Self-Driving Vehicle Conveyance for Flexible Assembly Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional industrial assembly processes are inefficient due to inflexible conveyance infrastructure and complex scheduling of mobile-transport units, which lead to uncertainties in production time, especially when unique sequences of finished goods are required.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flexible conveyance system using self-driving vehicles that transport assemblies between workstations, planning paths and speeds based on mission instructions, and utilizing sensors to navigate and manage obstructions, while performing operations on the assemblies in transit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional assembly lines with fixed conveyance infrastructure are used, then workpieces can be moved through assembly stages, but the system lacks flexibility and requires complex scheduling of mobile transport units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static assembly line into a dynamic system where self-driving vehicles autonomously navigate to workstations. The vehicles dynamically adjust their paths and schedules based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for complex centralized scheduling while maintaining flexibility in production sequences
Solution Approach 2:
Self-driving vehicles are equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, sensors, and communication systems that enable them to independently plan routes, avoid obstacles, and coordinate with workstations without requiring external scheduling control, thereby reducing system complexity
2Ease of operation
If mobile transport units make separate round trips for each work cell operation, then workpieces can be delivered to work cells, but production time uncertainty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Self-driving vehicles maintain continuous operation by autonomously navigating through multiple workstations in sequence without requiring return trips to origin points. The vehicles continuously transport workpieces through the assembly process, eliminating idle time and reducing production uncertainty
Solution Approach 2:
Vehicles pre-plan their routes and schedules based on production requirements, determining optimal paths and timing before execution. This preliminary planning reduces runtime decision-making and minimizes production time variability
3Ease of manufacture
If workpieces are stored at work cells until available, then assembly operations can be completed, but production time uncertainty is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback loops where self-driving vehicles communicate with workstations about arrival times, and workstations report their readiness status. This feedback enables dynamic route adjustment and timing optimization, reducing production time uncertainty while ensuring operations are completed
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for flexible conveyance in an assembly-line or manufacturing process are disclosed. A fleet of self-driving vehicles and a fleet-management system can be used to convey workpieces through a sequence of workstations at which operations are performed in order to produce a finished assembly. An assembly can be transported to a first workstation using a self-driving vehicle, where an operation is performed on the assembly. Subsequently, the assembly can be transported to a second workstation using the self-driving vehicle. The operation can be performed on the assembly while it is being conveyed by the self-driving vehicle.