Vehicle Parameter Control for Worksite Congestion Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous vehicle work sites face operational disturbances such as traffic jams, vehicle failures, and bottlenecks, leading to disrupted workflows and poor productivity, with existing solutions like shutting down sites or adjusting vehicle numbers being inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with processing circuitry that adjusts two or more operating parameters associated with a set of vehicles in a work site, allowing for efficient management of workflows by triggering adjustments to parameters such as speed and tipping speed to resolve congestion and improve productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the number of vehicles is increased to maintain productivity, then productivity is improved, but congestion and operational disturbances worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters of vehicles (speed, acceleration, waiting time, route selection) based on real-time workflow conditions. When congestion is detected, the system modifies these parameters to optimize flow and reduce bottlenecks, allowing maintained or increased productivity without adding vehicle count.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control of vehicle operations, continuously adapting operating parameters based on changing workflow conditions. Vehicles receive real-time instructions to adjust speed, routing, and operation timing, transforming a static fleet management approach into a dynamic responsive system that optimizes productivity while preventing congestion.
2Productivity
If operating parameters are adjusted to resolve congestion, then workflow efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal control framework that manages multiple vehicles and multiple operating parameters through a single integrated platform. This multi-functional system handles speed control, routing, scheduling, and congestion management simultaneously, avoiding the need for separate control systems for each function and thereby limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where workflow conditions are monitored and automatically translate into parameter adjustments. Sensors and workflow management systems provide real-time data on congestion and operational status, which feeds back to automatically modify vehicle parameters, creating a self-regulating system that reduces the need for complex manual intervention.
3Productivity
If vehicle speed is increased to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but safety and workflow stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts speed as one of multiple interrelated parameters based on real-time conditions. Rather than maintaining fixed high speeds for productivity, the system optimizes speed in conjunction with other parameters like following distance, acceleration rates, and routing, achieving productivity improvements while maintaining safety margins and workflow stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system having processing circuitry configured to handle two or more operating parameters associated with a set of vehicles operating in a work site is provided. The processing circuitry obtains a first indication indicative of an adjustment to be performed to the two or more operating parameters associated with the set of vehicles. The processing circuitry triggers the adjustment indicated by the first indication to be applied to the two or more operating parameters.