Light Guide Signal Layout for Adaptive AGV State Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Driverless transport systems face challenges in improving perceptibility and energy efficiency due to high power consumption from traditional LED illumination methods, which often result in static and non-adaptive lighting.
Innovation Solution
A light signal device with optically transparent exit openings and a light guide system using RGB LEDs, where light decoupling elements distribute light uniformly through exit openings, allowing for adaptive color and intensity based on the system's operating state, reducing energy consumption and enhancing visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional LED strips or LED matrices are used to illuminate the driverless transport system, then the position and contour of the system can be highlighted, but the power consumption is high which is disadvantageous for battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is divided into multiple segments with discrete light exit openings distributed along its length. Each segment can be independently controlled to emit light only when needed, rather than illuminating the entire system continuously. This segmentation allows the system to maintain visibility when required while minimizing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system operates periodically rather than continuously. The controller activates the light sources only during specific operating states or transitions, such as when the transport system is moving or changing status. During stationary periods, the illumination is reduced or turned off, creating a periodic action pattern that reduces average power consumption while maintaining safety and visibility during active operations.
2Illumination intensity
If constant illumination brightness and color are used, then the position or contour of the driverless transport system can be highlighted, but the illumination cannot indicate different operating states
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the light guide are assigned different functional qualities based on their position and the operating state. Specific light exit openings or segments emit light of different colors or intensities to indicate different operating states (e.g., green for normal operation, red for warning). This local differentiation allows the illumination system to convey specific operational information without requiring uniform illumination across the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide system incorporates the ability to change color to indicate different operating states. By using LEDs capable of emitting different wavelengths and controlling which segments emit which colors, the system can provide visual feedback about its operational status. For example, different colored light segments can indicate charging status, movement direction, or system alerts, making the illumination adaptive and informative.
3Area of stationary object
If many LEDs are used to illuminate the driverless transport system, then the illumination coverage is sufficient, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide acts as an intermediary element between a reduced number of LED light sources and the external environment. Instead of placing many LEDs directly on the transport system body, a smaller number of LEDs are positioned at strategic locations to couple light into the light guide. The light guide then distributes this light along its length, providing extended illumination coverage with fewer actual light sources, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate coverage.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the visibility and safety of driverless transport systems by providing adaptive lighting that indicates operating states like movement direction and load status, while reducing energy usage through efficient LED technology.
Implementation Method 1
A light signal device is provided which comprises a front element and at least one light generating unit. The light generating unit comprises a light guide and two light sources arranged at opposite ends of the light guide... light from different light sources is coupled into different light guides... light is reflected out to the front face of the light guide
Implementation Method 2
The light guides each have a plurality of decoupling regions spaced apart in the main light propagation direction... light decoupling elements distribute light uniformly through exit openings
Data Source
AI summary
A light signal device for a driverless transport system, includes a front element having a plurality of optically transparent light exit openings and at least one light generating unit having a light guide and having two light sources arranged at opposite ends of the light guide. The light guide has a plurality of light decoupling elements in order to emit light through the light exit openings. Light exit openings are arranged on the front element in a plurality of rows and a separate light generating unit is provided for each of the rows. A light signal arrangement for a driverless transport system includes a plurality of such light signal devices. A driverless transport system includes the light signal device and a controller. Use of the light signal device is for visualizing an operating state of a driverless transport system. An operating method for the light signal device is also disclosed.