AGV Blocking Area Control for Collision-Free Route Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling automated guided vehicles (AGVs) often result in reduced movement efficiency due to frequent stopping and starting, which lowers overall work efficiency and increases the risk of collisions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that acquire real-time position information of AGVs to set and manage blocking areas dynamically, preventing collisions by controlling the movement of AGVs based on these areas, thereby optimizing their routes and reducing collision risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each automated guided vehicle uses its own sensor and anti-collision program to detect and stop when in close proximity to another vehicle, then collision prevention is achieved, but movement efficiency is significantly reduced due to frequent stop/operation repetition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple automated guided vehicles into a single integrated control system. Instead of each vehicle operating independently with its own sensors and anti-collision programs, the control system centrally manages all vehicles, assigning them to specific movement lines and coordinating their movements to prevent collisions while maintaining continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between multiple automated guided vehicles, managing their interactions and movements. By introducing this central mediator, the system coordinates vehicle assignments to movement lines and resolves potential conflicts before they occur, eliminating the need for frequent emergency stops while maintaining collision prevention.
2Reliability
If the movement of automated guided vehicles is controlled by individual sensor-based anti-collision programs, then collision detection is achieved, but overall work efficiency is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by pre-assigning movement lines to automated guided vehicles before conflicts arise. By proactively managing vehicle routing and positioning, the system prevents collision scenarios from developing, eliminating the need for reactive stopping and maintaining continuous workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors the positions and movements of all automated guided vehicles, using this feedback to dynamically adjust assignments and prevent collisions. This real-time feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain high efficiency by only intervening when necessary, rather than using constant stop/start control.
3Reliability
If frequent stopping and starting is used to prevent collisions between automated guided vehicles, then collision avoidance is achieved, but movement efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically assigns movement lines to automated guided vehicles based on real-time conditions, creating a flexible and adaptive control approach. This dynamic management allows vehicles to maintain continuous movement at optimal speeds while the system proactively prevents collision scenarios through intelligent routing and positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) includes acquiring real-time information regarding positions of the plurality of AGVs moving along an automated guided vehicle route (AGV route), setting a blocking area for each of the AGVs based on the information regarding the positions of the plurality of AGVs acquired in the step of acquiring the real-time information, and controlling movements of the plurality of AGVs with reference to the blocking area. When an AGV is located at any one of plurality of points in the AGV route, a point at which the AGV is located and a movement line adjacent thereto are set as the blocking area. When the AGV is located on any one of movement lines in the AGV route, movement lines on which the AGV is located and through which the AGV has just passed are set as the blocking area.