AGV Power Distribution Unit for Longer Autonomous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage and retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently managing power consumption and extending operational time of autonomous transport vehicles, as they lack effective power management systems to conserve charge and maximize charge cycles.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a comprehensive power management section, referred to as a power distribution unit, which monitors and manages power needs by preserving higher-level functions, controlling charge modes, and providing electric circuit fault protection to extend operational time and conserve energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If motors and sensors are substantially directly and continuously coupled to a power supply through an electrical bus bar, then power delivery is reliable and simple, but power consumption is high and operational time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into multiple controlled circuits with individual power management. Instead of a single continuous power supply connection, the system divides power delivery into separate controllable pathways, allowing selective powering of components based on operational needs, thereby extending operational time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic power management where power connections are not static but adaptively controlled. Power circuits are dynamically enabled or disabled based on operational requirements, allowing the system to optimize power consumption in real-time while ensuring critical functions remain powered, thus extending operational duration without sacrificing reliability.
2Speed
If all components are continuously powered, then system responsiveness is high, but energy consumption increases and charge cycles decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic power cycling where non-critical components are powered only when needed rather than continuously. Power is supplied in periodic intervals or on-demand based on operational requirements, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining system responsiveness when actually required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameters dynamically, adjusting voltage and current delivery based on operational needs. Critical functions receive full power for immediate responsiveness, while non-critical functions receive reduced or intermittent power, optimizing the balance between system responsiveness and energy consumption.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a comprehensive power management system is implemented, then operational time is extended and energy is conserved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service power management where the system automatically monitors and controls its own power distribution without external intervention. The power management circuitry autonomously makes decisions about power allocation, reducing the need for complex external control systems while extending operational time and conserving energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where power consumption is monitored and used to automatically adjust power distribution. The system receives feedback on energy usage and operational status, then dynamically adjusts power delivery to optimize operational time while managing complexity through automated closed-loop control.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous guided vehicle including vehicle chassis with power supply mounted and powered sections connected to chassis and powered by power supply, the powered sections including; drive section with motors driving wheels, supporting vehicle chassis, disposed to traverse autonomous guided vehicle on traverse surface in facility under autonomous guidance; payload handling section with payload handling actuator configured so actuation of payload handling actuator effects transfer of payload to and from payload bed, of vehicle chassis, storage in facility; peripheral electronics section having autonomous pose and navigation sensor, payload handling sensor, peripheral motor being separate from motors of drive section and actuator of payload handling section; controller communicably coupled respectively to drive section, payload handling section, and peripheral electronics section to effect autonomous operation autonomous guided vehicle, wherein controller comprises autonomous navigation control section configured to register and hold memory autonomous guided vehicle state and pose navigation information, historic and current.