Side Arm Transfer Device Laser Sensor Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional side arm transfer devices in automated warehouses require multiple photoelectric sensors for first-in item detection and space detection, leading to increased assembly time and cost, especially when transferring loads to multiple locations on both sides of a shelf.
Innovation Solution
A side arm transfer device equipped with a laser sensor and a turning mechanism, which can perform both first-in item detection and space detection using a single sensor, reducing the number of sensors needed and simplifying the assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple photoelectric sensors are used for first-in item detection and space detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single laser sensor is designed to perform multiple detection functions by changing its orientation. The sensor can detect both the first-in item (whether a load exists at the target location) and the space (whether the arm can enter the location) by being turned to different angles, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors
Solution Approach 2:
The laser sensor is made dynamically reconfigurable through a turning mechanism that allows it to change its detection direction. This dynamic adjustment enables one sensor to cover multiple detection positions and functions, reducing the total number of sensors needed while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple photoelectric sensors are assembled, then detection coverage is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
One laser sensor unit is designed to provide comprehensive detection coverage for both first-in item detection and space detection across multiple locations. By making this single sensor versatile through rotational capability, the system achieves wide detection coverage without requiring multiple sensors to be assembled and aligned
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple detection functions that would traditionally require separate sensors are merged into a single laser sensor system. The turning mechanism allows one sensor to sequentially or alternatively perform first-in item detection, space detection, and detection at multiple mounting locations, consolidating what would be multiple separate components into one integrated unit
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple photoelectric sensors are used, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser sensor is designed as a universal detection device that can perform multiple detection tasks (first-in item detection, space detection, and detection at various mounting locations) through rotational movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to purchase and install multiple separate photoelectric sensors, reducing overall system cost while maintaining comprehensive detection capability
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 use of a single laser sensor with a turning mechanism allows for efficient detection of objects at multiple locations, reducing sensor count and assembly time, while enabling simultaneous transfer of loads to multiple locations on both sides of a shelf.
Implementation Method 1
a laser sensor, which detects presence or absence of an object on an irradiation line of laser light
Data Source
AI summary
A side arm transfer device that is more easily assembled includes a right-side arm, a central arm, a left-side arm, a lifting table, laser sensors, a turning mechanism, and a transfer controller. The laser sensors are provided on the lifting table and detect presence or absence of an object on an irradiation line of laser light. The turning mechanism horizontally turns the laser sensors. The transfer controller horizontally turns the laser sensors and detects the presence or absence of an object in each of a plurality of detected portions on a load storage shelf, to determine the presence or absence of an object in each of mounting locations and the presence or absence of an object in a location, on the side of each of the mounting locations, to which each of the right-side arm, the central arm, and the left-side arm is to be extended.