Vehicle Guidance for Tight Logistics Yard Docking and Trailer Moves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distribution centers face challenges in efficiently maneuvering transport vehicles due to compact parking spaces and the need for adherence to operational protocols, leading to potential accidents and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system for autonomous and manned vehicles that provides path guidance to avoid obstacles, communicates workflow instructions, and monitors vehicle performance, using sensors and control systems to ensure safe and efficient vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If compact parking spaces and docking stations are configured to maximize the number of spaces, then the quantity of parking spaces and docking stations is improved, but the ease of operation for vehicle maneuvering deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a guidance system that provides real-time feedback to vehicle operators through displays in the vehicle cab. The system continuously monitors vehicle position using sensors (GPS, inertial measurement units, wheel encoders) and compares it with the desired path, providing corrective guidance information to the operator to facilitate maneuvering in the compact yard environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a guidance system as an intermediary between the vehicle operator and the vehicle controls. This intermediary process receives operator input, calculates the desired path based on current vehicle state and environment, and provides guidance recommendations to help the operator maneuver the vehicle through tight spaces safely and efficiently.
2Reliability
If vehicle speed limits and operational protocols are enforced to improve safety, then the reliability of vehicle operations is improved, but the productivity of vehicle movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system provides continuous feedback to the operator about vehicle position, speed, and adherence to the desired path. This real-time information allows operators to maintain safe speeds and follow protocols while knowing exactly where they are in the yard, reducing anxiety and enabling more efficient operation within safety constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates optimal paths and speed recommendations based on the current vehicle state, environmental conditions, and operational protocols. By providing this preliminary guidance before the operator makes steering or speed decisions, the system enables operators to take appropriate action in advance, maintaining safety while improving efficiency.
3Productivity
If operators are pressured to expedite operations by shortcutting protocols, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability of safe operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system continuously monitors vehicle position and compares it with the safe, protocol-compliant path. When the vehicle deviates from the desired path or when unsafe conditions are detected, the system provides immediate feedback to alert the operator and guide them back to the safe path, preventing shortcuts that could lead to accidents.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively identifies potential safety hazards and prevents unsafe actions before they occur. By monitoring vehicle state and environment in real-time, the guidance system can alert the operator to potential dangers and guide them along safe paths, counteracting the urge to take risky shortcuts even under time pressure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for controlling operations of autonomous vehicles and systems in, for example, logistics yards at distribution, manufacturing, processing and/or other centers for the transfer of goods, materials, and/or other cargo. In some embodiments, an autonomous yard tractor or other vehicle can include one or more systems for locating an over-the-road trailer parked in a yard of a distribution center, engaging the trailer, and moving the trailer to a loading dock for loading/unloading operations in accordance with a workflow procedure provided by a central control system. In other embodiments, an autonomous yard tractor can locate the trailer at the loading dock after the loading/unloading operations, engage the trailer, and move the trailer to a parking location in the yard. In some embodiments, the autonomous yard tractor can include a sensor system configured to detect the position of the trailer relative to, for example, the tractor, and/or the dock station can include a sensor system configured to detect the position of the trailer relative to, for example, the dock station during a docking procedure.