Tugger Train Trailer Contact Layout for Sensorless Station Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tugger train systems require additional distance measuring sensors for precise transverse positioning, leading to increased construction costs and potential failure points.
Innovation Solution
Utilize existing electrical contacts on the tugger train trailer as a position detection system, monitored by an electronic control unit to ensure correct transverse alignment and parallel positioning without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional distance measuring sensors are installed on the tugger train trailer for precise transverse positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts serve dual functions: power supply to the stationary transfer station and position detection for transverse alignment. By making the contacts movable in the transverse direction and monitoring their contact status, the system achieves positioning functionality without adding separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing electrical contact system serves itself by providing position information through its contact status with the stationary transfer station. The contact-making or contact-breaking state directly indicates positioning accuracy, eliminating the need for dedicated measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If additional distance measuring sensors are installed to check parallel alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability decreases due to more failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts simultaneously provide power transmission and alignment verification functions. The two contacts arranged at a distance enable detection of both transverse position and parallel alignment status through their contact conditions with the stationary transfer station.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact system inherently provides alignment information through its operational state. When contacts make or break contact with the stationary transfer station, this directly indicates whether the tugger train trailer is correctly positioned and parallel-aligned, without requiring separate detection systems.
3Ease of operation
If electrical contacts are made movable in the transverse direction for position detection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are designed to be movable in the transverse direction, transitioning between contact and non-contact states with the stationary transfer station. This dynamic capability enables the contacts to detect positioning information while maintaining their primary power supply function.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) comprising a tugger train (2) having a towing vehicle (3) and at least one tugger train trailer (4a; 4b; 4c; 4d), and at least one stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) for transferring loads (L1; L2; L3; L4) between the tugger train trailer (4a; 4b; 4c; 4d) and the stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d), wherein the tugger train trailer (4a; 4b; 4c; 4d) is located in a handling position relative to the stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) for the load transfer, wherein an electrical power supply of the stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) is provided by the tugger train trailer (4a; 4b; 4c; 4d) and the tugger train trailer (4a; 4b; 4c; 4d) is provided with electrical contacts (20, 21) for the power supply of the stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d), which can be contacted with counter contacts (30, 31) of the stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) in the handling position. The tugger train trailer (4a; 4b; 4c; 4d) has two electrical contacts (20, 21) arranged spaced apart from one another in the vehicle longitudinal direction (L), which are arranged on the tugger train trailer (4a; 4b; 4c; 4d) such that they can move in the vehicle transverse direction (Q). An electronic control unit (55) is provided, which is designed in such a way that the contacting of the two contacts (20, 21) with the counter contacts (30, 31) is monitored and, in the event of at least one contact (20; 21) not contacting, an incorrect positioning of the tugger train trailer (4a; 4b; 4c; 4d) at the transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) is established.