Multi-Robot Workshop Dispatching With AGV Conflict Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-machining robot collaboration systems face challenges in efficient task allocation and conflict resolution in flexible hardware production workshops, particularly with centralized methods relying heavily on a central management node and distributed methods prone to congestion and collisions.

Innovation Solution

A multi-machining robot collaboration method that uses a centralized intervention and dispatching system for real-time status information gathering, event-driven communication, and task allocation through a central management node, combined with a distributed collaboration method for efficient task distribution and conflict resolution, including AGV path conflict elimination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If centralized control method is used for multi-machining robot collaboration, then task allocation efficiency is improved, but system reliability deteriorates because the workshop cannot continue machining tasks once the central management node is paralyzed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask allocation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into multiple levels: central management node for global coordination and local control nodes for autonomous decision-making. This segmentation allows the system to maintain centralized task allocation efficiency while distributing critical functions to multiple nodes, ensuring continuity even if the central node fails.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements beforehand cushioning by establishing backup mechanisms and fault tolerance protocols in advance. When the central management node fails, pre-configured local control nodes can take over critical functions, and the system has predefined recovery procedures to maintain machining tasks without complete system collapse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If distributed control method is used for multi-machining robot collaboration, then system reliability is improved by reducing reliance on central management node, but productivity deteriorates due to congestion and collision problems in the workshop

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidworkshop productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces communication protocols and coordination mechanisms as intermediaries between distributed control nodes. These intermediaries manage information exchange, task allocation, and conflict resolution, enabling distributed nodes to cooperate efficiently without causing congestion or collisions, thus maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic task allocation and route planning that adapts to real-time workshop conditions. Distributed control nodes can dynamically adjust their behavior based on current workload, resource availability, and environmental conditions, optimizing productivity while maintaining system reliability through flexible coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If existing task allocation methods are applied to machining robots in flexible hardware workshop, then automation level is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to conflicts and failures in complicated workshop environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidadaptability to complex environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting control strategies, communication protocols, and task allocation algorithms based on workshop complexity and environmental conditions. The system can switch between different operational modes and modify parameters dynamically to adapt to varying production requirements and environmental challenges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal control framework that can handle multiple machining robot types, various task allocation scenarios, and different workshop configurations. The system incorporates multi-functional capabilities including task management, collision avoidance, resource coordination, and fault tolerance, making it adaptable to complex and changing workshop environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12253861B2Multi-machining robot collaboration method in flexible hardware production workshop

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 BEIJING INST OF TECH

AI summary

A multi-robot collaboration method in a flexible hardware production workshop is provided, by which allocation of workpiece machining tasks and transfer of workpieces in different workstations can be achieved and meanwhile relatively high calculation cost is avoided. According to the method, a distributed collaboration method is fully used, and in allusion to the current technical condition, the allocation of the workpiece machining tasks and the transfer of the workpieces in different workstations can be achieved and meanwhile the relatively high calculation cost is avoided. A multi-AGV path conflict eliminating method is used for avoiding possible collision of AGVs during movement. A centralized intervention and adjustment method is used for discovering and predicting system conflicts and failure problems and making timely dispatching and adjustment so as to improve the automation level and the flexibility level of a hardware workshop.