Dual-Range Proximity Detection for Autonomous Mining Vehicles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity detection in underground mines is challenging due to limited space, light, and connectivity, making it difficult for autonomous mining vehicles to safely operate and avoid collisions with mobile objects using existing sensors with varying detection ranges and capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a combination of first and second proximity detection sensors with different detection ranges to communicate, detect collision detection devices, determine vehicle speed parameters, and control the autonomous mining vehicle's speed and collision avoidance operations based on received information from both sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single proximity detection sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the detection reliability and collision avoidance capability deteriorate due to limited detection range and capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple proximity detection sensors with different detection ranges (first sensor with longer range, second sensor with shorter range) into a unified sensor system. This merging allows the system to leverage the strengths of each sensor type, achieving reliable collision detection across varying distances while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated control logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions using different sensors: the first sensor provides early warning at longer ranges, while the second sensor provides precise detection at shorter ranges. This multi-functional approach ensures comprehensive collision detection coverage without requiring separate specialized systems for each detection scenario.
2Reliability
If multiple proximity detection sensors with different detection ranges are used, then the collision detection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is segmented into different zones based on detection range, with the first sensor covering the longer-range zone and the second sensor covering the shorter-range zone. This segmentation allows each sensor to operate in its optimal detection zone, improving overall reliability while managing complexity through clear functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring detection data from both sensors and dynamically adjusting vehicle speed based on the detected object's distance and the active sensor. This feedback mechanism coordinates the multiple sensors efficiently, maintaining high detection reliability while preventing unnecessary complexity through purpose-driven control logic.
3Reliability
If the vehicle speed is reduced to ensure safe operation, then the collision avoidance capability is improved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle speed is made dynamic rather than static, adjusting in real-time based on proximity sensor detections. The system maintains higher speeds when safe and reduces speed only when objects are detected within critical ranges, optimizing both safety and productivity by matching vehicle speed to actual operational conditions rather than applying uniform speed limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the speed parameter dynamically based on detection data from the proximity sensors. By adjusting this critical parameter in response to real-time conditions, the system achieves safe operation when necessary while maintaining productivity during normal operations, avoiding the permanent speed reduction that would otherwise be required.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An apparatus, method and computer program product for: communicating with a first proximity detection sensor and a second proximity detection sensor, detecting presence of a collision detection device of a mobile object within a first proximity detection range based on first information received from the first proximity detection sensor, determining, in response to detecting the presence of the collision detection device, a vehicle speed parameter corresponding to a second proximity detection range, controlling a speed of the autonomous mining vehicle based on the vehicle speed parameter, and controlling, in response to detecting presence of the collision detection device within the second proximity detection range, the autonomous mining vehicle to perform at least one collision avoidance operation based on second information received from the second proximity detection sensor.