Autonomous Swap Body Transporter Path Updating for Accurate Pickup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in developing an autonomous swap body transporter system that can accurately navigate and pick up swap bodies in industrial environments without prior knowledge of their exact position or orientation, as traditional methods are repetitive and tedious, and require precise location information.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a method involving path planning and sensor-based detection to determine the swap body's position and orientation, using a path planning system to adjust the route in real-time, ensuring accurate alignment and pickup, even if the swap body is not precisely located, by continuously updating the path based on sensor data and comparison with previous estimates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual methods are used for transporting swap bodies, then operational control and flexibility are maintained, but the process becomes repetitive and tedious, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The swap body transporter is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities including sensors (laser scanners, cameras, GPS), onboard computers, and communication systems that enable it to independently determine its position, plan paths, avoid obstacles, and execute transportation tasks without continuous human intervention, thereby eliminating repetitive manual operations while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic systems including path planning algorithms, sensor-based environmental perception, and computer-controlled steering and propulsion systems, transforming the operational mode from human-operated mechanical control to autonomous electronic-mechanical integration
2Measurement precision
If precise location information of swap bodies is required for autonomous pickup, then accurate positioning is achieved, but the system cannot handle deviations in swap body position and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The transporter employs continuous sensor-based feedback mechanisms including laser scanners and cameras that repeatedly detect the swap body's actual position and orientation during approach and pickup operations. The onboard computer compares detected positions with planned positions, calculates deviations, and dynamically adjusts the transportation path and alignment, enabling the system to adapt to position variations while maintaining pickup accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The path planning system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, continuously updating the transportation path based on real-time sensor data about swap body position and orientation. The system can dynamically recalculate approach trajectories and adjustment maneuvers, transforming from a rigid pre-planned path system to a flexible adaptive navigation system that responds to actual environmental conditions
3Device complexity
If the swap body transporter follows a predetermined path, then navigation simplicity is maintained, but the system cannot adapt to deviations from the planned path or unexpected obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system continuously monitors the transporter's actual position using GPS and sensor data, compares it with the planned path, and detects deviations. When deviations exceed thresholds or obstacles are detected, the system automatically recalculates and updates the path using path planning algorithms, ensuring reliable path following while maintaining system adaptability to changing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary path planning based on available information about swap body locations and yard layout before execution. This preliminary path serves as a guide, but the system is prepared to recalculate and adjust the path in advance when sensor data indicates potential deviations or obstacles, combining proactive planning with reactive adaptation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and a system for autonomous driving of a swap body transporter (100, 300) from a first location to second location for picking up a target swap body (200, 301) or for setting down a swap body (200, 301) comprises determining an estimated position of the target swap body (200, 301) in case of picking up the target swap body (200, 301); providing a path (306) from the first location to the second location by a path planning system (307) and in case of picking up the target swap body (200, 301) under consideration of the determined estimated position of the target swap body (200, 301); comparing the current location of the swap body transporter (100, 300) with the provided path (306), in case of picking up the target swap body (200, 301) determining an updated estimated position of the target swap body (200, 301) and comparing the updated estimated position with the previously determined position of the target swap body (200, 301); driving the swap body transporter (100, 300) along the path (306) provided by the path planning system (307) until the current position of the swap body transporter (100, 300) is within a given distance from the second location.