Recognizing the Size of Shipping Containers through High-Stability Photoelectric Sensors

Container-handling machines are used to load, unload and stack containers in container seaports. Space usage is highly essential and efficaciously figuring out the dimensions of container picked for every lift is critical.  Sensors capable of detecting the container dimensions are demanded to eliminate the need for drivers to perform identification checks, saving time and preventing errors.

Highly stable, photoelectric sensors are suitable for this application. The molded-resin sensor casings, outfitted with coated-plastic sensing faces, are rated to IP67, making them resistant to the harsh, salt-laden environment of container ports. Connection to the vehicle’s control systems is thru an integral M12 connector and PVC-sheathed cable, providing simple removal and replacement throughout ordinary maintenance. 

To verify the dimensions of container, two pairs of diffuse sensors with background suppression from the Cubic Small range are boarded centrally on every lifting beam.  The combination of the two minimizes the probability of incorrect identification in the unlikely occasion that the primary sensor returns a false-positive signal from a 40-foot container.