Conveying Unit Control Logic for Collision-Proof Load Carrier Movement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing conveying systems lack flexibility and collision-proof operation, especially in open or unfenced areas, and require robust ground-level collision warning systems for safe and efficient movement of load carriers.

Innovation Solution

A control method for a conveying system with at least two independently movable conveying units, each equipped with a control system that executes a synchronized and identical control logic, including environmental parameter detection, information exchange, and quality control to ensure functional equivalence and accurate movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conveying units are made independently movable and highly integrated to enable wireless operation and unrestricted flexibility, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases due to integrating control units, lifting units, power supplies, and drive units into each unit

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying system is divided into multiple independently movable conveying units, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different configurations and tasks while distributing the complexity across modular components rather than a single complex centralized system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each conveying unit is designed as a universal module that can perform multiple functions: movement, lifting, and wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized components for different tasks, managing complexity through standardized versatile units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a collision warning system is added to ensure safe operation in open or unfenced areas, then reliability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional detection devices and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collision warning functionality is merged into the existing control units of the conveying systems. Rather than adding separate dedicated collision detection systems, the control units execute control logic that incorporates environmental parameter detection and collision warning, thereby improving safety without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If control systems of multiple conveying units execute identical control logic synchronously and independently, then manufacturing precision and operational consistency are improved, but device complexity increases due to requirements for identical hardware and synchronized operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional equivalenceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

All conveying units are equipped with identical control units that execute the same control logic. This homogeneity ensures that each unit behaves consistently and predictably, achieving functional equivalence. The standardized design simplifies manufacturing and maintenance while the modular nature manages complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

Each conveying unit independently executes the control logic based on its own sensor inputs and environmental parameters, without requiring constant centralized coordination. This self-service capability ensures consistent behavior across units while reducing the complexity of inter-unit communication and synchronization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If environmental parameter detection and quality control are implemented to ensure accurate movement and collision-proof operation, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and data processing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Environmental parameter detection, collision warning, and quality control functions are merged into the existing control units of the conveying systems. The control units execute comprehensive control logic that integrates sensor data from sensors, collision detection, and quality assurance, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4269321B1Conveying device for load carriers
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 FILICS GMBH
  • EP4269321B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4269321B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4269321B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a control method for a conveying device for conveying loaded and unloaded load carriers, which comprises a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit, wherein each conveying unit is movable relative to the other conveying unit and independently of the other conveying unit along any direction of travel, and wherein each conveying unit comprises a control system for controlling the movement of the respective conveying unit, wherein the control system for controlling the movement of the respective conveying unit executes a control logic, wherein the control systems of the first and second conveying units execute the control logic independently of each other and synchronously.