Straddle Carrier Automatic Steering Using Laser Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current straddle carriers require precise manual steering, which is tiring and prone to errors, leading to potential collisions and reduced handling capacity, and existing automatic steering systems are complex and costly, relying on external navigation rather than the container stack itself.
Innovation Solution
A straddle carrier equipped with 2D laser scanners that measure distances and angles to the container wall, calculating a steering angle for automatic vehicle guidance, allowing the vehicle to steer autonomously along the container stack, detect obstacles, and adjust height to avoid collisions, with the option to activate automatic steering upon detecting the container wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual steering is used, then the driver can observe the route ahead, but the driver becomes tired and loses concentration, leading to reduced safety and handling capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The straddle carrier performs steering autonomously using laser scanners and electronic control systems. The vehicle measures distances to container walls, calculates steering angles, and executes steering commands without continuous human intervention, allowing the driver to rest and maintain concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering with an automated system combining laser scanners for measurement, electronic control units for calculation, and electro-hydraulic steering for execution. This substitution eliminates driver fatigue while maintaining precise steering control
2Extent of automation
If external navigation systems are used for automatic steering, then fully automatic steering is achieved, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of navigation from complex external systems and implements it using simple laser scanners mounted on the vehicle. Instead of using GPS, radar, or inertial navigation systems, the solution uses only the laser measurement function to detect container walls and calculate steering angles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive laser scanners instead of expensive navigation systems. The system achieves automatic steering using affordable components that can be easily replaced or upgraded, significantly reducing system cost and complexity
3Extent of automation
If external navigation systems are used, then automatic steering is achieved, but the system relies on theoretical paths that may not match actual container positions, causing collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously measuring the actual distance to container walls using laser scanners. The electronic control unit compares measured distances with target distances and dynamically adjusts steering angles to maintain the vehicle centerline aligned with the actual container stack position, adapting to any deviations or misalignments
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of container wall positions before steering actions are executed. By measuring distances in advance and calculating the required steering angle adjustments, the system proactively corrects position deviations before collisions can occur
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 solution enables fully automatic, collision-free steering along container stacks, reducing driver fatigue and increasing handling capacity while minimizing the complexity and cost of navigation systems, allowing the vehicle to operate safely and efficiently even with misaligned or offset containers.
Implementation Method 1
at least one laser scanner measures the distance to a container wall
Implementation Method 2
the laser scanner measures the distance to a container wall from different angles
Data Source
AI summary
The truck (1) has an automatic steering mechanism comprising two driving carriers (3) provided with guidable wheels for driving over a containerstack. A laser scanner (2) i.e. two dimensional laser scanner, measures a distance to a container wall from different angles, and supplies a measuring signal to an electronic controller. The laser scanner is arranged in the carrier, where the truck brakes automatically falls below a minimum distance to the wall. The controller computes a steering angle reference value for an electronically controlled vehicle steering mechanism.