Raised Floor LED Guidance for Reconfigurable AGV Routes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current track guidance systems for driverless transport systems in industrial environments are static and require extensive reconfiguration and investment for versatile production setups, leading to inefficiencies and high costs due to the need for multiple fixed lines and complex localization technologies.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic track guidance system using a raised floor with individually controllable LED strips that can be adjusted for different routes, allowing driverless transport systems to create their own environmental maps and adapt logistics paths, reducing the need for complex and expensive localization systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static track guidance systems with fixed lines are used, then the system provides stable and reliable guidance, but the system requires extensive reconfiguration and investment for versatile production setups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static magnetic tracks with dynamic LED-based visual guidance that can be reconfigured through software control. The LED strips can be selectively activated to create different track configurations, enabling the system to adapt to various production layouts without physical reinstallation of infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the guidance infrastructure by using controllable LED elements that can be switched on/off and adjusted in brightness. This allows the same physical infrastructure to display different track configurations by changing which LEDs are active, rather than requiring physical reconfiguration of the track structure itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed lines are installed for different routes, then all possible routes are covered, but the system requires extensive infrastructure and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The LED-based guidance system serves multiple functions: it can display different track configurations, indicate directions, signal warnings, and provide operational status information. A single LED strip infrastructure can replace multiple dedicated physical tracks for different routes, as the same LEDs can be programmed to represent various pathways depending on production needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the guidance paths by controlling which LED elements are activated. Instead of having fixed physical tracks for each possible route, the system can create any desired route configuration by programming the LED patterns, allowing one infrastructure to serve multiple routes on demand.
3Ease of manufacture
If static track guidance systems are used, then the infrastructure is simple to implement, but reconfiguration requires dismantling and reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration through software control of LED elements. When production requirements change, the control system can programmatically activate different LED patterns to create new tracks, eliminating the need for physical dismantling and reconstruction of guidance infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical track installation and dismantling with an electronic control system that manipulates LED states. This substitution transforms a mechanically intensive reconfiguration process into a software-driven operation that can be executed rapidly without physical intervention.
4Measurement precision
If complex localization technologies are used, then precise positioning is achieved, but the system becomes more expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The LED-based visual tracks serve as an intermediary reference system between the control system and the vehicles. Instead of using complex onboard localization sensors, the system provides a visible external reference that guides vehicles along predetermined paths, simplifying the localization approach while maintaining precision through visual feedback.
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
Enables flexible and cost-effective reconfiguration of logistics paths, minimizing downtime and work required for production changes by using a dynamic LED-based guidance system that can be easily updated and adapted without the need for extensive infrastructure adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A dynamic track guidance system using a raised floor with individually controllable LED strips
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a track guidance system including at least one raised floor element includes planning at least one movement of at least one object on the at least one floor element, transmitting at least one control signal for carrying out the planned at least one movement to the object with the aid of an activatable marking on the at least one floor element, and carrying out the planned at least one movement of the at least one object with the aid of an activatable marking on the at least one floor element based upon the at least one control signal.