Dynamic Multi-Queue Logistics System for Autonomous Vehicle Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated logistics vehicles struggle to efficiently perform both forward and reverse logistics from a single docking position, leading to higher operating and capital expenses, limited return on investment, and a significant embodied CO2 footprint.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic queueing system integrated into autonomous vehicles, enabling multiple queueing lanes and a feedforward control system for routing, loading, and unloading of cargo, allowing for sequential performance of forward and reverse logistics tasks from a single docking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated logistics vehicles dock at each destination to perform both forward and reverse logistics from the same docking position, then vehicle utilization increases and operating costs decrease, but the system complexity and capital expenses increase due to the need for advanced docking infrastructure and automated loading/unloading systems
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is divided into multiple independent queueing lanes (first queueing lane, second queueing lane, third queueing lane) that can operate simultaneously. This segmentation allows the vehicle to perform multiple logistics tasks in parallel at a single docking position, increasing utilization while managing system complexity through modular lane design
Solution Approach 2:
The docking position is designed with universal capability to service multiple queueing lanes simultaneously. The single docking infrastructure can handle both forward and reverse logistics across different lanes, reducing the need for multiple specialized docking positions and thereby lowering capital expenses while maintaining high vehicle utilization
2Productivity
If multiple queueing lanes are implemented within the vehicle, then delivery sequencing and asset value creation are enhanced, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle interior is segmented into multiple queueing lanes with distinct positions for different cargo types (dischargeable cargo, stored energy, spent stored energy). This segmentation enables efficient delivery sequencing by organizing cargo in logical sequences, enhancing productivity while the modular design helps manage manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The queueing lanes are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration within the vehicle, utilizing vertical and horizontal space efficiently. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple lanes to coexist without proportionally increasing vehicle exterior dimensions, thereby improving delivery sequencing while controlling manufacturing costs
3Productivity
If the vehicle operates continuously with minimal idle time by interfacing with docking infrastructure at all hours, then asset utilization maximizes and delivery costs decrease, but the need for fully automated loading and unloading systems increases capital equipment costs
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle is equipped with autonomous capabilities to perform loading and unloading operations without external assistance. The automated systems within the vehicle can independently manage cargo transfer at docking positions, enabling continuous operation while reducing the need for complex external automated handling infrastructure, thereby balancing productivity gains with controlled capital expenses
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a logistics and vehicle infrastructure and integral feedforward control system maximizing asset value creation by enabling automated (particularly logistics and/or shared resources) vehicles by utilizing queueing and re-queueing assets and multi-queueing capacity within vehicles to enable vehicle routing with interspersed forward logistics and reverse logistics tasks. The feedforward control system further enhances broad system performance including determining a deployable re-queueing asset to maximize system utilization, user convenience, and energy efficiency.