Traveling Vehicle Escalator Ejection Control via Multi-Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traveling vehicles designed to ride on escalators face issues with ejection when sensors such as inclination meters and revolution counters become abnormal, leading to potential sticking of wheels on the floor, and the addition of dedicated sensors for detection complicates the structure and increases power consumption.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle employs multiple detecting devices, including a first detecting device for the drive wheel, a second for surrounding conditions, and a third for inclination angle, allowing the controller to switch control modes for ejection based on determinations from these devices without additional dedicated sensors, ensuring timely ejection even with sensor abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated sensor is added to detect ejection timing, then reliability of ejection detection is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling existing sensors (inclination meter and revolution counter) to serve dual purposes: normal vehicle operation control and ejection timing detection. The controller analyzes data from these sensors to determine ejection timing, eliminating the need for dedicated ejection sensors while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses self-service by having the existing sensor network detect ejection timing without external dedicated sensors. The inclination meter and revolution counter automatically provide data that the controller processes to determine when ejection should occur, making the system self-sufficient for ejection detection
2Device complexity
If the inclination meter is used to detect ejection timing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensor abnormality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring data from both the inclination meter and revolution counter, comparing their readings against expected ranges, and using this feedback to determine ejection timing. The controller adjusts its detection logic based on the consistency and validity of sensor data, ensuring reliable ejection detection even when one sensor exhibits abnormality
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies beforehand cushioning by preparing compensatory detection methods in advance. When the inclination meter or revolution counter shows abnormality, the controller automatically switches to using the other sensor for ejection timing detection, preventing measurement precision deterioration without requiring additional sensors
3Device complexity
If the revolution counter is used to detect ejection timing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensor abnormality
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors revolution counter data and compares it against expected rotation speed ranges. When abnormality is detected, the feedback mechanism triggers a switch to using inclination meter data for ejection timing determination, maintaining measurement precision without adding complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares compensatory detection pathways in advance by having both sensors operational and calibrated. When the revolution counter becomes abnormal, the pre-configured fallback to inclination meter-based detection ensures continuous accurate ejection timing detection without requiring additional sensors
4Reliability
If additional sensors are installed for ejection detection, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by programming the controller to use existing sensor data for dual purposes: normal vehicle control and ejection timing detection. This eliminates the need for additional power-consuming sensors while maintaining reliable ejection detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by having the existing sensor network and controller handle both normal operation and ejection detection functions. No additional power-consuming components are introduced, as the current sensor system automatically provides the necessary data for reliable ejection timing determination
Data Source
AI summary
When a vehicle body is on board an escalator, a control device makes an ejection determination by use of an external sensor. The control device makes an ejection determination by use of front-wheel rotation sensors. The control device makes an ejection determination by use of an inclination detecting unit. The control device switches a control mode from a boarding control mode to an ejection control mode, when at least one of the above three ejection determinations is affirmatively made.