Worksite Dispatch System Using Reference Model for Vehicle Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Managing and controlling complex worksite operations across multiple locations is challenging due to the need for coordinated logistics, vehicle management, and communication across large areas, especially in industries like sugarcane harvesting, where geographical terrain and machine capabilities complicate resource allocation and vehicle routing.

Innovation Solution

A closed-loop communication system using a reference model that generates recommendations for optimizing worksite operations by comparing modeled operations with actual data, adjusting vehicle routes, and reallocating resources in real-time to improve efficiency and productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a field manager manually coordinates vehicle logistics across multiple worksites, then communication and control can be maintained, but the complexity of managing multiple different worksites simultaneously becomes unmanageable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of coordinating vehicle logisticsVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple worksites

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated dispatch system that acts as an intermediary between worksite operations and vehicle management. This system receives work requests from multiple worksites, automatically assigns vehicles based on location and availability, and coordinates logistics without requiring manual intervention from field managers. The intermediary system handles the complexity of multi-worksite coordination while presenting a simplified interface to operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dispatch system enables self-service by allowing worksites to automatically submit work requests and receive vehicle assignments without human intervention. Vehicles autonomously receive dispatch instructions, navigate to worksites, and report status updates. This self-service mechanism eliminates the burden of manual coordination while maintaining operational control across multiple worksites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If vehicles are dispatched to multiple worksites based on manual coordination, then resource allocation can be adjusted, but operator downtime increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproductivity of vehicle operationsVSAvoidoperator downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning vehicles at strategic locations based on predicted work requests and historical data. Before work requests are made, vehicles are proactively dispatched to areas where work is likely to occur, reducing wait time and idle periods. This anticipatory dispatch minimizes operator downtime by ensuring vehicles are already positioned and ready when work becomes available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The dispatch system dynamically adjusts vehicle assignments in real-time based on changing conditions such as work request patterns, vehicle availability, and geographic factors. Rather than static scheduling, the system continuously optimizes routes and assignments to minimize idle time and maximize productivity. This dynamic approach adapts to operational fluctuations and reduces unnecessary downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of information

If the field manager uses multiple communication systems to coordinate operations, then all logistical information can be gathered, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring operational status increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of logistical informationVSAvoiddifficulty of monitoring operational status

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple communication systems and data sources into a single integrated dispatch platform. Work requests, vehicle status, location data, and operational information from multiple worksites are consolidated into one centralized system. This unified interface eliminates the need to monitor multiple separate communication channels while maintaining complete logistical information, thereby reducing the difficulty of detecting and measuring operational status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If vehicles are positioned to minimize downtime, then productivity improves, but the complexity of real-time vehicle routing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproductivity of harvesting operationsVSAvoidcomplexity of vehicle routing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispatch system incorporates continuous feedback loops where vehicle status, location, and work completion data are automatically reported back to the central system. This real-time feedback enables the system to dynamically adjust routing decisions and reposition vehicles to minimize downtime. The feedback mechanism automates the complex routing calculations by using actual operational data to optimize vehicle positioning without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9772625B2Model referenced management and control of a worksite

Publication Date: 2017.09.26 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A reference model generates a model output indicative of modeled operations of one or more worksites. The model output is compared against actual operation data indicative of actual worksite operations. A recommendation engine generates recommendations to adjust the worksite operations so that they more closely conform to the model operations.