Dual-Height Radar Obstacle Detection for Mining Haulage Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems for haulage vehicles in mines fail to distinguish between large and small vehicles effectively, leading to increased risk of interference due to differences in dynamic performance and lack of traffic control for small vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An obstacle detection system with two radar sensors mounted at different heights on the haulage vehicle, where one sensor is oriented to detect objects near the ground and the other at a higher elevation, allowing the system to determine the height of an object and differentiate between small and large vehicles based on detection overlap, with an optional elevation angle adjustment mechanism for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single radar sensor is mounted on the haulage vehicle, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to distinguish between large and small vehicles is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection task is segmented into two distinct radar sensors positioned at different heights. The first radar sensor detects objects in the lower detection area, while the second radar sensor detects objects in the upper detection area. This segmentation enables the system to distinguish between large vehicles (detected by both sensors) and small vehicles (detected by only the first sensor), resolving the contradiction between detection capability and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If radar sensors are mounted at different heights, then the ability to detect vehicle height is improved, but the detection areas may overlap causing measurement ambiguity
Solution Approach 1:
Each radar sensor is configured with specific local quality characteristics - the first radar sensor is positioned to detect lower detection areas, while the second radar sensor is positioned to detect upper detection areas. The determination processing unit uses these localized detection characteristics to accurately determine vehicle height by analyzing which sensor detects the object, eliminating measurement ambiguity that would result from overlapping detection areas.
3Area of stationary object
If the second radar sensor is positioned at higher elevation, then the detection coverage for large vehicles is improved, but the detection area of the first sensor may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-detection-plane approach to a multi-dimensional detection architecture by positioning radar sensors at different vertical heights. The first radar sensor operates in a lower detection plane while the second radar sensor operates in an upper detection plane. This dimensional separation ensures that the higher positioned second sensor does not block the first sensor's detection area, as each sensor operates in its own vertical zone, maintaining both detection coverage and reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe operation by accurately distinguishing and responding to both large and small vehicles, reducing the risk of interference and enhancing safety by tailoring responses to the dynamic characteristics of detected vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
mount radar sensors on a mining dump truck for the detection of an obstacle
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to emit a detection beam and to receive a reflection wave, which has been generated as a result of hitting of the object with the detection beam
Data Source
AI summary
When large vehicles and small vehicles travel together in a mine, they are distinguishably detected. On a haulage vehicle for a mine, a first obstacle detection device and a second obstacle detection device are disposed. The obstacle detection devices are disposed so that they have detection directions oriented in a same direction in horizontal planes, respectively. The first obstacle detection device 111 is disposed at a height where it can detect each small vehicle, while the second obstacle detection device 112 is disposed at a height where it can detect each large vehicle without detection of any small vehicle. On the basis of detection results of the first obstacle detection device 111 and second obstacle detection device 112, a detection processing device 120 determines whether an object is a small vehicle or a large vehicle.