Self-Driving Vehicle Conveyance With Dynamic Workstation Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional industrial assembly processes are inefficient due to inflexible conveyance infrastructure and complex scheduling of mobile-transport units, which lead to uncertainties in production time, especially when unique sequences of finished goods are required.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flexible conveyance system using self-driving vehicles that transport assemblies between workstations while operations are performed, with a fleet-management system planning paths and missions based on workstation sequences, travel speeds, and obstruction detection, allowing for dynamic re-routing and efficient resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed conveyance infrastructure (conveyor belts, chain conveyors) is used, then assembly line operation is stable, but flexibility and adaptability to different production sequences are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static fixed conveyance infrastructure to dynamic mobile-transport units that can be repositioned and reconfigured. The mobile-transport units move assemblies between workstations dynamically, allowing the assembly line to adapt to different production sequences while maintaining operational stability through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of conveyance from fixed physical infrastructure to movable units with adjustable positions and routes. By changing the mobility parameter of the transport system, the assembly line can adapt to different production sequences while maintaining operational reliability through centralized scheduling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate round trips are made by mobile-transport units for each work-cell operation, then flexibility is improved, but scheduling complexity and production time uncertainty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple separate round trips into coordinated multi-stop routes. Instead of one unit making separate trips for each operation, multiple mobile-transport units are coordinated to deliver different workpieces to different workstations in a synchronized manner, reducing overall scheduling complexity while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile-transport units are designed to perform multiple functions: they can transport different types of assemblies, deliver to various workstations, and operate in coordinated sequences. This multi-functionality allows a single unit type to handle diverse delivery requirements without increasing scheduling complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If workpieces are stored at work cells until availability, then assembly sequence requirements are met, but production time uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having mobile-transport units position assemblies at workstations in advance and maintain them there during operations. Instead of storing workpieces until needed, the units proactively deliver and hold assemblies at the correct locations, reducing waiting time and production uncertainty while maintaining sequence compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for flexible conveyance in an assembly-line or manufacturing process are disclosed. A fleet of self-driving vehicles and a fleet-management system can be used to convey workpieces through a sequence of workstations at which operations are performed in order to produce a finished assembly. An assembly can be transported to a first workstation using a self-driving vehicle, where an operation is performed on the assembly. Subsequently, the assembly can be transported to a second workstation using the self-driving vehicle. The operation can be performed on the assembly while it is being conveyed by the self-driving vehicle.