Tugger Train Trailer Stopping via Transfer Station Markings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high programming effort required to set up stopping points for autonomous tugger trains at stationary transfer stations is increased when the locations of these stations change, as existing methods rely on pre-programmed breakpoints that need to be manually adjusted.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a marking system at stationary transfer stations, detectable by sensors on the tugger train, which automatically adjusts the stopping position of the tugger train trailers, eliminating the need for pre-programmed breakpoints by using a barcode-like marking that provides directional information and is recognized by sensors to control the braking process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pre-programmed stopping points are used in control software, then the tugger train can autonomously stop at transfer stations, but the programming effort increases significantly when transfer station locations change
Solution Approach 1:
The tugger train equips itself with sensor devices that automatically detect markings at transfer stations, eliminating the need for manual programming of stopping points. The system serves itself by autonomously identifying and navigating to transfer stations through sensor-based marking detection, rather than relying on pre-programmed coordinates that require updating when station locations change.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based pre-programmed stopping point system with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of using control software with hardcoded coordinates, the system uses physical markings detected by sensor devices to determine stopping positions, substituting a mechanical/optical detection mechanism for a software programming approach.
2Ease of operation
If sensor devices detect markings at transfer stations, then the tugger train automatically finds stopping positions, but additional hardware components are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces markings as intermediary elements between the tugger train and transfer stations. These markings serve as mediators that carry positional information, allowing the sensor devices to detect transfer station locations without requiring complex direct communication or control systems. The markings act as a simple, passive intermediary that bridges the gap between the moving train and stationary stations.
3Measurement precision
If the marking extends along the end face of the transfer station, then the sensor device can detect the beginning of the marking for braking, but the marking requires more space
Solution Approach 1:
The marking is positioned to extend along the end face of the transfer station, allowing the sensor device to detect the beginning of the marking before the tugger train reaches the actual stopping position. This preliminary detection enables the braking system to be activated in advance, ensuring precise stopping at the correct location while accounting for the train's braking distance and response time.
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
This solution reduces the programming effort significantly, allowing the tugger train to autonomously find and stop at the correct transfer positions without prior programming, enhancing operational efficiency and adaptability to changes in transfer station locations.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device (20) arranged on the tugger train (2) detects the marker (M)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a system (1) comprising a tugger train (2), which has a tow tractor (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 in order to transfer loads the tugger train trailer (4a; 4b; 4c; 4d) is located in a defined reloading position relative to the stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d). The stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) has a marking (M), which is arranged on an end face (10) of the stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) facing the tugger train (2) and which extends along the end face (10) of the stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) facing the tugger train (2). The tugger train (2) has at least one sensor device (20) which detects the marking (M). The sensor device (20) is operatively connected to a drive control (40) of the tugger train (2) and the drive control (40) is designed such that, by means of the marking (M) detected by the sensor device (20) of the tugger train (2) at the stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d), the tugger train trailer (4a; 4b; 4c; 4d) is stopped at the stationary transfer station (5a; 5b; 5c; 5d) in the defined reloading position.