Container Handling Controller for Autonomous Job Redistribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency and effectiveness of container handling equipment (CHE) in operational areas are limited by uneven workload distribution and increased complexity, leading to idle equipment and reduced operational capacity, especially in environments where multiple CHEs operate simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A communication arrangement that enables CHEs to operate autonomously, allowing them to share jobs and balance workload independently without external interference, using a CHE controller arrangement with an execution controller and a communication controller that facilitates communication between CHEs to manage job distribution and execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple CHEs operate simultaneously in the same area to increase handling capacity, then operational speed is improved, but workload distribution becomes uneven leading to idle equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where CHEs report their workload status and job completion to a central controller, which then dynamically redistributes jobs to maintain even workload distribution. This resolves the contradiction by enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of workload across multiple CHEs operating simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller arrangement dynamically adjusts job allocation based on real-time operational status of each CHE. The system transitions from static job assignment to dynamic redistribution, allowing CHEs to take on additional jobs when others complete theirs, thereby maintaining balanced workload while maximizing handling capacity.
2Productivity
If CHEs operate autonomously without external control interference, then operational efficiency is improved, but coordination between CHEs becomes difficult leading to potential conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
A central controller acts as an intermediary between autonomous CHEs, receiving autonomous job completion notifications and redistributing jobs accordingly. This mediator enables CHEs to operate autonomously while maintaining reliable coordination through the intermediary's job allocation and conflict resolution capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into autonomous CHE units that independently execute jobs, with a separate central controller handling coordination. This segmentation allows CHEs to operate efficiently and autonomously while the central controller ensures reliable coordination through dedicated job management functions.
3Loss of time
If job sharing between CHEs is implemented to balance workload, then idle time is reduced, but communication complexity between CHEs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges communication functions by having all CHEs report to a single central controller, which consolidates job sharing coordination. This combining approach reduces communication complexity compared to direct peer-to-peer communication between all CHE pairs, while still enabling effective workload balancing and idle time reduction.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A CHE controller arrangement comprises: - an execution controller in operative connection with one or more engines of the CHE and configured to control movement of the CHE; - a communication controller having a memory to at least store a job to be executed by said CHE, the communication controller further comprising o a first interface to retrieve instructions from an external instance, and particular from a terminal operating system related to a plurality of jobs to be executed by said CHE and o a second interface to communicate with at least a second CHE; a control interface between the execution controller and the communication controller being adapted to provide instructions to the execution controller responsive to an execution of said job, and the second interface being adapted to forward at least one job of the plurality of jobs in response to a respective request by said at least one second CHE.