Wearable Wireless Remote Control for Order Picking Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of materials handling vehicles, such as order picking trucks, face inefficiencies due to the need to frequently relocate the vehicle while picking stock, which interrupts the picking process and reduces productivity.
Innovation Solution
A wearable wireless remote control system that allows operators to control the vehicle's movement and functions wirelessly, enabling the vehicle to be remotely operated without the need to physically interact with the control handles, thereby reducing the time spent on repositioning the truck and allowing continuous picking operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator uses jog switches on the truck to relocate the vehicle, then the truck can be moved to the next location, but the operator must interrupt the picking process and move out of the desired working position
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are extracted from the physical truck and placed into a wireless remote control device worn by the operator. This allows the operator to control truck movement remotely without needing to physically interact with controls on the truck, eliminating the need to interrupt picking operations for relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless remote control device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the truck. The device communicates wirelessly with the truck's control system, enabling the operator to issue movement commands from a distance while maintaining their position at the pick location.
2Ease of operation
If the operator physically controls the vehicle using control handles, then precise control is achieved, but the operator must stop picking to reposition the truck
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical control system (control handles on the truck) is replaced with a wireless electronic control system. The remote control device transmits electronic signals wirelessly to control the truck's movement, eliminating the need for physical mechanical interaction and enabling continuous operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the operator walks alongside the truck for short distances, then no platform stepping is needed, but frequent interruptions occur for truck relocation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from static (operator must be at fixed control position) to dynamic (operator can control from any position within wireless range). The wearable remote control allows the operator to dynamically move between picking locations while maintaining control capability, adapting to different workflow patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A supplemental remote control system for a materials handling vehicle includes a wireless remote control device that is useable by an operator interacting with the materials handling vehicle. Actuation of a travel control on the remote control device causes a wireless transmitter on the device to transmit a travel request to the vehicle. The remote control system further includes a receiver for receiving transmissions from the wireless transmitter at the vehicle and a controller at the vehicle in communication with the receiver for implementing the travel request. The wireless remote control device further includes an input component, wherein actuation of the input component causes the wireless transmitter to wirelessly transmit a second type of request to the receiver on the vehicle requesting the controller to implement a second vehicle function other than to advance the vehicle.