Split AGV Inspection Layout for Flexible Container Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container inspection systems, particularly the vehicle mounted and mobile gantry categories, struggle to adapt to the demands of intelligent ports due to limitations in mobility, lane-changing, and the need for fixed paths, which restricts their flexibility and adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A movable divided inspection system utilizing two automated guided vehicles, where the radiation source is mounted on one vehicle and the detection means on another, allowing for flexible movement and scanning, eliminating the need for fixed sites and reducing limitations related to chassis emissions and road regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed gantry inspection system is used, then the inspection structure is stable and reliable, but the system lacks mobility and cannot adapt to different locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection structure stabilityVSAvoidsystem mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system is divided into separate modular components: radiation source unit, detector unit, and control unit. Each module can be independently transported and deployed, allowing the system to maintain structural reliability during inspection while achieving mobility through modular reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static fixed gantry structure to a dynamic mobile configuration. The radiation source and detector can be positioned and repositioned as needed, allowing the system to adapt to different inspection locations while maintaining operational stability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a vehicle mounted inspection system is used, then the system achieves mobility, but it is limited by chassis emission regulations and road regulations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem mobilityVSAvoidemission limitations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection system is segmented into separate mobile units that can be deployed independently. This allows the use of electric or low-emission vehicles for each module, reducing overall emission impact while maintaining mobility. The modular approach enables flexible deployment without requiring a single large emission-producing vehicle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Extent of automation

If magnetic nails are used to guide AGV movement throughout the inspection site, then centralized control is achieved, but secondary civil engineering becomes difficult and fixed areas are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentralized control capabilityVSAvoidcivil engineering complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical magnetic nail guidance infrastructure with wireless communication and navigation technologies. Mobile inspection units are equipped with GPS, RFID, or wireless communication systems that enable centralized control and navigation without requiring physical magnetic nails embedded in the ground, eliminating secondary civil engineering requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This system provides flexible and adaptable inspection capabilities, enabling centralized management and control, reducing the need for secondary civil engineering and accommodating various operational demands of intelligent ports without the constraints of fixed paths or emissions.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation source for directing photons at a target object and a detector array for receiving photons passing through the target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation transmission: Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3290963B1Movable divided inspection system and method
Publication Date: 2024.03.20 NUCTECH CO LTD
  • EP3290963B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3290963B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a movable divided inspection system and method, wherein the scanning inspection system comprises a first radiation source (4), a first detection means, a first automated guided vehicle (1) and a second automated guided vehicle (2), said first radiation source (4) is mounted on said first automated guided vehicle (1), said first detection means is mounted on said second automated guided vehicle (2), said first automated guided vehicle (1) and said second automated guided vehicle (2) are able to drive said first radiation source (4) and said first detection means to a preset scan inspection position, so as to form a scanning passage for passage of an article to be scanned between said first automated guided vehicle (1) and said second automated guided vehicle (2), such that scanning inspection of said article to be scanned is realized by relative movement of said article to be scanned with reference to said first automated guided vehicle (1) and said second automated guided vehicle (2). The scanning inspection system, which is flexible in movement, is adaptable to different demands of multiple operational conditions.