuttle, which are designed as inductive sensors
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (20) for detecting a load carrier (30) carried on an underride shuttle (10), comprising a field (22) of sensor units (22a - 22e) to be arranged on an outside of the underride shuttle (10), each of which is configured to detect a respective detection position (40a - 40e) of the load carrier (30; 30') and, depending on the presence of a predetermined property at the detection position (40a - 40e), to output a corresponding sensor bit, and a storage unit (26) in which data is stored which establishes an assignment of load carrier codes to respective load carrier types;and an evaluation unit (24) which is operationally coupled to the sensor units (22a - 22e) and the storage unit (26) and is configured to receive the sensor bits output by the sensor units (22a - 22e), to determine a load carrier code from at least a part of the sensor bits, and to derive the load carrier type of the currently carried load carrier (30) based on the load carrier code and the data stored in the storage unit (26). Furthermore, the invention relates to an underride shuttle (10) equipped with such a device (20), a system formed from such an underride shuttle (10) and a load carrier (30), and a method for detecting a load carrier (30) carried on an underride shuttle (10) by means of such a device (20) according to the invention.