Load Sequencing in Automated Distribution Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated distribution systems face inefficiencies in load sequencing, leading to suboptimal manifold filling rates and increased waiting times for loads before injection and advancement on the collector, resulting in reduced flow rates and prolonged processing times.
Innovation Solution
A refined analysis method for load injection and advancement at nodes, considering multiple lists to detect deadlocks and interlocking, allowing for injection or advancement only when risks are mitigated, thereby increasing collector filling rates and reducing waiting times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple injection rule is used at nodes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manifold filling rate decreases and waiting times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary analysis of multiple lists (LI1, LI2, LI3, LI4) representing different scenarios of load sequences and interlocking risks before making injection decisions. This preliminary action allows the system to anticipate potential deadlocks and interlocking situations, enabling more informed injection decisions that improve manifold filling rate without requiring complex hardware modifications.
2Productivity
If loads are injected more frequently to increase filling rate, then the productivity improves, but the risk of deadlock and interlocking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the state of multiple lists (LI1, LI2, LI3, LI4) that represent different load sequencing scenarios and interlocking risks. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect potential deadlocks and interlocking situations in real-time, adjusting injection decisions dynamically to maintain high filling rates while preventing system instability. The feedback loop ensures that injection actions are taken only when they will not compromise system reliability.
3Productivity
If waiting times for loads are reduced to improve flow rate, then the productivity increases, but the risk of interlocking and deadlock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary analysis of multiple lists representing different load sequences and potential interlocking scenarios before allowing loads to advance. This preliminary action identifies potential conflicts in advance, enabling the system to reduce waiting times and improve flow rate while preventing interlocking and deadlock conditions from developing. The system proactively manages load advancement to maintain high productivity without compromising reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for sequencing loads in an automated distribution system comprising sources, at least one destination, a collector (comprising a plurality of successive nodes) and a control system (configured to process commands).For at least one analyzed node, an injection analysis step includes the following steps, to decide whether a load C having a given destination order number for a given destination can be injected onto the collector: creation (Ail), from among the loads to be collected by at least one node downstream of the analyzed node, of a list LI1 of loads having a destination order number lower than the given destination order number and a list LI2 of loads which are each intercalated between a load from the list LI1 and the collector; test (T13) to determine if a condition is met among "the list LI1 is empty" and "the list LI1 is not empty and the list LI2 is empty"; if one of the two conditions is met, injection (30) of the load C.