Spring-Biased Track Sensor Mount for Obstacle Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated storage and retrieval systems, service vehicles' track position sensors are prone to damage due to contact with obstacles on the rail system, necessitating a solution to protect these sensors from impact and ensure their accurate alignment.
Innovation Solution
A mount is designed to support track sensors, featuring biasing means such as springs that allow the sensor to displace when encountering obstacles, ensuring the sensor returns to its operational position once the obstacle is cleared, minimizing damage and maintaining sensor alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is rigidly fixed to the vehicle, then the sensor alignment is maintained, but the sensor is prone to damage from obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is designed with movable components that allow the sensor to dynamically adjust its position. The mount includes a first component fixed to the vehicle and a second component that can move relative to the first, enabling the sensor to displace when encountering obstacles while maintaining operational alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount incorporates biasing means (springs) that provide cushioning before impact occurs. These springs are pre-loaded to absorb shock and reduce the force of impact when the sensor encounters obstacles, protecting the sensor from damage while allowing controlled displacement.
2Reliability
If the sensor is allowed to move freely, then the sensor is protected from impact, but the sensor alignment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the position signals from the track sensor to provide feedback about the vehicle's location and movement. This feedback enables the control system to monitor sensor position and ensure that any displacement caused by obstacles is temporary and that the sensor returns to its correct alignment, maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount is designed with movable components that allow the sensor to dynamically adjust its position. The mount includes a first component fixed to the vehicle and a second component that can move relative to the first, enabling the sensor to displace when encountering obstacles while maintaining operational alignment.
3Ease of operation
If the service vehicle stops to service the grid, then maintenance can be performed, but the sensor may contact obstacles on the rail system
Solution Approach 1:
The mount incorporates biasing means (springs) that provide cushioning before impact occurs. These springs are pre-loaded to absorb shock and reduce the force of impact when the sensor encounters obstacles, protecting the sensor from damage while allowing controlled displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable mount acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the obstacles. When the sensor encounters an obstacle during vehicle servicing, the movable components absorb the impact and prevent direct contact between the sensor and the obstacle, reducing damage while allowing the servicing operation to continue.
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 mount effectively reduces sensor damage and ensures precise tracking by allowing the sensor to adjust and realign after encountering obstacles, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the tracking system.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is arranged to apply a biasing force to the sensor assembly such that the sensor assembly is movable relative to the vehicle body. When the sensor encounters an obstacle, the spring allows the sensor to move away from the obstacle and then returns it to its original position.
Implementation Method 2
The spring is configured to compress and expand when the sensor assembly moves relative to the vehicle body, absorbing impact energy and reducing the force transmitted to the sensor during obstacle contact.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A mount for supporting a track sensor of a vehicle for operating on the track of an automated storage and retrieval system. The mount configured to displace when force is applied to said mount.