Vehicle Transport Control Using Proximity-Based Route Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems are inefficient in managing the movement of materials within an area due to random routing and lack of optimization in vehicle assignments, leading to increased travel time and distance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system comprising a first controller and a second controller on board a vehicle, with wireless communication, generates control plans based on proximity signals to optimize the movement of materials from one location to another, prioritizing routes based on geographic proximity, vehicle health, remaining shift time, and other factors to reduce travel time and distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vehicles are randomly controlled to move materials, then vehicle operation simplicity is maintained, but transportation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle control system automatically receives and processes transport requests, determines optimal routes using proximity signals and geographic information, and assigns transports to vehicles based on real-time location data without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by automating the complex optimization processes while maintaining operational simplicity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives proximity signals from vehicles and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust transport assignments and route optimizations. By incorporating real-time location feedback, the system improves transportation efficiency while keeping the control mechanism streamlined through automated feedback loops rather than complex manual control procedures.
2Loss of time
If optimal routes are calculated based on proximity signals, then travel time is reduced, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores optimal routes between locations based on proximity signals and geographic information before actual transport requests are processed. This preliminary action allows the system to quickly assign pre-determined optimal routes to vehicles, reducing travel time without requiring complex real-time calculations during active transport operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The route optimization problem is segmented into discrete location pairs with pre-calculated optimal paths. By dividing the overall transportation network into individual location segments and their corresponding optimal routes, the system reduces computational complexity while still achieving time-efficient travel when multiple transports need to be coordinated.
3Productivity
If multiple transports are assigned to a single vehicle, then resource utilization improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple transport requests into consolidated routes assigned to single vehicles when geographic proximity and timing allow. By combining compatible transports that share common locations or time windows, the system improves resource utilization through better vehicle assignment while keeping control complexity manageable through automated consolidation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport assignment system dynamically adjusts vehicle assignments based on real-time proximity signals and changing conditions. Vehicles can be dynamically assigned to multiple transports or have transports re assigned based on their current location and availability, allowing flexible resource utilization without requiring complex static control structures. The system adapts assignments as vehicles move and conditions change.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system includes a first controller, a first communication unit, and a second controller and communication unit both on board a vehicle. The second controller is configured to generate first control signals for controlling the vehicle based at least in part on second control signals received by the second communication unit from the first communication unit. The first controller is configured to receive proximity signals relating to a geographic proximity between two or more designated transports. The transports are respective movements of material from respective first locations to respective second locations. The first controller is further configured to generate a control plan for the two or more transports based at least in part on the proximity signals, and generate the second control signals, for communication to the second controller for controlling completion of the two or more transports, based on the control plan.