Autonomous Compactor Path Planning With Virtual Work Area Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for autonomous operation of compactors in tandem with earthmoving machines lack efficient methods for determining optimal movement directions and virtual segmentation of work areas, leading to suboptimal compaction operations and increased complexity in handling large or irregularly shaped work sites.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first controller on the earthmoving machine and a central controller that receives information about the work area, virtually segments it into smaller areas, determines the optimal direction of movement for the compactor, and generates a virtual fence for autonomous operation, allowing the compactor to move along the optimal path and perform compaction efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the work area is processed as a single large area, then the operation is simpler to manage, but the compaction efficiency decreases due to excessive turns and incomplete coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large work area into multiple smaller sub-areas using virtual segmentation based on the earthmoving machine's movement paths. This segmentation allows the compactor to operate efficiently in each sub-area without excessive turns, while the system manages the overall operation through automated path planning and coordination between multiple machines.
2Productivity
If the compactor operates without optimal path planning, then the system is simpler, but the number of turns increases and coverage becomes incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives location and operational data from both the earthmoving machine and compactor, processes this information to determine optimal sub-areas and paths, and provides real-time guidance to the compactor. This feedback loop ensures complete coverage and minimal turns while maintaining automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-processes the work area by identifying optimal sub-areas and compaction paths based on the earthmoving machine's movement patterns before the compactor begins operation. This preliminary path planning ensures efficient compaction coverage without requiring complex real-time decision-making during compaction.
3Productivity
If manual operation is used, then the system is simpler to implement, but productivity decreases due to human limitations in unsuitable environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous operation where the compactor automatically follows optimized paths determined by the central controller based on earthmoving machine data. This self-service capability allows continuous operation in unsuitable environments without human operators, with the system managing its own navigation and compaction tasks through automated control algorithms.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system (200) for generating a work plan for autonomous operation of a compactor (108) in tandem with an earthmoving machine (102) includes a first controller (202) that receives information pertaining to a work area (300) on which the earthmoving machine (102) is required to perform at least one operation. The system (200) also includes a central controller (204) that receives, from the first controller (202), information pertaining to the work area (300) on which the earthmoving machine (102) is required to perform the at least one operation and analyzes the work area (300) for virtually segmenting the work area (300) into a plurality of virtual work areas (306A, 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, 306F, 306G, 306H). The central controller (204) also receives, from the first controller (202), data indicative of a movement of the earthmoving machine (102) through each virtual work area (306A, 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, 306F, 306G, 306H) from the plurality of virtual work areas (306A, 306B, 306C, 306D, 306E, 306F, 306G, 306H) and determines an optimal direction of movement (D5) for the compactor (108) based on the data indicative of the movement of the earthmoving machine (102).