Mobile Object Entry Control for Variable Conveyor Stop Positions

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manufacturing systems fail to account for changes in stop positions of mobile objects due to processing delays or interruptions, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during conveyance transitions between belt conveyance and remote-controlled vehicle travel.

Innovation Solution

A control system that identifies stop positions using control information and obstacle information to ensure accurate entry into conveyance apparatuses, adjusting timing and speed to prevent overhanging and damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the stop position is determined before the mobile object enters the conveyance apparatus, then the control system can prepare the conveyance in advance, but the stop position may become inaccurate due to processing delays or interruptions during conveyance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconveyance preparation timeVSAvoidstop position accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically updates the stop position information during the conveyance process. Instead of using a static pre-determined stop position, the system continuously receives updated stop position information from the conveyance apparatus controller, allowing it to adapt to changes in processing state and maintain accurate positioning despite delays or interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual stop position information provided by the conveyance apparatus and using this information to adjust the mobile object's entry timing and speed. This closed-loop control ensures that the mobile object reaches the correct position even when processing delays or interruptions occur during conveyance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If the mobile object enters the conveyance apparatus at a fixed speed, then the entry process is simple to control, but the mobile object may overhang the conveyance apparatus causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentry control simplicityVSAvoidconveyance safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the mobile object's speed during entry based on the distance to the stop position and the conveyance apparatus state. Rather than maintaining a fixed speed, the system modifies speed in real-time to ensure the mobile object enters safely without overhanging, balancing operational simplicity with safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs preliminary speed adjustment before the mobile object reaches the conveyance apparatus entry point. By calculating the required speed based on the distance to the stop position and potential obstacles, the system prepares the appropriate speed profile in advance, preventing overhanging and damage while maintaining smooth entry control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4530784A1Control system, controller, mobile object, and control method
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP4530784A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4530784A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4530784A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A control system is configured to control movement of a mobile object that is configured to be conveyed by unmanned driving at least in a manufacturing process, and the control system includes: a stop position identification section (316; 218) configured to identify a stop position at which the mobile object (100) is stopped on a conveying part of a conveyance apparatus including the conveying part configured to convey the mobile object (100); and a control command section (312; 214) configured to generate and output a control command to cause the mobile object (100) to enter the conveying part according to the stop position.