Factory Transport Scheduling Using Spatial Distribution Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport operation control techniques in multiproduct variable-quantity type factories lack flexibility in response to variations in product type and quantity, leading to inefficiencies and potential quality control issues, especially when using regular-period fixed routes.
Innovation Solution
A transport operation control device and method that calculates an operation schedule based on the spatial distribution of products-in-process, determining routes and frequencies for transport vehicles, and updates this schedule based on changes in productivity indices to optimize transport operations and adapt to changing factory conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If regular-period fixed routes are used for transport operations, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic route determination by calculating optimal transport routes based on real-time spatial distribution of products-in-process and current factory conditions. The system continuously updates transport routes and frequencies according to changing productivity indices, transforming the static fixed-route system into a dynamic adaptive system that responds to operational variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (route paths, transport frequencies, vehicle allocation) based on measured spatial distribution data and productivity indices. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to actual product distribution and factory conditions, the system achieves both ease of operation through standardized procedures and adaptability through parameter optimization.
2Ease of operation
If regular-period fixed routes are used for transport operations, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that measures the spatial distribution of products-in-process and calculates productivity indices to evaluate transport operation effectiveness. This feedback information is used to continuously optimize transport routes and frequencies, ensuring that productivity is maximized while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transport routes and frequencies based on real-time spatial distribution data and productivity measurements. This dynamic optimization ensures that transport operations adapt to changing production patterns, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through centralized automated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transport operations are optimized for multiproduct variable-quantity type factories, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transport control system that handles multiple product types, quantities, and route configurations through a single integrated platform. The system uses standardized spatial distribution measurement and productivity index calculation methods that can be applied across different factory configurations, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic route calculation and optimization based on measured spatial distribution data, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex control mechanisms. By enabling the system to self-adjust transport operations based on productivity indices and product distribution, adaptability is achieved while keeping the control architecture relatively simple.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequent updates of operation schedules are made to respond to variations, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses productivity indices calculated from spatial distribution measurements to trigger schedule updates only when necessary. This feedback-based update mechanism avoids unnecessary frequent changes while still responding to significant variations in product distribution, thereby balancing adaptability with time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic measurement of spatial distribution and calculation of productivity indices at optimized intervals. By updating operation schedules based on periodic assessments rather than continuous changes, the system achieves adaptability to variations while minimizing the time loss associated with frequent schedule updates.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention increases the productivity of an entire factory, even of the type that produces different types of products in different quantities using transport vehicles, by performing transport operation control. This transport operation control device is provided with: a spatial distribution measuring unit which measures the spatial distribution of products-in-process being transported by the transport vehicles; and an operation schedule calculation unit which, on the basis of the measured spatial distribution of the group of partly-finished products, calculates an operation schedule that specifies both a route and a frequency of a transport operation to be carried out by each transport vehicle of the transport vehicles, wherein the operation schedule calculation unit determines the timing with which to update the operation schedule, on the basis of changes in a productivity index that is determined from the measured spatial distribution of the products-in-process.