Straddle Carrier Sensor Positioning for Dense Container Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current container handling systems in ports face inefficiencies in throughput due to challenges in accurately positioning and aligning containers for faster handling and unloading of container ships, particularly in densely stacking ISO containers.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a straddle carrier with carriages, travel drives, and a control system, equipped with sensors for precise positioning of containers, allowing for automatic or semi-automatic placement of containers behind parked ones, using a lifting and lowering load-carrying device designed as a spreader, enabling simultaneous pickup or placement of two containers with precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning methods are used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but positioning accuracy and handling speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated optical measurement system. Sensors (laser scanners, cameras) detect container positions and automatically calculate placement coordinates, substituting human-operated mechanical positioning with optical-field-based automatic positioning control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the straddle carrier to automatically determine its own positioning requirements by processing sensor data about existing container arrangements. The control system autonomously calculates optimal placement positions and guides the positioning without continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in the positioning task.
2Measurement precision
If containers are positioned with larger spacing for safety, then positioning reliability improves, but storage space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical sensors and automated calculation systems to replace conservative mechanical spacing buffers with precision-measured positioning. The system can achieve sub-centimeter accuracy through laser scanning and coordinate calculation, eliminating the need for large safety margins while maintaining reliable container placement.
3Productivity
If automatic positioning systems are implemented, then handling speed and throughput improve, but system complexity and initial costs worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into independent functional modules: sensor units (laser scanners, cameras), data processing units, and control units. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently configured or replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high automation capabilities for improved handling speed.
4Productivity
If precise alignment is achieved for simultaneous container pickup, then productivity improves, but positioning precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical measurement systems (laser scanners, cameras) to achieve precise container positioning and alignment. These optical systems provide high-precision measurement capabilities that enable simultaneous pickup operations, replacing less precise mechanical alignment methods and thereby improving productivity.
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 method enhances container handling efficiency by ensuring accurate positioning, reducing driver workload, and optimizing storage space through precise alignment and automatic operation, thereby increasing port throughput.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor for positioning the straddle carrier and the container to be parked
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for positioning a straddle carrier (1, 1') for containers and a container (6) to be placed behind a container (5) that has already been placed. The straddle carrier (1, 1') is moved by means of travel supports (3), travel drives (4), and a controller (13) which interacts with same, and measurement signals from sensors (7v, 7v', 7h, 7h', 8v, 8h, llv, llh) arranged on the straddle carrier (1, 1') are processed by the controller (13) in order to move and position the straddle carrier (1, 1') and the container (6) to be placed. The invention relates to a method for positioning a straddle carrier (1, 1') for containers and a container (6) to be placed behind a container (5) that has already been placed. The straddle carrier (1, 1') is moved by means of travel supports (3), travel drives (4), and a controller (13) which interacts with same, and measurement signals from sensors (7v, 7v', 7h, 7h', 8v, 8h, llv, llh) arranged on the straddle carrier (1, 1') are processed by the controller (13) in order to move and position the straddle carrier (1, 1') and the container (6) to be placed.