Designing and Constructing of Automated Reverse Docking Mechanism for AGV
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to design and construct an automated reverse docking mechanism for Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV). The device consists of mechanical coupling, sensors, and reverse docking algorithm. The design of the mechanical coupling is based upon fifth wheel coupling and typical car door latch design. The geometry of the mechanical coupling is modelled in Solidworks and analyzed using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to know the maximum force the mechanical coupling can handle and to measure the displacement of the lock hand. The automation of the coupling is implemented by utilizing a solenoid actuator and proximity sensors to the mechanism which then managed by PLC.