Wire Guidance Loop for Precise Forklift Navigation and Low Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire guidance systems for autonomous material handling vehicles are costly to install and maintain, and they can cause signal interference due to the need for additional navigation equipment and broadcast methods that are not real-time.

Innovation Solution

A wire guidance system using a loop of conductive members with opposing currents to produce a narrowcast radio frequency signal, combined with optical guidance and two-way communication capabilities, allowing for precise navigation and control of material handling vehicles with reduced interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If wire guidance systems are installed in the warehouse floor, then navigation precision is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation precisionVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical wire embedded in the floor with an optical system using lasers and optical detectors. The laser guide rails are mounted on walls or ceilings, eliminating the need to cut notches into the floor and embed wires, thus reducing installation complexity while maintaining navigation precision through optical guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical detectors as intermediaries that receive laser signals and convert them into navigation commands. This intermediary system allows the laser guide rails to communicate navigation information to the vehicle without requiring direct physical contact or complex wire connections to the vehicle's control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional navigation equipment is added for WMS communication, then communication capability is improved, but signal interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the laser guide rails serve multiple functions: they provide both navigation guidance (steering the vehicle) and communication (transmitting data between the vehicle and WMS). This eliminates the need for separate communication equipment that would generate additional signal interference, as the same optical infrastructure handles both navigation and data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If broadcast RF systems are used for WMS communication, then information exchange is enabled, but real-time control capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation exchange capabilityVSAvoidreal-time control response

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces asynchronous broadcast RF communication with a dedicated optical communication system using lasers. The laser guide rails continuously transmit navigation and control data in real-time to optical detectors on the vehicle, enabling immediate response to WMS commands rather than relying on periodic broadcast updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for guiding and controlling material handling vehicles with improved precision and reduced interference, enabling efficient navigation and remote operation within warehouses.

Implementation Method 1

An electrical current source supplies current to the first conductive member in a first direction and supplies current to the second conductive member in a second direction opposite the first direction. The opposing currents produce a narrowcast frequency signal that is detectable between the first conductive member and the second conductive member.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A receiving and transmitting antenna is coupled to the base, and extends downward from the base. The antenna is configured to detect a narrowcast radio frequency signal generated between a first conductive member and a second conductive member below the frame.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic signal detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

An optical detector coupled to the base extends downward from the base as well. The optical detector and the receiving and transmitting antenna are electrically coupled to a truck control system.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11726491B2Wire guidance and remote operation for material handling vehicles

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 RAYMOND LTD

AI summary

A material handling vehicle guidance system comprises a first conductive member, a second conductive member, and an electrical current source. The second conductive member is electrically coupled to the first conductive member and extends parallel to the first conductive member to define a loop. The first conductive member and second conductive member are coupled to a shielded cable connector. The electrical current source supplies current to the first conductive member in a first direction and supplies current to the second conductive member in a second direction opposite the first direction to produce a narrowcast radio frequency signal detectable between the first conductive member and the second member.