Production Line Nest Access Control for Safe AGV Entry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated production lines lack effective safety measures to control simultaneous access by operators and robots or automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to nests, leading to potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling access to nests using access request signals, occupation detection, and connection means to ensure safe entry and exit of AGVs, with safety mechanisms like folding doors and sensors to prevent collisions and ensure the area is clear before allowing access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual stocking by operators is used, then parts can be placed in nests, but safety accidents can occur when operators enter the nest simultaneously with robots
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting obstacle proximity before the AGV enters the nest and activating safety systems in advance. The safety means are activated before the vehicle enters the nest to prevent simultaneous access by operators and robots, resolving the safety contradiction while maintaining operational ease
2Extent of automation
If automated guided vehicles are used to stock nests, then automation is increased, but safety protocols must be developed to control vehicle access to nests
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary safety means as a mediator between the AGV and the nest. These safety means include detection systems that monitor the nest interior and control systems that regulate AGV access, allowing automated operation while managing the complexity through a dedicated intermediary safety layer
3Reliability
If safety means are activated before AGV enters the nest, then operator safety is ensured, but AGV access must be controlled and monitored
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where occupation detection means continuously monitor the nest interior and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop allows the AGV to understand when the nest is occupied or unsafe, automatically adjusting its access behavior while maintaining operator safety, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and operational ease
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
Prevents accidents by ensuring the nest is unoccupied before allowing AGVs to enter and maintaining safety protocols during access, enhancing the integration of AGVs into production line operations.
Implementation Method 1
the automatic guide means, by means of photocells
Implementation Method 2
a rotary laser unit that sweeps the area, identifying the objects in its surroundings
Implementation Method 3
in laser guided AGVs, the route guidance consists of a set of reflectors that are identified by the automatic guide means, by means of a rotary laser unit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a system and method for controlling access to production line nests which comprise: access request means (2a - 3a; 2b - 3b; 2c - 3c; 3d; 3e), configured to send an access request signal when an automated guided supply vehicle (15) reaches a predetermined distance (d) to a nest vehicle access area (1c); occupation detection means (4a, 4b) for detecting occupation inside the nest; connection means (7a, 7b) configured to allow or deny the vehicle access to the inside of the nest depending on whether said space is occupied and whether there is an incident on the production line, and means for opening and closing (6) the parts collection area.