AGV Speed and Sensing Range Control for Shorter Stops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are limited by their predefined speed based on the depth of their sensing field, leading to inefficiencies in travel time and excessive stopping distances due to the need to come to a complete stop upon detecting objects.
Innovation Solution
The AGV dynamically adjusts its speed and the depth of its sensing field in response to detected objects, reducing speed and sensing field depth in stages until the vehicle comes to a complete stop, thereby optimizing travel efficiency and reducing unnecessary stopping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the AGV travels at a predefined speed limited by the sensing field depth, then the AGV can come to a complete stop when an object is detected, but the travel cycle time increases and the AGV stops with greater than minimum clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the AGV's speed variable rather than fixed. The speed is dynamically adjusted based on the distance to detected objects, allowing the AGV to travel at higher speeds when safe and reduce speed progressively as objects are detected, thereby reducing overall travel cycle time while maintaining the ability to stop safely with minimal clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter dynamically during operation. Instead of maintaining a constant predefined speed, the system continuously adjusts the speed parameter based on sensor data and object detection, optimizing the balance between travel efficiency and safety requirements.
2Productivity
If the AGV reduces speed to maintain minimal clearance when detecting objects, then the travel efficiency improves, but the AGV requires longer distance to stop from higher speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting objects at a distance and beginning speed reduction before the AGV reaches the point where it would need to stop. This proactive approach allows the AGV to gradually reduce speed over a longer period, minimizing the final stopping distance required while maintaining efficient travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts speed based on real-time object detection, creating a continuous feedback loop where the AGV's speed profile is optimized for each specific situation, reducing the effective stopping distance needed compared to fixed-speed operation.
3Device complexity
If the AGV maintains a fixed sensing field depth, then the system complexity is reduced, but the AGV cannot optimize speed dynamically when objects are detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the sensing field depth a dynamic parameter that adjusts based on the AGV's speed and object detection status. When the AGV travels at higher speeds, the sensing field depth increases to provide earlier detection warnings, while at lower speeds the sensing field depth decreases, optimizing the balance between detection capability and system responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes, as a vehicle travels at a first speed along a predefined path of travel between a first waypoint and a second waypoint, and based on determining presence of an object within a first portion of a field of sensing of a sensor disposed at the vehicle, adjusting speed of the vehicle from the first speed to a second speed that is less than the first speed. With the vehicle travelling at the first speed, the first portion of the field of sensing extends a first distance from the vehicle. With the vehicle travelling at the second speed along the predefined path of travel, the method includes adjusting the first portion of the field of sensing to extend a second distance from the vehicle that is less than the first distance.