Steer Correction for Remotely Operated Materials Handling Vehicle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low level order picking trucks require significant operator time for relocating and repositioning, reducing efficiency in stock picking operations due to frequent manual steering corrections around obstacles in warehouse aisles.
Innovation Solution
A system for a materials handling vehicle that uses sensors to detect objects in steer bumper zones, automatically performing steer correction maneuvers by determining the necessary direction and angle of correction to maintain the vehicle's path without operator intervention, thereby reducing the need for frequent manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual steering corrections are performed by the operator, then the vehicle can navigate around obstacles, but the operator time spent on steering corrections increases, reducing picking efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs self-steering corrections using onboard sensors to detect obstacles in steer bumper zones. The controller automatically executes counter-steer maneuvers when obstacles are detected, eliminating the need for operator intervention in steering corrections and thereby increasing picking efficiency.
2Productivity
If automatic steer correction is implemented using sensors and controllers, then operator time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering operations with an automated sensor-based detection and control system. Sensors detect obstacles and the controller automatically adjusts steering, substituting the operator's mechanical steering actions with an automated electromechanical system.
3Productivity
If the vehicle travels at higher speeds through warehouse aisles, then picking efficiency increases, but the risk of collision with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors detect obstacles in advance within defined steer bumper zones before the vehicle reaches them. The controller executes counter-steer maneuvers proactively to avoid collisions, allowing the vehicle to maintain higher speeds while ensuring safety through提前 detection and correction.
Data Source
AI summary
A materials handling vehicle automatically applies a steer correction maneuver if an object is detected in a steer bumper zone in front of the vehicle. A controller detects whether an object is in front of the materials handling vehicle and automatically determines whether a steer correction maneuver should be to the right or left of the traveling direction of the materials handling vehicle. The materials handling vehicle automatically steer corrects the vehicle, e.g., at a determined steer angle that is opposite the direction to the detected position of the object, and accumulates the distance traveled by vehicle while steer correction is being performed. The vehicle then automatically counter steers the vehicle, e.g., by a determined steer amount, in the opposite direction as the steer correction for a percentage of accumulated steer distance traveled. After performing the counter steer maneuver, the vehicle may, for example, resume a substantially straight heading.