Vehicle Detection and Indication at Outdoor Docking Station

As trailers pull into dock areas, it is important for the trucks to be detected as soon as possible to provide an efficient load/unload process. Some challenges included with dock door and trailer detection are outside conditions like wind, rain, heat, humidity, etc. due to the environment. Reliable outdoor detection is needed at dock doors.

Banner Engineering’s Wireless M-Gage node can easily be inserted into the core in the parking slot of a tractor trailer or dock area. The M-Gage is programmed to look for changes in magnetic state, for example in a trailer truck lane. The units are self-contained, meaning they are protected from environmental conditions. Many other solutions may not have the same protection from environmental factors.

When trailers arrive at the dock door, the M-Gage detects the trucks and then sends a signal to a traffic light indicator to visually notify workers the truck is ready for loading or unloading. The SP250 traffic light from Banner Engineering provides highly bright and visible indication with long life LED technology, and very low power consumption of less than 4W per color.

The SP250 traffic lights are also ideal for outdoor use with a rugged, fully encapsulated electronics with an aesthetic shape that sheds debris and moisture. When trucks arrive, the light turns red to indicate the spot is taken and pallets need to be loaded. After the truck is loaded, the traffic light displays green to show the dock is ready for the next trailer.