Reconfigurable AGV System for Diverse Payload Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated guided vehicle systems lack the flexibility to accommodate payloads of varied size, weight, and shape efficiently, as they are typically designed for specific types and sizes, limiting their adaptability and increasing costs due to the need for new hardware for different payloads.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable automated guided vehicle system comprising multiple vehicles with omnidirectional wheels, on-board controllers, and adjustable locators that can form various patterns to support payloads, with a master-slave controller arrangement for synchronized movement and force management, allowing for quick reconfiguration to handle different payload sizes and shapes without requiring new hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automated guided vehicle systems are designed for specific types and sizes of payloads, then they can provide precise control and reliable operation for those payloads, but they lack flexibility to accommodate payloads of varied size, weight, and shape
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the payload into multiple segments, with each segment transported by a separate automated guided vehicle. This allows the system to handle payloads of varied sizes and shapes by adjusting the number and arrangement of vehicles, directly improving adaptability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic reconfiguration where automated guided vehicles can change their formation and arrangement based on payload characteristics. Controllers enable real-time adjustment of vehicle positions and configurations, allowing the system to adapt to different payload requirements without requiring complete system redesign
2Adaptability or versatility
If new hardware is acquired for different payload types, then the system can handle diverse payloads effectively, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated guided vehicles are designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple payload types through reconfiguration rather than requiring specialized hardware for each payload type. The same vehicles can be rearranged to accommodate different sizes, weights, and shapes, eliminating the need to acquire additional specialized hardware and reducing overall system cost
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability by changing operational parameters such as vehicle formation, positioning, and control settings rather than changing physical hardware. By adjusting these parameters, the same hardware can effectively handle diverse payloads, avoiding the costs associated with acquiring new hardware for different payload types
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple controllers are used for each vehicle, then precise position and speed control can be maintained, but the system complexity and communication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into hierarchical levels with master controllers managing overall coordination and slave controllers handling individual vehicle control. This segmentation allows precise control of each vehicle while distributing complexity across multiple manageable controller units, reducing the burden on any single controller and simplifying the overall control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple slave controllers are merged under the coordination of a master controller, combining their individual control capabilities into a unified system. This merging allows the system to maintain precise control over multiple vehicles while reducing communication overhead through centralized coordination, balancing precision requirements with system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An automated guided vehicle system may include a plurality of automated guided vehicles arranged in a predetermined relationship with respect to each other for supporting a payload. Each of the automated guided vehicles has a plurality of rollers extending from the automated guided vehicle and engaging a ground surface. Furthermore, at least one locator extends from the automated guided vehicle and engages the payload. Each of the automated guided vehicles also has an on-board controller arranged within a housing thereof, with one on-board controller acting as a master controller and the remaining of the on-board controllers acting as slave controllers. The master controller communicates with the slave controllers to maintain position and speed control of each automated guided vehicle in both a lateral and a longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the slave controllers send feedback information to the master controller.