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Warehouse Vehicle Detection with Indication
Customer Requirements: Detect shipping trucks to improve dock efficiency
Solution: T30R radar sensor, DX80 wireless node, and TL70 tower light with audible alarm
Why Banner Radar: Robust sensing in challenging environments
Wireless: Wire-free solutions for remote locations
Lighting: Bright LED indication with 360° view
Customer Benefits
Suitable for outdoor environments – T30R, with an IP67 rated housing, offers more robust detection capabilities than laser or ultrasonic solutions for outdoor applications where sunlight, wind, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can be problematic
Real-time alerts – Real-time monitoring with wireless products keeps deliveries moving efficiently
High Traffic at Loading Dock Doors Influences Efficiency
Loading docks are key access points inside most companies can directly influence the general workflow of a warehouse. With frequent inbound and outbound shipments, loading docks are extremely busy and high traffic areas. Maintaining a steady flow of traffic at dock doors keeps processes efficient, productive, and reduces the number of shipping errors. An automatic system that alerts employees of vehicles waiting to be loaded or unloaded is imperative for large facilities where employees are not always near the service doors.
Detection Challenges at Outdoor Dock Doors
Detecting vehicles at a loading dock can be difficult because of unpredictable weather and environmental changes. Sensors are exposed to the elements and need to withstand fluctuations in weather and ambient light.
Trucks are made of a variety of materials and come in a wide range of colors. This can prove challenging for photoeletric sensors. The range can also present some challenges for sensing because vehicles vary in size and distance away from the sensor. A solution is needed that can reliably detect surfaces regardless of color, reflectivity, or texture and resist changes in the ambient weather.
Loading docks can also be very loud and standard doorbells may go unnoticed. Indication lights may also be missed due to prevalence of overhead and machine lighting throughout a warehouse setting.
Proximity Sensing with Wireless Indication Capabilities
Banner Engineering's T30R radar sensor uses its 15 m range to detect a truck's arrival. It utilizes Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) for detection of stationary or moving targets. The T30R can be taught a reliable background to recognize when any sized vehicle is present. The T30R is paired with a DX80 wireless node to send an output to trigger an alarm to employees, informing them of vehicles that are waiting outside.
The T30R's rugged, shock-resistant housing and radar technology enables it to withstand harsh environments, making it ideal for outdoor loading docks. T30R radar sensors are easy to set up with an intuitive software, IO-Link, push button, or remote TEACH-mode programming.
TL70 tower lights with audible alarms were installed in the warehouse to alert employees of waiting trucks. The TL70 can be heard and seen throughout the warehouse floor to ensure that deliveries get tended to quickly. Delivery dock applications also have other opportunities to install bright LED indicator lights for unmistakable operator guidance. K50 touch buttons can be installed as doorbells and connected to K80L segmented indicators to show which dock is in use. Banner LED technology provides low-power and long-life lighting products for bright visibility in a wide variety of settings.
Conclusion
Loading docks can become needlessly congested if trucks and other deliveries are neglected for extended periods of time. Using Banner's T30R for vehicle detection creates optimum workflow and traffic management. The 15 m sensing range grants flexibility for mounting and robust housing and sensing beam can withstand outdoor environments without sacrificing sensing capabilities. Interfacing with a DX80 wireless node allows for indication and alerts to be broadcast throughout the warehouse floor with LED tower lights and indicators.
Featured Products
T30R Radar Sensor for Detecting the Widest Range of Objects
The T30R sensor is a longer-range alternative to ultrasonic sensors, and provides more reliable detection and position feedback in extreme outdoor conditions and other challenging environments. It features a shorter dead zone, better accuracy, and the ability to see a wider range of targets than traditional 24GHz radar sensors.
Performance Series Industrial Wireless Gateways and Nodes
Create point-to-multi point networks that distribute I/O over large areas. Input and output types include discrete (dry contact, PNP/NPN), analog (0 to 10 V dc, 0 to 20 mA), temperature (thermocouple and RTD), and pulse counter.
K50 Core Series 50 mm Multipurpose Illuminated Touch Buttons
K50 Series touch buttons combine a large, bright indicator with solid-state, touch-activated switching capability, ideal for lean manufacturing and bin-picking operations.
TL70 Core Series 70mm Modular Tower Lights
Big, bright tower lights come preassembled or as modular segments for customized indication. Lights are gray when off to eliminate false indication.