Grid Transport Vehicle Access Control for Smaller Blocking Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transport systems with grid-patterned travel paths face inefficiencies due to large blocking zones during article transfers, which hinder the entry of other vehicles and reduce overall transport efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The transport system incorporates a controller that optimizes the access direction of transport vehicles to minimize the blocking zone area by determining the access direction that minimizes the number of occupied grid cells, allowing vehicles to transfer articles efficiently without interfering with others, using a grid-patterned rail system with a travel unit and transfer section that moves horizontally to placement tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the transport vehicle occupies multiple grid spaces during article transfer, then the transfer operation can be completed, but the blocking zone area increases and interferes with other vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the blocking zone configurable and adaptable based on the access direction. The system dynamically adjusts the blocking zone size and shape depending on whether the vehicle approaches from the first direction (smaller blocking zone) or second direction (larger blocking zone), allowing the static blocking zone concept to become dynamic and context-dependent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of blocking zone area based on the access direction parameter. By selecting different access directions (first direction with smaller blocking zone vs. second direction with larger blocking zone), the system optimizes the blocking zone parameter to minimize interference with other vehicles while maintaining transfer capability.
2Productivity
If the blocking zone area is minimized, then other vehicles can enter more easily, but the access direction options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating different blocking zone configurations for different access directions. The first access direction corresponds to a smaller, more asymmetric blocking zone configuration, while the second direction corresponds to a larger configuration. This asymmetric approach allows the system to optimize for minimal blocking when using the preferred first direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects access directions based on real-time conditions. The controller determines whether to use the first direction (with smaller blocking zone) or second direction (with larger blocking zone) based on the current situation, making the access direction flexible and adaptive rather than fixed.
3Device complexity
If the transport vehicle follows a fixed travel path, then the system is simple to control, but the ability to minimize blocking zone dynamically is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the controller continuously monitor the situation and determine the optimal access direction based on current conditions. The controller receives information about vehicle positions and blocking zones, processes this information, and adjusts the access direction selection accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes transport efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of blocking zone areas for different access directions before the vehicle actually approaches the placement table. By pre-determining which direction will result in the smaller blocking zone, the controller can plan the optimal path in advance, reducing real-time computational complexity while maintaining high transport efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A transport system includes a plurality of transport vehicles and a controller. The transport vehicle includes a travel unit and transfer unit. The controller performs a blocking control to prohibit transport vehicles other than the transport vehicle from entering a blocking zone corresponding to the area occupied by the transport vehicle when transferring an article in a plan view. To transfer an article from/to a placement table, the transport vehicle travels along the route to the placement table in a first direction. An area of the blocking zone when the transport vehicle accesses to the placement table in the first direction is equal to or less than an area of the blocking zone identified when the transport vehicle accesses to the placement table in the second direction different from the first direction.