Sensor-Guided Stair Climber Descent With Adaptive Stabilizing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stair climbers struggle to adapt to varying stair geometries and load inclinations, leading to unsafe and inefficient transport operations.
Innovation Solution
A control method for stair climbers that uses sensors and a processing and control logic unit to autonomously adjust to stair geometry and load characteristics, including a stabilizing element and a movable loading plane, to ensure safe and stable transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If pre-established distance parameters are used for descent control, then the control process is simplified, but the system cannot adapt to various stair configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors (first sensor for step detection, second sensor for loading plane position detection) that provide real-time feedback to the control logic unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust descent parameters based on actual stair geometry and load conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplified control and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic unit autonomously determines descent parameters by processing sensor data without requiring external intervention or pre-programming for each stair configuration. The system self-adjusts based on real-time detection, eliminating the need for complex manual configuration while maintaining high adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If the loading plane is adjusted by tilting according to standard inclinations, then the adjustment process is simplified, but objects with different weights and centre of gravity cannot be safely transported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the tilting angle parameter of the loading plane based on detected load characteristics (weight and centre of gravity) and stair inclination. The control logic unit calculates optimal tilting angles in real-time, ensuring safe load transport while maintaining simple automated operation through sensor-based parameter adjustment.
3Reliability
If automation is increased to improve transport effectiveness, then operator safety is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated safety system uses multiple sensors providing continuous feedback to the control logic unit, which automatically adjusts descent parameters, stabilizing element positioning, and loading plane tilting. This feedback-driven automation improves operator safety while keeping the control architecture manageable through centralized logic processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control logic unit performs multiple functions (descent parameter determination, stabilizing element control, loading plane tilting control) through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality approach increases automation and safety while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate control systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A control method for a stair climber (1) comprising at least one support frame (4), a motorised mechanical group (6) stably coupled to the frame (4), at least one stabilising element (8) operatively coupled to the frame (4), at least one first sensor (11) operatively coupled to the frame (4) and arranged so as to detect at least the presence of steps during the descent process (102) and at least one processing and control logic unit operatively connected with the first sensor (11), with the stabilising element (8) and with the mechanical group (6). This method comprises a descent process (102) having at least the following phases: a first phase (103) in which the logic unit commands the group (6) so that the climber (1) advances until the first sensor (11) detects the presence of a first step; a second phase (105) in which the logic unit stops the group (6) interrupting the advancement of the climber (1); a third phase (108) in which the logic unit commands the extraction of the stabilising element (8) so as to arrange it according to an operating configuration; a fourth phase (109) in which the logic unit commands the group (6) so that the climber (1) advances until the first sensor (11) detects the presence of a second step; a fifth phase (110) in which the logic unit commands the retraction of the stabilising element (8) so as to arrange it according to a rest configuration; a sixth phase (112) in which the logic unit commands the group (6) so that the climber (1) advances along the descent.