Lawnmower Fleet Allocation by Work Zone and Mowing Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lawn-mowing systems face challenges in efficiently determining the optimal combination of small and large lawnmowers for detailed and extensive work areas, with users struggling to decide the number of machines needed for efficient and safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A server device that sets distinct areas for small and large lawnmowers based on obstacle presence and complexity, calculates necessary times for each, and notifies the user of the optimal number of machines required to complete the work efficiently and safely, considering safety indices and machine sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lawnmowers with larger size and higher speed are used, then work efficiency is improved, but suitability for detailed work deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The work area is divided into multiple regions (first area, second area, third area) with different characteristics. Different types of lawnmowers (first lawnmower for detailed work, second lawnmower for extensive work) are assigned to different regions based on their capabilities, allowing each machine type to operate in its optimal environment
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the work area are assigned different qualities or characteristics. The first area requires detailed work with higher safety standards, the second area is for extensive work with lower safety requirements, and the third area is for work by smaller lawnmowers. This local differentiation allows optimal matching of machine types to specific area requirements
2Productivity
If multiple types of lawnmowers are used, then work efficiency is improved, but difficulty in deciding the number of machines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server automatically calculates and determines the optimal number of first and second lawnmowers needed based on the work area characteristics and machine capabilities. This self-service function eliminates the need for users to manually calculate and decide on machine numbers, making the system easy to operate despite using multiple machine types
3Productivity
If work area is divided into multiple areas, then optimal machine assignment is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A server acts as an intermediary between the work area management and the lawnmowers. The server receives work area information, divides it into appropriate regions, calculates the optimal number of machines needed, and provides this information to users. This intermediary simplifies the overall system by centralizing the complex calculation and decision-making functions
Data Source
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AI summary
A server device 100 includes an area setting unit 111 which sets a first area AR1 in which a first lawnmower MW1 executes first lawn-mowing work in a work area AR and a second area AR2 in which a second lawnmower MW2 executes second lawn-mowing work in the work area AR, a time calculation unit 112 which obtains a first time TW1 necessary for the first lawnmower MW1 to execute the first lawn-mowing work in the first area AR1 and a second time TW2 necessary for the second lawnmower MW2 to execute the second lawn-mowing work in the second area AR2, a machine number calculation unit 113 which obtains the number of first lawnmowers MW1 and the number of second lawnmowers MW2 based on the first time TW1 and the second time TW2, and a notification unit 114 which notifies the number of first lawnmowers MW1 and the number of second lawnmowers MW2 to the smartphone 200 connected to be capable of communication. Consequently, a user carrying the smartphone 200 can check the number of first lawnmowers MW1 and the number of second lawnmowers MW2, the first lawnmowers MW1 and second lawnmowers MW2 being necessary for lawn-mowing work in the work area AR.