Dynamic Worksites Controller for Autonomous Haul Machine Path Planning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing route planning systems for heavy machinery are limited in adapting to changing terrain and machine goals, and are often designed for single-use, single-machine applications, failing to optimize travel paths for varying environmental conditions and multiple machine operations.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a worksite controller and control modules for mobile machines that automatically generates and communicates new travel paths based on changes in machine positions and user-selected goals, considering terrain, machine characteristics, and customizable weighting factors to optimize travel paths for fuel efficiency, maintenance, and other objectives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed route planning system is used for heavy machinery, then the system structure is simple and easy to implement, but it cannot adapt to changing terrain and machine goals
Solution Approach 1:
The route planning system transitions from a static, fixed-path approach to a dynamic system that continuously recalculates travel paths based on real-time machine positions, changing terrain conditions, and updated operational goals. The worksite controller receives ongoing data from GPS receivers and machine controllers to generate adaptive route recommendations that evolve with worksite conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where GPS receivers track machine positions, machine controllers report operational status and goals, and the worksite controller processes this information to generate updated route recommendations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to changing conditions by constantly monitoring and responding to actual worksite states.
2Productivity
If a single-machine route planning system is used, then the system design is simple and focused, but it cannot optimize travel paths for multiple machine operations
Solution Approach 1:
The worksite controller serves as a universal coordinating system that manages multiple haul machines and loading machines simultaneously. It processes data from various machine types, generates optimized travel paths for each machine based on their specific goals and positions, and coordinates their operations to maximize overall worksite productivity rather than optimizing individual machine performance in isolation.
3Productivity
If manual path planning is used by human operators, then the system is simple to implement, but it is difficult to properly plan travel paths that achieve desired machine goals under varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables machines to autonomously determine their own optimized travel paths by automatically receiving position data from GPS receivers, communicating operational goals and status through machine controllers, and obtaining route recommendations from the worksite controller. This eliminates the need for manual path planning by human operators while achieving superior optimization under varying terrain and operational conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system is disclosed for use with a mobile loading machine operating at a first location and a plurality of mobile haul machines configured to move material received at the first location to a second location. The control system may have a plurality of control modules, each associated with one of the mobile loading machine and the plurality of mobile haul machines, and a worksite controller. The worksite controller may be configured to make a determination that a position of the mobile loading machine has changed, and to generate a new travel path for the plurality of mobile haul machines based on the determination. The worksite controller may also be configured to selectively communicate the new travel path to each of the plurality of control modules. The new travel path between the first and second locations may be automatically determined in accordance with at least one user-selected goal.