Route Transfer Between Material Handling Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Material handling vehicles in warehouses face challenges in transferring learned routes between vehicles with different geometries, as existing systems do not effectively account for geometric disparities, leading to inefficiencies in route adaptation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a warehouse management system with a transfer matrix that processes operation information from a first vehicle to compensate for geometric differences between vehicles, allowing the processed information to be transferred and executed by a second vehicle, enabling autonomous operation along similar routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If route information is transferred directly between material handling vehicles with different geometries, then the transfer process is simple, but the route accuracy and navigation precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms route information by applying geometric transformation parameters that account for differences in vehicle dimensions, wheelbase, and turning radius. The transfer matrix modifies coordinates, angles, and path parameters based on the specific geometric characteristics of both source and target vehicles, ensuring accurate route adaptation without requiring complex manual reprogramming.
2Measurement precision
If a transfer matrix is used to process operation information for geometric compensation, then route accuracy and navigation precision improve, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer matrix serves as an intermediary computational layer between the source vehicle's route data and the target vehicle's navigation system. It automatically performs geometric compensation calculations, transforming high-level route commands into vehicle-specific navigation instructions without requiring complex modifications to either the data collection or execution systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer matrix is designed as a universal solution that can handle multiple types of geometric disparities between different vehicle models. A single matrix structure accommodates various vehicle configurations by adjusting transformation parameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized processing systems for different vehicle pairs.
3Reliability
If operation information is collected from manual vehicles, then the collected data reflects real operational patterns, but the automation level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary route learning during manual operation phases, collecting and storing operational patterns before transitioning to autonomous mode. This preliminary data collection during manual operation ensures that the autonomous vehicle inherits proven effective routing strategies while maintaining high automation levels during actual execution.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for transferring route information between material handling vehicles is provided. The method includes operating a first material handling vehicle along a route and collecting operation information, transferring the operation information to a warehouse management system that includes a transfer matrix, processing operation information with the transfer matrix, and transferring the processed operation information to a second material handling vehicle.