AGV Wake-Up Module for Fleet-Wide Remote Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for waking up a fleet of autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) are time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially as the fleet size increases, leading to potential downtime due to manual activation and the risk of missed AGVs in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a wake-up module within each AGV, coupled to low-power circuits, which can be activated via a fleet management system using various communication networks (ultra-wide band, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, CV2X, public or private cellular networks) to broadcast global wake-up commands, allowing for remote and efficient activation of AGVs based on predetermined schedules or remote commands, reducing the need for manual power-on procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual power-on procedures are used for each AGV, then individual AGVs can be activated, but the time required increases significantly as fleet size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual activation operations into a single centralized command. The fleet management system transmits a single wake-up command that simultaneously activates all AGVs in the fleet, replacing the need to manually activate each vehicle individually. This merging of operations dramatically reduces activation time and improves productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fleet management system as an intermediary between the operator and individual AGVs. This intermediary receives a single activation command and distributes it to all AGVs through wireless communication networks, enabling centralized control and eliminating the need for manual intervention at each vehicle.
2Ease of operation
If manual activation is used, then operators can control AGV power-on, but labor intensity increases and remote AGVs may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables AGVs to self-activate upon receiving the wake-up command. Each AGV has an onboard system that automatically transitions from sleep mode to operational state when it receives the centralized command, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring no vehicle is missed, including those in remote locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fleet management system serves multiple functions: it monitors AGV states, transmits wake-up commands, manages power distribution, and coordinates fleet operations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single comprehensive platform.
3Use of energy by moving object
If AGVs are powered down to conserve battery, then energy efficiency improves, but activation time increases and downtime occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions during the shutdown phase by maintaining wake-up capability through low-power circuits and auxiliary power sources. The AGVs perform preliminary checks and remain in a low-power standby state rather than complete shutdown, enabling rapid activation when needed while still conserving energy during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic wake-up cycles where AGVs transition between sleep and active states based on scheduled maintenance intervals and operational demands. This periodic action allows energy conservation during non-operational periods while ensuring rapid responsiveness when activation is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for activating a wake-up module of an autonomous guided vehicle (AGV) when the AGV is operating in a standby state, determining whether a global wake-up command was broadcasted by a fleet management system, and activating an on-state associated with the AGV in response to determining that the global wake-up command was broadcasted by the fleet management system.