Modular Logistics Surface With Distributed Encoder Grid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current logistics systems face limitations in flexibility, scalability, and real-time communication capacity due to the reliance on a central control unit and overloaded communication networks, leading to inefficiencies in payload capacity, energy consumption, and high investment costs.
Innovation Solution
A logistics area composed of planar units with encoders forming a uniform grid, allowing decentralized control and communication between units, enabling flexible expansion and real-time operation without the need for central unit adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a central control unit controls all travel commands for individual movers, then the logistics system can be managed centrally, but the communication network becomes overloaded and loses real-time capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control system into distributed control units, each responsible for a specific planar unit. This segmentation allows control functions to be localized, reducing communication overhead and maintaining real-time capability while preserving centralized management benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field-based communication as an intermediary mechanism between control units and movers. This intermediary enables direct local control without overloading the main communication network, maintaining real-time response while preserving system-wide coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the logistics area is expanded by adding more planar units, then the system capacity increases, but the communication paths become overloaded and require reprogramming or replacement of the central control unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements modular planar units with integrated control functions, allowing the logistics area to be expanded by simply adding more identical modules. Each module operates semi-independently, avoiding the need to reprogram or replace the central control unit when expanding the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal planar units that can function in multiple configurations and scales. Each planar unit contains all necessary control and sensing components, making them universally applicable regardless of the total system size, thus enabling easy expansion without increasing control system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the spacing of encoders corresponds to a multiple of the pole pair width, then the grid becomes uniform and position detection improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that encoder spacing should correspond to a multiple of the pole pair width, creating a standardized parameter relationship. This parameter change enables uniform grid formation that improves position detection precision while the standardized multiple relationship simplifies manufacturing tolerances compared to arbitrary spacing requirements.
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 system allows for seamless expansion and modular setup of logistics areas, maintaining real-time communication and reducing energy consumption, while ensuring continuous operation despite unit failures.
Implementation Method 1
each planar unit is equipped with at least one encoder having at least one sensor array for determining the position and/or positioning of at least one mover, wherein the at least one mover comprises magnets arranged in at least one pole pitch grid
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a logistics area (15, 115, 215, 315, 415) comprising a plurality of planar units (1, 101, 201, 301, 401), wherein each planar unit (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) is equipped with at least one encoder (5) having at least one sensor array (11) for determining the position and/or positioning of at least one mover (40), wherein the at least one mover (40) comprises magnets arranged in at least one pole pitch grid, wherein further the plurality of planar units (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) being arranged to a surface in such a way that the encoders (5) of the planar units (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) form at least an at least area-wise uniform grid, wherein the distance of the encoders (5) of at least two planar units (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) and/or at least two encoders (5) of a planar unit (1, 101, 201, 301, 401) corresponds to a multiple of the pole pair width of the magnets of the at least one mover (40), as well as a method for operating at least one logistics surface and a computer program product as well as a control unit for a logistics surface.