Forklift Adaptive Acceleration for Stable Semi-Automated Driving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Materials handling vehicles face challenges in transitioning from manual to semi-automated driving modes, as existing systems rely on predefined and fixed acceleration limits that do not adapt to the operator's recent driving behavior, potentially leading to unstable load handling and inefficient operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a controller monitors and calculates adaptive drive parameters during manual operations, such as acceleration in orthogonal directions, to adjust semi-automated driving parameters, ensuring that the vehicle's maximum acceleration is set based on the operator's recent driving behavior, thereby improving load handling and operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If predefined and fixed acceleration limits are used in semi-automated driving mode, then the control system is simple to implement, but the load handling stability and operational efficiency deteriorate due to inability to adapt to operator's recent driving behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The controller stores drive parameter data from the operator's recent manual driving behavior before transitioning to semi-automated mode. This preliminary data collection and storage enables the system to adapt acceleration limits based on the operator's actual driving patterns, improving load handling stability without requiring complex real-time analysis during automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the operator's driving behavior data (acceleration patterns, steering inputs) from manual operation and uses this copied data to inform the semi-automated control parameters. This allows the automated system to replicate the operator's effective driving style without directly observing real-time manual inputs, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining adaptability
2Productivity
If adaptive drive parameters based on recent manual operation are implemented, then operational efficiency and load handling improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional monitoring and data processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it manages both manual and semi-automated driving modes, monitors drive parameters during manual operation, stores behavioral data, and adjusts acceleration limits during automated operation. By consolidating these functions into a single control unit, the system improves operational efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring drive parameters during manual operation, storing this data, and using it to adjust acceleration limits in semi-automated mode. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt to the operator's driving behavior, improving productivity while keeping the feedback mechanism simple through sequential rather than simultaneous processing
3Adaptability or versatility
If the controller monitors and stores drive parameter data from manual operation, then the transition to semi-automated mode becomes more adaptive and efficient, but the loss of time during data collection and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system collects and stores drive parameter data during the operator's manual driving operation, before the semi-automated mode begins. This preliminary data collection occurs naturally during normal operation without requiring dedicated setup time, enabling smooth transition to adaptive semi-automated driving
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the weighting and application of stored drive parameter data based on the specific transition from manual to semi-automated operation. Rather than using fixed time delays or rigid data processing schedules, the system adapts its data utilization to the operational context, reducing unnecessary time loss while maintaining adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a materials handling vehicle is provided comprising: monitoring, by a controller, a first vehicle drive parameter corresponding to a first direction of travel of the vehicle during a first manual operation of the vehicle by an operator and concurrently monitoring, by the controller, a second vehicle drive parameter corresponding to a second direction different from the first direction of travel during the first manual operation of the vehicle by an operator. The controller receives, after the first manual operation of the vehicle, a request to implement a first semi-automated driving operation. Based on the first and second monitored vehicle drive parameters during the first manual operation, the controller controls implementation of the first semi-automated driving operation.