Container Transport Coordination Without Barriers in Mixed Vehicle Traffic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container terminal systems require strict separation of automatically guided and manually guided heavy-duty vehicles, limiting the possibility of mixed mode traffic and reducing the degree of automation in horizontal traffic, which increases personnel costs and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a fleet management system to coordinate mixed mode traffic by processing positions and routes of both automatically guided and manually guided heavy-duty vehicles, providing a driver information system for manual guidance, and enabling wireless communication between vehicles and the fleet management system, allowing them to operate together in a shared area without physical barriers, thus enabling fully automated and manual operations in the same space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If strict separation of automatically guided and manually guided heavy-duty vehicles is implemented, then safety is improved, but the degree of automation and productivity deteriorate due to limited mixed mode traffic possibilities
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments traffic management by creating dedicated communication channels and coordination protocols for different vehicle types while allowing them to share the same physical space. The fleet management system divides responsibilities by automatically coordinating AGV routes while providing information to manual drivers, enabling safe mixed mode operations without physical barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The fleet management system acts as an intermediary between automatically guided vehicles and manually guided vehicles. It processes position data from both vehicle types, calculates safe routes, and communicates with manual drivers through driver information systems, thereby mediating interactions to maintain safety while enabling mixed traffic.
2Reliability
If strict separation of automatically guided and manually guided heavy-duty vehicles is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for physical barriers and separate operating areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the safety coordination function from physical infrastructure (barriers and separate areas) and transfers it to the fleet management system through wireless communication. This removes the need for complex physical separation structures while maintaining safety through digital coordination and real-time position monitoring.
3Productivity
If mixed mode traffic is enabled without physical barriers, then productivity and degree of automation are improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential conflicts between manual and automated vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where the fleet management system receives real-time position data from both AGVs and MGVs, processes this information, and dynamically adjusts route calculations and driver instructions. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables safe mixed traffic by constantly monitoring and responding to the operational state of all vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The fleet management system performs preliminary route calculations and conflict detection before vehicles enter potentially conflicting zones. By pre-coordinating paths and providing advance instructions to manual drivers, the system prevents safety conflicts before they occur, enabling productive mixed mode operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transporting containers using heavy goods vehicles which comprises a separate operating region in which the heavy goods vehicles can be operated, with at least one automated heavy goods vehicle and at least one manually driven heavy goods vehicle being operated together in a mixed traffic situation in the separate operating region.