Automatic guided vehicle sensor system and method of using same
US8761987B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 5, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 9, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05D1/0261
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An automatic guided vehicle (AGV) system for automatically transporting loads along a predetermined path is provided that includes a plurality of magnets distant from one another, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of magnets represent a positioning point, and a plurality of AGVs, wherein at least one of the plurality of AGVs includes a drive assembly and a sensor system configured to determine guidance information. The sensor system includes a circuit board, a two-dimensional array of giant magneto resistive (GMR) sensors along a surface of the circuit board, the GMR sensors configured to detect at least one of the plurality of embedded magnets when the GMR sensors are proximate thereto, and an electromagnetic coil extending around the circuit board and at least a portion of the GMR sensors, the electromagnetic coil configured to polarize the GMR sensors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.