Track Sensor Arrangement for Automated Storage Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in accurately determining the position of container handling vehicles relative to access openings on the grid-based track system, which can lead to misalignment of the lifting device with access openings.
Innovation Solution
A track sensor arrangement is mounted on the automated vehicle, comprising a sensor body with a recess and emitters and detectors arranged on opposite sides of the recess. The sensor directly detects the position of the vehicle by identifying the terminal end of a track wall at an intersection adjacent to an access opening, ensuring precise alignment of the gripping mechanism with the access opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a track sensor arrangement is mounted on the automated vehicle to detect position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with an optical sensing system. The track sensor arrangement uses optical beams and detectors to detect the terminal end of track walls, substituting mechanical position detection methods with optical field-based detection, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical beam as an intermediary between the sensor and the track wall. The emitter generates an optical beam that travels through space to interact with the track wall, and the detector receives the beam to determine position. This optical intermediary enables non-contact, high-precision position detection without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex sensor structures
2Manufacturing precision
If the sensor directly detects the terminal end of the track wall, then alignment accuracy of the gripping device with access openings is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection task into distinct functional components: an emitter that generates optical beams, detectors that receive the beams, and a specific geometric arrangement where the beam passes through a recess to detect the terminal end of the track wall. This segmentation of the detection system into specialized components simplifies the overall detection process while achieving high alignment accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical properties (analogous to color changes in the broader sense of optical characteristics) where the presence or absence of the optical beam reaching the detector indicates the position of the track wall terminal end. The optical beam's interaction with the track wall structure provides detectable changes that enable precise alignment detection
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 track sensor arrangement enables precise positioning of the vehicle's gripping device over access openings, improving the accuracy and efficiency of container handling operations within the automated storage and retrieval system.
Implementation Method 1
emitters and one or more corresponding detectors arranged on opposite sides of the recess such that the track wall blocks the beam emitted from the emitters from reaching their corresponding detectors when the first set of wheels is lowered into the track
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an improved track sensor arrangement for an automated vehicle operating on an automated storage and retrieval system, arranged whereby the sensor directly detects the position of the vehicle in relation to an access opening. The term “directly detects” in the context of the present invention is to be understood to mean that the gripping mechanism of the vehicle is correctly positioned in relation to the access opening at the precise moment the sensor detects a specific structural feature of a track. In one aspect the specific structural feature of the track is an intersection adjacent to an access opening.