Cold Planer Obstacle Detection and Milling Parameter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cold planer machines require at least one operator on the road level to spot hazards and manually adjust milling parameters to navigate around obstacles, which can be unsafe and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The integration of obstacle-detection sensors and a controller system that adjusts milling parameters or overrides automatic adjustments to prevent collisions, allowing for single-operator operation by detecting potential hazards and automatically responding to avoid obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple operators are used to manually spot hazards and adjust milling parameters, then operational safety is improved, but labor requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detection system enables the machine to automatically detect and respond to obstacles without requiring manual intervention from spotter operators. The system self-monitors the environment and self-adjusts milling parameters to avoid collisions, eliminating the need for additional personnel while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of human operators visually spotting hazards and manually adjusting controls with an automated sensor-based detection system and electronic control system that performs the same hazard avoidance function automatically
2Reliability
If manual intervention is used to navigate around obstacles, then collision avoidance is achieved, but productivity and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detection system continuously scans ahead of the machine and identifies potential hazards before they become immediate threats. The control system proactively adjusts milling parameters in advance to prevent collisions, allowing the machine to maintain higher speeds and continuous operation without unexpected stoppages
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the environment through sensors and provides real-time feedback to the control system. This closed-loop control enables dynamic adjustment of milling parameters based on current conditions, ensuring collision avoidance while optimizing productivity through automated rapid response to changing conditions
3Ease of operation
If automated obstacle detection and response systems are implemented, then single-operator operation becomes possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions including obstacle detection, hazard analysis, milling parameter control, and sensor management into a single multi-functional automated system. This consolidation manages complexity by having one system perform multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate components or manual coordination
4Reliability
If automated milling parameter adjustment is enabled, then operational safety is improved, but control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts milling parameters based on real-time obstacle detection data and predicted hazard trajectories. The control precision is maintained through continuous dynamic optimization rather than static pre-programmed values, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions while preserving precision through active control algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for roadwork can include a frame, a power source, and a milling rotor operatively connected to the power source and the frame. The machine can also include means for detecting obstacles around an exterior of the machine; and means for activating an obstacle-detection response. The obstacle-detection response can adjust at least one milling parameter, change at least one sensor that the machine uses to control at least one mil ling parameter, or override at least one system on the machine to prevent the machine from automatically adjusting any milling parameters.