Depot Vehicle Coordination Using Position-Dependent Function Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for increasing automation in depots restrict vehicles to rigid trajectories that may not be optimal or adherable, limiting their movement and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method for coordinating vehicles in a depot by dividing it into function regions with assigned rules, allowing vehicles to move flexibly while adhering to position-dependent function rules, using a function control device to activate or restrict vehicle systems based on these rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If rigid trajectories are specified for vehicles in the depot, then automation control is improved, but vehicle movement flexibility and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static, pre-defined trajectories to dynamic, real-time path planning. The vehicle control device continuously determines optimal paths based on current depot conditions, vehicle position, and operational requirements, allowing the system to adapt automatically while maintaining high automation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle control device performs autonomous path calculation and decision-making without requiring external trajectory specifications. The system uses its own sensors, maps, and control algorithms to independently determine optimal routes, enabling self-service navigation that improves both automation and flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid trajectories are specified for vehicles, then control precision is improved, but operational efficiency and path optimality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where vehicle position, speed, and environmental conditions are constantly monitored. This real-time feedback enables dynamic path adjustment while maintaining precise control, allowing the vehicle to deviate from suboptimal pre-defined trajectories and follow more efficient routes without losing control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically recalculates optimal paths based on real-time conditions, replacing static trajectory adherence with adaptive route optimization. This allows the vehicle to maintain precise control while continuously improving operational efficiency by selecting the best available path.
3Reliability
If vehicles are restricted to specified trajectories, then safety control is improved, but movement freedom and operational flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces virtual boundaries and digital safety zones as intermediaries between the vehicle and physical obstacles. These software-based constraints provide safety control without requiring rigid physical trajectory restrictions, allowing vehicles greater movement freedom while maintaining safety through virtual guard rails and collision avoidance algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for coordinating a vehicle in a depot divided into multiple function regions, the vehicle being driven in the depot through at least some of the function regions into a defined destination region, includes receiving a travel profile. The travel profile has at least one function rule, each function rule of the at least one function rule being assigned to a function region in the depot and defining how the vehicle is activated and/or may not be activated in the depot in the respectively assigned function region. While the vehicle is being driven through at least some of the function regions into the destination region, the method includes continuously ascertaining a position of the vehicle, ascertaining, from the received travel profile, the function region assigned to the presently ascertained position of the vehicle, and reading in, from the received travel profile, the function rule assigned to the region.