Track-Crossing Sensor Positioning for ASRS Shuttle Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking the position of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) running on tracks relative to a frame structure are complex and not very precise.
Innovation Solution
The use of integrated sensors attached to the ROV's wheel supports to detect the number of track crossings in x- and y-directions, allowing the vehicle to monitor its position and transmit signals to a controller for precise control of deceleration and acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If integrated tracking devices are used to detect the position of the robot, then the robot can keep track of its position, but the system becomes complex and precision is not very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking function from complex integrated tracking devices and implements it using simple sensors that detect track crossings. Instead of using sophisticated onboard tracking systems, the invention uses external track markers combined with simple sensors to achieve precise position detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces track crossings as an intermediary element between the robot and the tracking system. These track crossings serve as reference markers that simplify the detection process, allowing the robot to determine its position by counting crossings rather than using complex coordinate systems.
2Device complexity
If sensors are attached to active wheel supports for detecting track crossings, then position detection is simplified, but the system must differentiate between active and passive wheel supports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes all wheel supports universal by equipping them with the same sensor type. Each wheel support can independently detect track crossings, eliminating the need to differentiate between active and passive wheel supports. The system determines which sensors are active based on whether the wheel support is in contact with the track.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle for an automated storage and retrieval system is configured to follow a route relative to tracks of the automated storage and retrieval system. The route includes one or more track crossings. The vehicle includes a first set of wheels capable of moving the vehicle in a first direction; a second set of wheels capable of moving the vehicle in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and one or more sensors attached to the vehicle and configured to detect the one or more track crossings while the vehicle is moving in the first direction or the second direction.