Forklifts behavior at intersection

[hetkumar_patel]

[ FlexSim 24.2.1 ]

Are there any example models of forklifts that flow in and out of charging station to make sure it flows reasonably well? Behavior at intersection.

[jason_lightfoot_adsk]

Are you using the AGV template with charging? Can you tell us some more detail? Have you seen a behaviour that you don't like that you can share? We may be able to tell you how to get around it.

[hetkumar_patel]

I have not started building the model yet. In our warehouse, we are considering moving twenty current forklift charging/temporary parking stations to the other side of the warehouse to study and resolve two issues:

1. We want to study the traffic behavior during shift changes. This includes observing when all forklift drivers arrive at the station 15 minutes before their shift ends, as well as when the second shift forklift drivers arrive, pick up their forklifts, and begin their assigned work.

2. We aim to utilize the current charging station space for rack installation to increase storage capacity. Consequently, the charging stations would be relocated to a less preferable storage area.

[jason_lightfoot_adsk]

All of that should be possible - however we can't easily create or find an example for you since we suspect the layout will be important in how the system operates.

[hetkumar_patel]

I understand. What initial steps should I follow to start designing the model? Since I'm not using AGVs, what considerations should I keep in mind for forklifts before beginning the design?

[hetkumar_patel]

Hello Jason,

I have done my best to create a preliminary layout that aligns with our current scenario. I am still working to fully understand the behavior of the forklifts during shifts, as we have over 20 forklifts providing pick and place services for ten packaging lines. Designing this system is quite complex. However, for your reference, I have created a few sources illustrating the transfer of forklifts to the racks.

The overall objective should be to run the simulation on a timer. When the 4-hour timer stops, all forklifts should return to their respective charging stations. After a 15-minute charging period, they should resume their tasks. This cycle should repeat every 4 hours, with the next shift taking over the work once the forklifts return to the charging stations.

Additionally, I would like to compare this setup against a newly proposed charging station. Once I understand the logic by setting paths with the timer, we can gain more clarity.

I appreciate your guidance.

Fork lift.fsm

[jason_lightfoot_adsk · Accepted solution]

Here's your model with two Model Layouts defined for the different q positions (I'd consider adding individual positions). I've added a timetable with all the forklifts and a process flow that detects the timetable down event and send the trucks to the queue for the duration of the timetable entry.

fork-lift_jl.fsm

[hetkumar_patel]

Hello Jason, Thank you for your reply. Before I review all function of recent changes, I have a quick question on setting up forklift path, it seems few transporters share common nodes in A* navigation. Because of that forklift blocks each other at assembly point.

[jason_lightfoot_adsk]

If you're not ignoring inactive travellers then you'll probably need to give them tasks to get out of the way once they've delivered items.

[hetkumar_patel]

Good Morning Jason,

I have remove the inactive transporter from the model as of now, and copied your logic to assign few transporter travel towards new charging station. Maybe I am doing something wrong here. I have also created another time stable for few transporter with the same time table, but maybe I am doing something wrong here. I am not sure, why all transporter get freeze at their location at 9.00 am instead of travelling to their charging station for break. You would notice the behavior(9.00-9.30am) when you run the model.

Also, my general question is what should be done to assign 10 forklift station for individual forklift? I need to make ten different process flow? Right now three forklift travelled to current charging station and another three to new charging station.

I appreciate your guidance.

fork-lift-9.25.fsm

Should be Breakdown (9-9.15).jpg

Scheduled Down State.jpg

[hetkumar_patel]

Hi Jason, did you get chance to review the model?

[Jeanette_Fullmer]

Hi @Het,

Were you able to solve your problem? If so, please add and accept an answer to let others know the solution. Or please respond to the previous comment so that we can continue to help you.

If we don't hear back in the next 3 business days, we'll assume you were able to solve your problem and we'll close this case in our tracker. You can always comment back at any time to reopen your question, or you can contact your local FlexSim distributor for phone or email help.