Spreader Laser Camera Alignment for Container Landing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container loading and unloading systems, such as rubber tyred container gantry cranes, face inefficiencies due to manual alignment challenges, especially with container movement and weather interference, leading to inaccuracy and increased costs in reducing shaking during the loading process.
Innovation Solution
An automatic container landing device utilizing multiple cameras and single-point laser devices arranged on a spreader fixing support, which conducts low-point and high-point container landing through sensing signals and inertial measurement units to achieve high-precision dynamic container loading, ensuring accurate alignment and reducing shaking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If camera-based schemes are used for container alignment, then automation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to weather interference and large delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces camera-based optical detection with a mechanical laser detection system. The laser transmitter emits laser beams that reflect off the container to be landed, and the laser receiver detects the reflected beams to determine alignment. This mechanical/optical hybrid system is less susceptible to weather interference compared to pure camera-based systems while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser transmitters and receivers as intermediary devices between the spreading mechanism and the container. These intermediaries provide precise measurement of container position and orientation by detecting laser reflections, serving as a mediator that translates physical container state into measurable signals for the control system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical structure of spreader is changed to reduce shaking, then stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where laser transmitters and receivers continuously monitor container position and orientation during the landing process. The control system receives this feedback information and dynamically adjusts the spreading mechanism to compensate for shaking and maintain precise alignment, eliminating the need for complex mechanical damping structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses real-time laser detection data to automatically adjust and correct alignment deviations without external intervention. The system serves itself by detecting its own performance through laser measurements and making autonomous corrections to maintain stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual container landing is used, then adaptability to shaking containers is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming alignment process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous laser detection throughout the container landing process. Rather than taking discrete measurements, the laser transmitters and receivers continuously track container position and orientation, enabling real-time adjustments that maintain alignment even during shaking, thus preserving both adaptability and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment using laser detection before final container placement. The control system uses laser measurement data to pre-position the container and make corrective adjustments during the landing process, ensuring accurate placement even for shaking containers without requiring time-consuming manual intervention.
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 system achieves high-precision container landing with an accuracy range of 3-5 cm, improving efficiency and accuracy in automatic container loading by using cameras and laser devices to calibrate and adjust the position and angle of the spreader for precise container placement.
Implementation Method 1
at least six groups of single-point laser devices... are arranged at four spreader corners of a spreader fixing support of the container
Implementation Method 2
the groups of cameras are cooperated with the corresponding single point laser devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an automatic container landing device based on an expert system and a control method therefor. The device comprises at least four groups of cameras and at least six groups of single-point laser devices, wherein the at least four groups of cameras and four groups of single-point laser devices in the at least six groups of single-point laser devices are arranged at four spreader corners of a spreader fixing support; two groups of single-point laser devices in the at least six groups of single-point laser devices are respectively arranged on the outer sides of two short edges of the spreader fixing support; the front end of the spreader fixing support is lower than the rear end of the spreader fixing support; and the first group of cameras and the second group of cameras in the at least four groups of cameras, as well as the first group of laser devices and the second group of laser devices, and the third group of cameras and the fourth group of cameras, as well as the third group of laser devices and the fourth group of laser devices, are arranged at the front end and the rear end of the spreader fixing support respectively. According to the automatic container landing device based on the expert system, manual container landing experience is integrated into various sensors, a spreader is controlled by means of sensing signals, low-point and high-point container landing of a container is conducted, automatic dynamic container landing of the container is achieved, high-precision measurement is achieved with the cooperation of the cameras and the single-point laser devices, and therefore, the precision and efficiency of the container landing operation are improved.