Tugger Train Optical Sensor Alignment for Autonomous Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tugger train systems lack flexibility and precision in operation, leading to potential collisions, unknown trailer positions, inadequate safety for pedestrians, and reduced handling capacity due to manual operation and limited sensor capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Equipping tugger trains with optical sensors that cover the vehicle and environment, allowing for the detection of people, trailer positions, and obstacles, enabling precise control and adaptation of vehicle behavior for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for tugger trains, then operational simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and handling capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tugger train system performs self-monitoring and self-control through optical sensors and automated processing units. The system automatically detects trailer positions, identifies obstacles, and adjusts driving behavior without manual intervention, enabling the train to serve itself in terms of safety monitoring and navigation decisions
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control is replaced by an automated optical detection and control system. Optical sensors capture images of the environment and trailers, processing units analyze this data to determine trailer positions and detect obstacles, and the system automatically adjusts driving parameters, substituting human mechanical operation with automated optical-mechanical control
2Adaptability or versatility
If driverless autonomous operation is implemented, then operational flexibility is improved, but safety requirements and operational restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and assessment actions before executing driving maneuvers. Optical sensors continuously scan the environment ahead of time, identifying potential obstacles and assessing safety conditions in advance, allowing the system to prepare appropriate responses before critical situations arise
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where optical sensors monitor trailer positions and environmental conditions, processing units analyze this feedback data, and the control system adjusts driving behavior based on this information. This closed-loop feedback ensures safety requirements are met while maintaining operational flexibility
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors are added to detect trailers and obstacles, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor system serves multiple functions simultaneously: detecting trailer positions, identifying obstacles in the environment, monitoring spaces between trailers for persons, and providing data for route planning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each detection task
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines optical sensors with existing processing units and control systems into an integrated detection and control architecture. The processing unit handles multiple tasks including image analysis, trailer identification, obstacle detection, and control signal generation, merging these functions into a unified system rather than using separate dedicated systems for each function
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 safety, flexibility, and handling capacity by allowing precise detection and avoidance of obstacles, improved trailer positioning, and reduced safety zones, enabling more efficient and flexible autonomous operation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vehicle of the tugger train has at least one optical sensor and the detection range of the optical sensor is aligned in such a way that it covers at least a partial area of the tugger train and the environment
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In a tugger train consisting of a tractor (3) and at least one trailer (4) as vehicles (2) of the tugger train (1), wherein at least one vehicle (2) of the tugger train has at least one optical sensor (6), the detection range of the optical sensor (6) is aligned such that it detects at least a partial area of the tugger train (1) and the surroundings.