Autonomous Compactor Stability Control on Steep Slopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous work machines, such as compaction machines, face instability and risk of rollover or sliding when operating on steep slopes due to the lack of onboard operator observation and control, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous stability control system that includes a sensing system to collect position and orientation data and a controller to generate and monitor work path plans, deactivate the vibration system when slope thresholds are exceeded, and adjust the path to maintain machine stability by limiting or stopping vibratory operations on steep grades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the vibration system is activated to improve compaction efficiency, then productivity increases, but the risk of rollover and sliding on steep slopes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration system is designed to dynamically adjust its operation based on real-time slope conditions detected by the sensing system. The controller automatically activates or deactivates the vibration system according to the current slope angle, allowing the machine to operate at full compaction efficiency on safe slopes while preventing instability on steep slopes. This dynamic control resolves the contradiction by making the vibration system adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where the sensing system continuously monitors slope conditions and provides real-time data to the controller. The controller then adjusts the vibration system operation based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system. This feedback mechanism enables the machine to automatically respond to changing terrain conditions, maintaining both productivity and stability.
2Productivity
If autonomous operation is implemented to reduce human resources, then labor costs decrease, but the ability to observe and avoid hazardous conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the human operator's observational and decision-making capabilities with an integrated sensing and control system. The sensing system includes sensors that detect slope angles, orientation, and potential hazards, while the controller processes this data and automatically adjusts machine operations. This substitution of mechanical and electronic systems for human observation resolves the contradiction by providing continuous, objective monitoring without requiring human presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous machine performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through its integrated sensing and control systems. The machine independently detects hazardous conditions, evaluates risk, and modifies its operation without external intervention. This self-service capability enables the machine to maintain both autonomous operation and hazard awareness, resolving the contradiction between automation and safety observation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine operates on steep slopes to access difficult terrain, then adaptability increases, but the risk of instability and rollover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including vibration activation, travel speed, and path selection based on real-time slope condition monitoring. When steep slopes are detected, the controller automatically modifies operations to maintain stability while still allowing access to difficult terrain. This dynamic adaptation enables the machine to operate on varied terrain without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system continuously monitors slope conditions and predicts potential instability before it occurs. The controller takes preliminary action by deactivating the vibration system or adjusting operational parameters before rollover or sliding can happen. This preventive approach allows the machine to access steep terrain while maintaining safety margins through advance hazard mitigation.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous stability control system may include a sensing system configured to collect position and orientation data about a work machine on a construction site and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive or generate a work path plan, operate the work machine according to the work path plan, continually or periodically monitor the orientation data from the sensing system, compare the orientation data to a vibration slope threshold, and, when the orientation data exceeds the vibration slope threshold, deactivate a vibration system of the work machine.