Article Transport Power Sharing for Fewer Charging Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The article transport system faces inefficiencies due to insufficient charge levels in transport bodies during busy periods, leading to decreased operation efficiency of unmanned transport vehicles, and the need for excessive charging devices during slack periods, which increases costs and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
The system includes unmanned transport vehicles and transport bodies with dual electrical energy storage devices and power transmission units, allowing for selective power exchange between them, enabling balanced charging and minimizing the need for multiple charging devices by actively managing power distribution based on busy or slack periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of charging devices is increased to ensure sufficient charge for transport bodies during busy periods, then the operation efficiency of unmanned transport vehicles is maintained, but the cost and space occupation of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport bodies are equipped with both power transmission units and power receiving units, enabling them to serve dual functions: acting as mobile power sources for other transport bodies during busy periods and as mobile charging devices during slack periods. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated charging devices, reducing both quantity and space occupation while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables transport bodies to charge each other autonomously through peer-to-peer power transmission. During slack periods, transport bodies with sufficient charge automatically transmit power to those with insufficient charge, creating a self-sustaining charging network that eliminates dependence on external charging devices and reduces system costs.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of charging devices is reduced to lower costs and space occupation, then the system becomes more economical, but the operation efficiency of unmanned transport vehicles decreases during busy periods
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively manages power distribution by having transport bodies with sufficient charge transmit power to those with insufficient charge during slack periods before busy periods begin. This preliminary charging action ensures that all transport bodies are adequately charged before peak demand occurs, maintaining operation efficiency without requiring excessive charging devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power transmission based on real-time charge levels and operational demand. The control unit monitors the charge states of all transport bodies and automatically activates power transmission from bodies with sufficient charge to those needing charge, creating a flexible, demand-responsive power distribution system that maintains efficiency without fixed charging infrastructure.
3Productivity
If power is continuously supplied from transport bodies to unmanned transport vehicles, then the operation efficiency is maintained, but the charge amount of transport bodies becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic, bidirectional power transmission between transport bodies based on their charge levels and operational needs. Instead of continuous one-way power supply, the control unit orchestrates alternating periods where different transport bodies serve as power sources, allowing each body to both give and receive charge over time, thus maintaining sufficient charge amounts while ensuring continuous operation efficiency.
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 configuration maintains operation efficiency during busy periods by optimizing power supply between transport vehicles and bodies, reducing the number of charging devices required and minimizing unnecessary transport, thus addressing the inefficiencies and cost issues.
Implementation Method 1
includes a first electrical energy storage device; a second electrical energy storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit selectively executes a first control of, while the unmanned transport vehicle is holding the transport body on the holding section, receiving electric power from the second electrical energy storage device via the second power transmitting unit and the first power receiving unit and at least either charging the first electrical energy storage device or supplying electric power to the travel section and a second control of, while the unmanned transport vehicle is holding the transport body on the holding section, receiving electric power from the first electrical energy storage device via the first power transmitting unit and the second power receiving unit and charging the second electrical energy storage device.