Automated Transport Vehicle Placement via Controller-Managed Retreat
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport vehicle systems require manual operation to place vehicles on reciprocation traveling tracks, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A transport vehicle system with a controller that automates the placement process by causing a reciprocating transport vehicle to retreat to a branch track, allowing the new vehicle to pass through the main track, eliminating the need for manual operation and enabling quick resumption of transport motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to place a transport vehicle on a reciprocation traveling track, then the transport vehicle can be placed on the track, but the placement process becomes time-consuming and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic vehicle placement through self-service mechanisms where the controller autonomously manages the placement process. Existing vehicles automatically retreat to branch tracks, and new vehicles are automatically guided onto the main track without manual intervention, transforming a manual operation into an automated self-managing process
Solution Approach 2:
The controller performs preliminary actions by proactively causing existing vehicles to retreat to branch tracks before the new vehicle arrives. This advance preparation clears the path in advance, preventing potential conflicts and enabling smooth, rapid placement of the new vehicle without waiting or manual coordination
2Adaptability or versatility
If a transport vehicle is placed on a reciprocation traveling track, then the new vehicle can begin operation, but existing vehicles must be moved which causes delays
Solution Approach 1:
The controller executes preliminary actions by causing existing vehicles to retreat to branch tracks before the new vehicle enters the main track. This advance preparation eliminates waiting time and potential conflicts, allowing the new vehicle to be placed immediately without operational delays
Solution Approach 2:
Branch tracks serve as intermediary zones that temporarily hold existing vehicles during the placement process. These intermediary tracks allow existing vehicles to be移出 from the main track without blocking the new vehicle's path, facilitating smooth transitions while maintaining system adaptability
3Ease of operation
If existing vehicles retreat to branch tracks for placement, then new vehicles can pass through smoothly, but the retreat and resumption process adds complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements a universal placement protocol that handles all vehicle placement scenarios through a standardized automated process. The same control logic manages retreat, passage, and resumption operations for all vehicles, simplifying the control system despite the multiple operations involved by making the controller multi-functional and adaptable to different situations
Data Source
AI summary
A transport vehicle system includes: a plurality of transport vehicles that transport articles; a main track, and a plurality of branch tracks branching off from the main track at different positions of the main track; and a controller that, with each of the branch tracks and a part of the main track taken as a reciprocation traveling track, causes each of the plurality of transport vehicles to reciprocate in the reciprocation traveling track and transport an article, and when a transport vehicle is placed on any of the reciprocation traveling tracks, the controller causes a transport vehicle that is reciprocating on a reciprocation traveling track in front of the reciprocation traveling track of placement destination in the extending direction, to retreat to the branch track in the reciprocation traveling track and thereafter causes passage of the transport vehicle to be placed through the main track in the reciprocation traveling track.