Protection against accidental push-through of pallets in high-bay warehouse racking configurations is generally provided by mechanical systems involving elaborate and costly steel constructions. However, with its ODS 96B optical distance sensors, Leuze electronic is offering a more economical and technically superior alternative in addressing this important safety requirement.
Whilst every care may be taken in the design and installation of an effective mechanical safeguard to prevent push-through, the impact generated by dynamic loading processes exerts a negative influence on the rack system itself. This can be prevented initially by providing a compartment occupied check using suitable sensor systems, which monitor whether storage surfaces really are unoccupied, so preventing pallets already in place from being pushed backwards and dropping out of the rack.
An additional and urgent problem could be created by pallets which are skewed or offset; during highly dynamic operating processes, system-specific tolerances can be quickly exceeded, resulting in the forks of the rack handling system displacing already positioned pallets when performing inward and outward movements - with potentially disastrous consequences.
Developing critical safeguards can be time-consuming and expensive since each individual rack compartment has to offer protection against push-through. Advance photo-electronic sensor technology can be a real practical option, whilst bringing financial savings.
The ODS 96B optical distance sensor is part of a new generation of sensors developed by Leuze electronic. This particular model is designed to carry out continuous distance measurements, dynamic product measurement and position controls. With a measurement range of 60 to 2000mm, it is ideally suited to perform compartment occupied checks, and as an additional feature their switching function can be used to also provide a push-through safeguard.
Thanks to measurement times of just 2ms, ODS 96B photoelectric sensors are able to detect dynamic processes up to five times faster than comparable products. This makes it ideal where high-speed sequences take place, typified by automated hi-bay warehousing, where there are fast load change cycles. It also makes for a tighter grid structure. In other words, more precise, more detailed information with more stable measured values - a benefit which enhances system efficiency particularly when working with shiny, structured or dark surfaces or in fluctuating temperature conditions. With its high-speed measured value sequence, the ODS 96B provides high repeat accuracy rates of ±0.5%, which also permits faster regulation/setting processes.
The combination of measuring and exceptionally fast and precise switching behaviour in the ODS 96B creates conditions for effective push-through guarding in dynamic hi-bay warehouses. It also alleviates potential problems caused by impacting pallets, creating a more reliable, trouble-free operation.