Unmanned Carrier Panel Sensing for Precise Truck-Side Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo handling systems face challenges in accurately positioning an unmanned carrier relative to a truck, as the truck's stop position within a predetermined area can vary and the length of the cargo bed differs by truck type, making it difficult for the unmanned carrier to stop at the correct position for efficient loading.
Innovation Solution
A cargo handling system equipped with a truck stop area, a truck featuring a first cargo bed and panels, and an unmanned carrier with a second cargo bed, a first laser sensor that irradiates obliquely rearward to detect the truck's panels, and a travel control part that causes the carrier to stop when the panels are detected, allowing precise positioning regardless of the truck's stop position or length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the unmanned carrier uses a fixed standby position, then the positioning process is simple, but the carrier cannot adapt to varying truck stop positions and cargo bed lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with optical sensing (laser sensors) and electronic control. The laser sensors detect the truck's position and panels, and the travel control part processes this information to automatically adjust the carrier's stopping position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms while achieving high adaptability to varying truck positions and cargo bed lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The unmanned carrier performs self-positioning by using its own laser sensors to detect the truck's location and automatically adjusting its stopping position through the travel control part. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external positioning systems or manual intervention, achieving both simplicity and adaptability simultaneously.
2Manufacturing precision
If the unmanned carrier stops at a variable position to accommodate different trucks, then loading precision is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement and positioning systems with optical laser sensors and electronic travel control. The laser sensors precisely detect the truck's panels and position, and the travel control part processes this data to achieve accurate stopping positions, obtaining high loading precision without requiring complex mechanical control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser sensors act as intermediaries between the unmanned carrier and the truck, providing precise positional information without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex interaction. The travel control part uses this intermediary information to calculate and achieve the precise stopping position, simplifying the overall control system while maintaining high precision.
3Productivity
If the carrier positioning system uses manual adjustment, then the system is simple, but the loading efficiency decreases due to time-consuming adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The unmanned carrier automatically determines its stopping position using its own laser sensors to detect the truck's location and panels. The travel control part processes this information and automatically adjusts the carrier's position without manual intervention, achieving both high loading efficiency and appropriate automation level.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser sensors provide real-time feedback about the truck's position and panels to the travel control part. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust the carrier's stopping position based on actual conditions, significantly improving loading efficiency while maintaining manageable automation through continuous information feedback.
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
Enables the unmanned carrier to consistently stop at a preferred position adjacent to the truck, facilitating efficient cargo loading by ensuring accurate alignment and reducing the need for manual adjustments, even when the truck's stop position changes or the cargo bed length varies.
Implementation Method 1
a first laser sensor irradiating a laser obliquely rearward in a horizontal direction toward the truck and detecting a side surface of the front panel or a side surface of the rear panel
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo handling system includes a truck stop area, a truck that stops within the truck stop area, and an unmanned carrier. The unmanned carrier includes a second cargo bed, a first laser sensor and a travel control part, and is configured to stop adjacent to the truck. The first laser sensor irradiates a laser obliquely rearward in a horizontal direction toward the truck and detects a side surface of a front panel or a side surface of a rear panel. The travel control part causes the unmanned carrier to stop when the side surface of the front panel or the side surface of the rear panel is detected.