Telescopic Sensor Arm for Driverless Semi-Trailer Maneuvering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing driverless transport vehicles struggle to adequately detect obstacles, particularly at the rear end of longer trailers or trailer combinations, leading to potential dangerous situations during maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A driverless transport vehicle equipped with a telescopic arm and environment detection devices, such as laser sensors or LIDAR, positioned at the rear to enhance obstacle detection, combined with omnidirectional movement capabilities and a coupling mechanism for semi-trailers, allowing precise navigation and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driverless transport vehicle uses a fixed detection device on the base body, then the device complexity is low, but the obstacle detection capability at the rear end of the trailer is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the arm movable rather than fixed. The arm can be extended and retracted, and positioned at different locations to adapt to various trailer lengths and detection requirements. This dynamic structure allows the environment detection device to reach the rear end of longer trailers while maintaining a compact base body configuration when the arm is retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the detection capability into a new spatial dimension by using an extendable arm that projects outward from the base body. This allows the environment detection device to be positioned at the rear end of the trailer, creating a multi-dimensional detection network that covers areas inaccessible to fixed sensors on the base body.
2Reliability
If the arm is extended to reach the rear end of longer trailers, then the obstacle detection coverage is improved, but the arm may collide with obstacles or get damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by equipping the arm with environment detection devices (such as laser sensors or LIDAR) that continuously monitor the surroundings. This feedback system allows the vehicle to detect obstacles before the arm reaches them, enabling the control system to adjust the arm's position or retract it to avoid collisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The environment detection devices on the arm perform preliminary detection of the surrounding environment before the arm fully extends or moves into potentially hazardous zones. This preliminary action allows the system to plan safe movement paths and prevent collisions before they occur.
3Measurement precision
If the driverless transport vehicle uses a telescopic arm with environment detection device, then the obstacle detection precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with optical or electromagnetic sensing technologies (laser sensors, LIDAR). These sensors provide precise obstacle detection capabilities without requiring complex mechanical linkages or contact-based measurement systems, thereby improving detection precision while controlling manufacturing complexity.
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
Enhances obstacle detection and navigation around trailers, preventing accidents by enabling timely intervention and precise maneuvering, particularly during reversing, with the ability to handle loads up to 40 tons.
Implementation Method 1
The arm, with the environment detection device arranged thereon, is preferably arranged below the body or frame of the trailer/semi-trailer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a driverless transport vehicle (1) for moving a semi-trailer (2). The driverless transport vehicle (1) comprises a base body (7) and a telescopic arm (5) protruding from the base body (7), said telescopic arm comprising a surroundings detection device (6) on one end facing away from the base body (7). The invention also relates to a method for moving a semi-trailer (2) using a driverless transport vehicle (1).