Universal AGV Workcell Interface for Flexible Transport and Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs) lack flexibility in transporting and charging various types of workcells, leading to inefficiencies in task scheduling and increased costs due to the need for specialized AGVs and limited navigation paths, especially in data centers with multiple tasks and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
AGVs equipped with electro-mechanical interfaces that can connect to, lift, and charge multiple types of workcells, allowing for flexible task scheduling and power management based on battery levels and task requirements, while also enabling workcells to charge AGVs, thereby reducing downtime and optimizing route planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized AGVs are used for each type of workcell, then the workcell can be transported and charged reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal AGV platform with standardized electro-mechanical interfaces that can transport and charge multiple types of workcells. The AGV includes a standardized connector system with electrical contacts that automatically mate with corresponding connectors on different workcell types, enabling a single AGV design to serve multiple workcell types without requiring specialized vehicles for each workcell category.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized AGVs are deployed, then each workcell type can be handled optimally, but the navigation paths and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal AGV platform that can handle multiple workcell types through standardized interfaces, reducing the number of AGVs needed in the fleet. This consolidation decreases the total navigation space required and simplifies path planning, as fewer distinct AGV types need to be coordinated in the facility environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The AGV system implements dynamic task assignment and routing where a single universal AGV can be dynamically assigned to transport different workcell types based on real-time demands. The system optimizes navigation paths dynamically, allowing the same AGV to service multiple workcells throughout the facility, thereby reducing the overall space footprint compared to having dedicated AGVs for each workcell type.
3Productivity
If workcells are left at task locations without sufficient battery charge, then task completion is enabled, but the workcell reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary charging actions where the AGV charges the workcell's battery before transporting it to the task location. The system monitors battery charge levels and ensures adequate charging is completed prior to task execution, preventing workcells from being left at task locations with insufficient power. This preliminary charging action maintains workcell reliability while enabling continuous task completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor workcell battery charge levels. The control system receives feedback on battery status and dynamically adjusts task assignment and AGV scheduling to ensure workcells are not assigned tasks they cannot complete due to insufficient power. This feedback loop maintains reliability by preventing task assignments that would result in workcells being abandoned with inadequate battery charge.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances flexibility and efficiency in transporting and charging workcells, reduces costs by eliminating the need for specialized AGVs, and minimizes downtime by allowing continuous operation even when workcells are not near a power source, thereby optimizing task completion in constrained environments.
Implementation Method 1
each AGV includes an electro-mechanical interface that is adapted to (i) connect to or lift multiple different types of workcells and (ii) provide charging power to or receive charging power from multiple different types of workcells
Implementation Method 2
an electro-mechanical interface that is adapted to (i) connect to or lift multiple different types of workcells
Implementation Method 3
Each connector pad can be configured to contact a corresponding connector pad of each AGV when the AGV is transporting the workcell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~3A
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus for transporting workcells. In one aspect, a system includes a first fleet of AGVs that each include electro-mechanical interface that is adapted to (i) connect to or lift multiple different types of workcells and (ii) provide charging power to or receive charging power from multiple different types of workcells. A second fleet of multiple different types of workcells are each adapted to perform one or more particular tasks. A control system is configured to identify a set of tasks to be performed by the second fleet of workcells and, for each task, select a workcell to perform the task, select an AGV to transport the selected workcell to a location at which the task is to be performed, and provide, to the selected AGV, instructions that cause the selected AGV to transport the selected workcell to the location at which the task is to be performed.