AGV Robot Conveyor Control With Split Power Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) with mounted articulated robots and transport conveyors increases the number of controllers, leading to higher costs and reduced operating time due to high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A loading and unloading system that integrates a robot, an AGV, and a transport conveyor with a single transport controller, utilizing external power supply for high-power components and a battery for the AGV's travel, reducing the need for individual controllers and extending operating time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate controllers are provided for the automated guided vehicle, robot, and transport conveyor, then the control functions are complete, but the number of controllers increases leading to increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of the automated guided vehicle and transport conveyor into a single transport controller. This controller includes a travel controlling unit for the AGV and a conveyor controlling unit for the transport conveyor, eliminating the need for separate controllers and reducing system complexity while maintaining complete control functionality.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery supplies power to all components including the robot controller and transport conveyor, then the system is self-contained, but the power consumption is large shortening the operating time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply system into two parts: the battery supplies power only to the travel driving unit for AGV movement, while the robot controller and transport conveyor are powered by an external power supply. This segmentation reduces the battery's power consumption burden and extends operating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the high-power components (robot controller and transport conveyor) from the battery-powered system and connects them to an external power supply. This extraction allows the battery to focus solely on providing mobility power to the AGV, significantly extending operating time.
3Device complexity
If the transport conveyor is controlled by a separate ground-based controller, then the control function is complete, but ground equipment must be provided separately increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transport conveyor control function with the AGV's transport controller. The conveyor controlling unit is integrated into the AGV itself, eliminating the need for separate ground-based controller equipment while maintaining complete conveyor control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A loading and unloading system includes: a robot including a robot arm; an automated guided vehicle on which the robot is mounted, the automated guided vehicle including a travel driving unit; transport conveyors; a robot controller that controls an operation of the robot arm 41 and supplies driving electric power to the robot arm; and a connector that receives electric power from outside of the loading and unloading system. The automated guided vehicle further includes: a transport controller that controls driving of the travel driving unit and the transport conveyors; and a battery that supplies electric power to the transport controller. The transport controller and the robot controller cooperate with each other to cause the transport conveyors to interlock with the robot arm.