SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SENSING A LOAD CARRIED BY A MATERIAL HANDLING VEHICLE

摘要

Systems and methods for sensing the presence of a load carried by a material handling vehicle are provided. The material handling vehicle includes a vehicle body, and a load supporting member configured to support the load. The material handling vehicle further includes a load sensor configured to determine the presence of the load within a defined range of the load supporting member.

主权项

1. A method for determining if a target load is engaged by a load supporting member of a material handling vehicle, the material handling vehicle including a load sensor, the method comprising:
defining a plurality of detection zones, via the load sensor, arranged sequentially along the load supporting member; calculating a predetermined minimum number of the plurality of detection zones required for the load supporting member to engage the target load for transport; manipulating the material handling vehicle to receive the target load with the load supporting member; determining if the target load sequentially transitions through at least two of the plurality of detection zones as the material handling vehicle receives the target load; upon determining that the target load sequentially transitions through at least two of the plurality of detection zones, determining if a number of the plurality of detections zones traversed by the target load is greater than or equal to the predetermined minimum number of the plurality of detection zones required for the load supporting member to engage the target load for transport; and upon determining that the number of the plurality of detection zones traversed by the target load is greater than or equal to the predetermined minimum number, providing an indication that the target load is engaged by the load supporting member and ready for transport.