AGV Route Planning with Fixed and Dynamic Path Regions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing route planning methods for automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in logistics facilities face challenges in balancing flexibility and safety, particularly in narrow spaces where deviations can trigger safety system warnings or faults.

Innovation Solution

A method that divides the environment into first regions with fixed trajectories and second regions with dynamically generated paths within a predetermined range, allowing seamless transitions between modes to ensure efficient and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the vehicle operates in the second operating mode with dynamically generated paths within a predetermined range of movement, then the flexibility and efficiency of the vehicle is improved, but the risk of triggering safety system warnings or faults increases in narrow spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The environment is segmented into different types of regions (first regions with firmly predetermined trajectories and second regions with dynamically generated paths). This segmentation allows the vehicle to apply different operating modes in different spatial contexts, thereby maintaining safety in narrow areas while preserving flexibility in open areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality requirements are applied to different regions: in first regions (narrow spaces), the trajectory is firmly predetermined with strict adherence required, while in second regions (open spaces), dynamic path generation within a predetermined range is permitted. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between safety and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the vehicle follows a firmly predetermined trajectory in the first operating mode, then the safety and reliability is improved, but the flexibility and efficiency in adapting to current traffic volume and individual maneuverability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The environment is segmented into different types of regions (first regions with firmly predetermined trajectories and second regions with dynamically generated paths). This segmentation allows the vehicle to apply different operating modes in different spatial contexts, thereby maintaining safety in narrow areas while preserving flexibility in open areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality requirements are applied to different regions: in first regions (narrow spaces), the trajectory is firmly predetermined with strict adherence required, while in second regions (open spaces), dynamic path generation within a predetermined range is permitted. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between safety and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the environment is completely divided into first regions with fixed trajectories, then the safety is improved, but the productivity and efficiency of the logistics facility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidefficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The environment is segmented into different types of regions (first regions with firmly predetermined trajectories and second regions with dynamically generated paths). This segmentation allows the vehicle to apply different operating modes in different spatial contexts, thereby maintaining safety in narrow areas while preserving flexibility in open areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different quality requirements are applied to different regions: in first regions (narrow spaces), the trajectory is firmly predetermined with strict adherence required, while in second regions (open spaces), dynamic path generation within a predetermined range is permitted. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between safety and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12515693B2Method for planning a route for an automated guided vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 JUNGHEINRICH AG

AI summary

A method for planning a route for an automated guided vehicle which can be operated in two different operating modes including a first operating mode in which the vehicle follows a firmly predetermined trajectory; and a second operating mode in which the vehicle follows a dynamically generated path located within a predetermined range of movement. The method includes subdividing an environment passable by the vehicle into first regions in which the vehicle is to be operated in the first operating mode and second regions in which the vehicle is to be operated in the second operating mode. The method includes defining, for each of the first regions, a corresponding trajectory to be traveled by the vehicle and defining, for each of the second regions, a corresponding predetermined range of movement.