OHT Vehicle Power Control Across Non-Powered Rail Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional OHT vehicles face challenges in controlling power output due to varying factors such as article transport system specifications, load amount, and speed requirements, and cannot operate on non-power feeding rails, necessitating inefficient rail network design.

Innovation Solution

The method involves selecting and mounting different types of energy storage means based on system requirements, controlling traveling states and power operations through energy storage means type determination, traveling condition information, and managing energy storage units like capacitors and batteries to optimize power operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed capacitor capacity is used in the power storage unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different traveling conditions and power output control capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower operation configurationVSAvoidpower output control according to traveling conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power output control by enabling the OHT vehicle to adjust its power consumption based on real-time traveling conditions. The control unit modifies acceleration rates, cruising speeds, and stopping behaviors dynamically, allowing the fixed capacitor system to adapt to varying operational requirements without hardware changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters such as acceleration time, cruising speed, and power consumption levels to optimize performance under different conditions. By adjusting these parameters within the existing capacitor capacity constraints, the system achieves adaptability without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the OHT vehicle is designed to operate only on power feeding rails, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the adaptability to rail network configurations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply stabilityVSAvoidrail network design flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by equipping the OHT vehicle with a power storage unit (capacitor) that is charged in advance at power feeding rails. This allows the vehicle to store sufficient energy before entering non-power feeding sections, enabling it to traverse areas where power feeding rails cannot be constructed without compromising power supply reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The power storage unit acts as an intermediary between the power feeding rails and the OHT vehicle's motor. It decouples the vehicle from continuous power feeding requirements, allowing the vehicle to operate in both powered and non-powered sections while maintaining reliable power supply through stored energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the power output is increased to handle various loading conditions, then the productivity is improved, but the energy consumption and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport capacityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by providing power only when and where needed. The OHT vehicle uses power from the capacitor selectively during acceleration phases and high-load conditions, rather than maintaining constant high power output. This allows the system to handle various loading conditions effectively while minimizing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

This approach enhances the operational efficiency and stability of the article transport system by allowing the vehicle to adapt to varying conditions, ensuring optimal power operation and preventing non-power feeding section failures.

Implementation Method 1

a power receiving unit 13 receives power in a non-contact manner through a power feeding line on the rail

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a power storage unit 12 configured as a capacitor is provided

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12617293B2Article transport vehicle with power operation function, article transport system, and method for operation of article transport vehicle

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 SYSTEM ENGINEERING MEGA SOLUTION CO LTD

AI summary

Proposed are an article transport vehicle with a power operation function, an article transport system, and a method for operation of an article transport vehicle. More particularly, proposed is a technology that controls a traveling state and power operation of an article transport vehicle for each situation according to a traveling condition suitable for an energy storage means selected and mounted according to the requirements of an article transport system, thereby improving the operational efficiency of the entire article transport system.