Automated Vehicle Positioning for Rotatable Platform Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated parking facilities require driver intervention to align vehicles with transport mechanisms, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and can lead to user discomfort due to repeated adjustments.
Innovation Solution
An automated vehicle positioning system using position sensors and a controller to detect the vehicle's position, directionally align it with the transport mechanism, and adjust the transport mechanism's position to align their centerlines, allowing for driver-less alignment and increased efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If driver intervention is used to align vehicles with transport mechanisms, then the alignment can be adjusted manually, but the process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses position sensors to automatically detect vehicle position and the controller to autonomously calculate and execute alignment adjustments, eliminating the need for driver intervention and manual alignment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors to detect position and a controller to manage the alignment process, substituting human-operated mechanical adjustments with automated electronic control
2Manufacturing precision
If repeated manual adjustments are made during alignment, then the vehicle can be positioned correctly, but user discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting vehicle position through sensors and executing the necessary adjustments without requiring repeated manual intervention from the driver, thereby eliminating the discomfort associated with multiple adjustment attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of vehicle position using position sensors before alignment is attempted, allowing the controller to calculate the exact adjustment needed in advance and execute it in a single operation, preventing the need for repeated adjustments
3Productivity
If automated positioning system is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated positioning system is divided into distinct functional modules: position sensors for detection, a controller for calculation and decision-making, and execution mechanisms for alignment adjustments. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary between the position sensors and the alignment execution mechanisms, processing sensor data and generating appropriate control signals. This intermediary role simplifies the system by centralizing the intelligence required for alignment decisions, reducing the complexity of direct sensor-to-actuator connections
Data Source
AI summary
An automated vehicle positioning system for use with a transport mechanism of an automated vehicle conveying system comprising one or more position sensors for detecting a position of a vehicle on a rotatable platform; and a controller adapted to control a travel distance of the rotatable platform for directionally aligning the vehicle to a conveying direction of the transport mechanism and for aligning a centerline of the vehicle with a centerline of the transport mechanism.