Work Vehicle Route Management System Eliminating Switchbacks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing management systems for work vehicles in wide-area sites, such as mines, require switchback operations that increase cycle time and reduce productivity, as they necessitate reversing the vehicle, which is inefficient and can lead to interference between multiple vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A management system and method for a work vehicle that uses a GNSS-based navigation system and communication infrastructure to optimize the traveling route, allowing the vehicle to enter and exit work areas without overlapping routes, thereby eliminating the need for switchback operations and improving productivity by reducing cycle time and preventing vehicle interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If switchback operation is performed at loading place, then work vehicle can reverse direction to return to loading point, but cycle time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension solution by creating separate entering and exiting routes that diverge in space. The management apparatus calculates distinct paths: one for entering the workplace and another for exiting, ensuring these routes do not overlap. This spatial separation eliminates the need for switchback operations while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If switchback operation is performed, then vehicle can change direction, but cycle time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The management apparatus performs preliminary route planning by calculating both entering and exiting routes before the vehicle operates. The system pre-determines the optimal path that avoids switchback operations, allowing the vehicle to execute a continuous efficient cycle without time-consuming direction changes.
3Productivity
If multiple work vehicles operate in the same area, then transportation capacity increases, but vehicle interference occurs due to switchback operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vehicle operation into distinct entering and exiting phases with separate designated routes. The management apparatus assigns specific non-overlapping paths to vehicles, allowing multiple vehicles to operate simultaneously without interference. This segmentation of operational paths eliminates conflicts while maintaining high transportation capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A management system for a work vehicle, includes: a traveling condition data generation unit configured to generate traveling condition data that causes a work vehicle to enter with forward movement, from an entrance of a workplace to a work point of the workplace, and exit with backward movement, from the work point to an exit of the workplace; and an output unit configured to output the traveling condition data to the work vehicle.