AGV Lifting Control for Ergonomic Package Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logistics sorting systems face challenges due to short automated guided vehicles (AGVs) requiring workers to bend frequently and the need for logistics objects to be poured into object collecting equipment through a steel framework platform, leading to inconvenient operations and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an equipment control method that acquires distance data between operation and target positions to control the lifting device of transportation equipment, allowing it to elevate to a target elevation, eliminating the need for workers to bend and reducing the reliance on steel framework platforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a short AGV is used for automated transportation, then the AGV can navigate through narrow spaces and access workstations easily, but workers need to bend frequently to place packages, increasing labor intensity and reducing operational convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the AGV height adjustable rather than fixed. The lifting device enables the AGV to dynamically change its elevation between a first height (for navigating narrow spaces) and a second height (for ergonomic package handling). This resolves the contradiction by allowing the AGV to adapt its height to different operational requirements, maintaining both compact navigation capability and worker comfort.
2Productivity
If a steel framework platform is used to match the height of object collecting equipment, then the AGV can load packages efficiently, but the system complexity and setup costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the complex steel framework platform from the system and replacing it with a lifting device integrated directly into the AGV. The lifting device performs the height-adjustment function that previously required an external framework structure, thereby simplifying the overall system while maintaining package loading efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting device serves multiple functions: it adjusts the AGV height for ergonomic package handling, enables loading onto object collecting equipment at various heights, and eliminates the need for fixed framework platforms. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by providing a single integrated solution that maintains productivity while reducing system complexity.
3Productivity
If fixed sorting equipment is used, then the sorting process is stable and efficient, but the system lacks flexibility and requires high setup costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing fixed sorting equipment with mobile AGVs that can dynamically adjust their positions and heights. The lifting device enables the AGV to adapt to different object collecting equipment heights, providing the flexibility of movable equipment while maintaining the sorting efficiency previously achieved only by fixed installations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for controlling equipment are provided. One of the method includes: acquiring distance data between a current position and a target position of transportation equipment; and controlling operations of the transportation equipment and a lifting device of the transportation equipment according to the distance data, comprising: determining, based on a current elevation of the lifting device, a target elevation of the lifting device, and the distance data, an elevating speed of the lifting device and a travel speed of the transportation equipment; and controlling the lifting device to elevate or lower at the elevating speed from the current elevation to the target elevation, and controlling the transportation equipment to travel at the travel speed.