UV-Lit Alignment Strip Tracking for AGV Line Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vision guidance systems for automated guided vehicles in manufacturing environments face issues due to faded, distorted, or hidden painted lines, leading to inefficiencies and delays in the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an alignment strip coupled to a surface, illuminated by UV light, which is imaged by a camera to ensure precise vehicle alignment, using a control unit to track and control movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If painted lines are used for vehicle alignment guidance, then the system is simple to implement, but the alignment indicia fades and becomes distorted over time requiring frequent repainting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical state of the alignment indicia from conventional paint to fluorescent material embedded in the surface. This parameter change transforms the alignment system from one that degrades over time to one that maintains its properties indefinitely, resolving the contradiction between ease of implementation and durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction by embedding fluorescent material within the surface material (concrete, asphalt, or pavement). This composite approach creates a durable alignment system where the fluorescent indicia becomes part of the surface structure itself, preventing fading and distortion while maintaining simplicity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional lighting is used to illuminate alignment lines, then the system is energy-efficient, but the alignment lines cannot be effectively detected by the imaging device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent material that changes its optical properties under UV illumination. The material absorbs UV light and emits visible fluorescent light, creating high-contrast alignment indicia that are easily detectable by imaging devices. This color/optical property change resolves the contradiction between energy efficiency and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent material acts as an intermediary between the UV light source and the imaging device. It converts UV energy into visible fluorescent light that the camera can detect with high precision, enabling effective alignment detection while maintaining energy efficiency through targeted UV illumination.
3Productivity
If painted lines are repeatedly moved over by vehicles, then the manufacturing process continues, but the painted line becomes distorted and hidden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the fluorescent alignment indicia within the surface structure itself, creating a nested configuration where the alignment material is contained within the pavement or concrete matrix. This nesting protects the alignment indicia from being distorted or hidden by vehicle movement, maintaining both productivity and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded fluorescent material provides beforehand cushioning against the harmful effects of vehicle movement. By being integrated into the surface structure before vehicles arrive, the alignment indicia is protected from distortion and degradation, ensuring long-term stability while maintaining manufacturing productivity.
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
Ensures robust and efficient vehicle alignment, reducing labor and time delays by providing a resilient alignment indicia for automated guided vehicles, thereby enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet (UV) light emitter configured to emit UV light onto the alignment strip. The UV light emitted by the UV light emitter illuminates the alignment strip.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method include an alignment strip coupled to a surface. A vehicle is configured to move over the surface. The vehicle includes an ultraviolet (UV) light emitter configured to emit UV light onto the alignment strip. The UV light emitted by the UV light emitter illuminates the alignment strip. An imaging device is configured to acquire one or more images of the alignment strip as illuminated by the UV light.