Side Light Emission Optical Fiber Confluence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated material handling systems face challenges in preventing collisions at confluences due to limitations in optical communication and wireless communication setups, which restrict the simultaneous entry and passage of unmanned transport vehicles, leading to inefficiencies and installation difficulties, especially in curved areas.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an apparatus with side light emission optical fibers installed along the confluence lines for optical communication, a main confluence control device, and a sub-confluence control device that manage entry and passage states through optical and wireless communication, ensuring priority-based pass control signals to prevent collisions and facilitate smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical communication devices are installed on the approach and receiving device on the exit to determine entry state, then collision avoidance is achieved, but the system allows entry in only one area and requires low-speed movement near communication center
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-to-point optical communication (approach to exit) to continuous side-light emission optical communication along the entire confluence path. This dimensional expansion enables communication coverage across multiple areas simultaneously, allowing vehicles to enter at different locations without collision while maintaining higher speeds.
2Reliability
If communication repeater and antennas are installed on the path of confluence for wireless communication, then collision prevention is achieved, but installation becomes difficult especially in curved areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wireless communication infrastructure (antennas, repeaters) with an optical fiber-based side-light emission system. This substitution eliminates installation difficulties in curved areas while maintaining reliable collision prevention through continuous optical communication along the vehicle path.
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
This solution enables efficient and safe simultaneous operation of multiple unmanned transport vehicles by ensuring accurate communication and control at confluences, allowing for higher speeds and smoother operations, even in curved sections, without the need for extensive antenna installations.
Implementation Method 1
an optical line having a side light emission optical fiber is installed in a line of a confluence
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling line guide of an automated material handling system, comprises: optical lines in which a side light emission optical fiber is installed in the whole section of a confluence of a plurality of lines of lines for moving the unmanned transport devices; a main confluence control device which is installed at the confluence, performs optical communication with the unmanned transport device through the optical line; and a sub-confluence control device which is installed in the unmanned transport device, performs optical communication with the main confluence control device through the optical line to report an entry state or a pass completion state for the confluence, and controls the unmanned transport device to perform an entry operation or a standby operation depending on the pass control signal.