Vehicle Mode Switching for Predefined Zone Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles in manufacturing environments lack flexibility in switching between different modes of operation, such as manual, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous modes, especially in response to varying operational conditions like inclement weather, power outages, or unexpected obstacles, which can hinder efficient and safe navigation.
Innovation Solution
The vehicles are equipped with sensors and controllers that allow them to switch between different modes of operation based on sensor data and operational criteria, enabling them to adapt to changing conditions and navigate around predefined zones or obstacles autonomously or with user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vehicle operates in fully autonomous mode, then operational efficiency is improved, but adaptability to unexpected conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system dynamically switches between fully autonomous mode and manual mode based on environmental conditions. The controller monitors sensor data and operational criteria to determine when to transition from autonomous operation to manual operation, allowing the system to adapt its degree of automation in real-time rather than being fixed in one mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vehicle operates in manual mode, then adaptability to changing conditions is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic mode switching where the vehicle operates in manual mode when environmental conditions indicate potential hazards or when operational criteria are not met, and switches to fully autonomous mode when conditions are favorable. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both adaptability and efficiency based on real-time conditions.
3Reliability
If the vehicle uses predefined paths, then navigation reliability is improved, but adaptability to obstacles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle system dynamically adjusts its navigation approach by switching between following predefined paths and allowing manual intervention. When sensor data indicates obstacles or conditions that deviate from predefined zones, the system can transition from strict path following to manual mode, enabling adaptive response while maintaining the benefits of predefined navigation when appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a frame, a drive system coupled to the frame to propel and steer the vehicle, an energy storage device coupled to the frame and configured to provide power to the drive system, a lift implement coupled to the frame, the lift implement comprising a cradle to support a load and a lift assembly configured to adjust a position of the cradle relative to the frame, one or more sensors configured to provide sensing data indicative of an environment surrounding the vehicle, and a controller comprising one or more memory devices having instructions stored thereon, that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: operate the vehicle along a first path, determine the first path extends into a first predefined zone, generate a second path that avoids the first predefined zone; and operate the vehicle along the second path.