Wireless Dump Plate Positioning for Autonomous Edge Dumping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual measurement of the dump plate position at worksites involving autonomous load carrying vehicles is laborious, inaccurate, and potentially dangerous, especially when the dump plate is frequently moved, hindering safe and efficient load handling over edges.
Innovation Solution
A dump plate device equipped with positioning devices, such as satellite communication receivers or ultra-wideband transmitters, that wirelessly transmit plate position signals, enabling accurate determination of the dump plate's position and orientation, facilitating safe navigation for both autonomous and manually driven vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement of dump plate position is used, then the process is simple and does not require additional equipment, but the measurement is laborious, inaccurate, and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with electronic positioning devices (GPS receivers, transponders, or transmitters) that automatically determine and communicate dump plate position data. This substitution eliminates the need for manual measurement while providing continuous, accurate position information to autonomous vehicles and warning systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning devices are integrated directly into the dump plate structure, enabling the dump plate to automatically provide its own position information without requiring external measurement equipment or manual intervention. The dump plate self-communicates its position to vehicles and warning systems through embedded transponders or transmitters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the dump plate position is frequently moved, then the flexibility and adaptability of the worksite operation is improved, but the manual measurement process becomes even more laborious and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning devices provide continuous position monitoring and communication, allowing the dump plate to maintain accurate position information at all times regardless of how frequently it is moved. This eliminates the need for repeated manual measurements after each relocation, as the electronic system continuously tracks and communicates position data.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning devices are pre-integrated into the dump plate structure before deployment, establishing a permanent position tracking capability that remains active regardless of how many times the dump plate is relocated. This preliminary integration ensures position information is always available without requiring setup or calibration after each move.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the dump plate is covered by soil, then the camouflage and safety are improved, but the visual detection of the dump plate position becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning devices (transponders or transmitters) as intermediaries between the dump plate and the vehicles/warning systems. These devices wirelessly communicate position information, allowing vehicles to locate the dump plate even when visually obscured by soil. The intermediary electronic communication system bridges the gap created by visual obstruction.
4Productivity
If autonomous vehicles are used at the worksite, then the productivity and safety are improved, but the path planner requires highly accurate dump plate position information that is difficult to obtain manually
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning devices provide continuous feedback to autonomous vehicles about the dump plate's actual position. This feedback enables the path planner to receive real-time position data, adjust navigation routes, and ensure safe operation. The feedback loop maintains accurate position information essential for autonomous vehicle path planning and collision avoidance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a dump plate device (16) comprising a dump plate (18) for supporting a vehicle (24) adjacent to an edge (14) at a worksite (12) when dumping a load over the edge (14) by the vehicle (24). The dump plate device (16) further comprises at least one positioning device (40, 62) fixed to the dump plate (18), wherein each positioning device (40, 62) is configured to wirelessly transmit one or more plate position signals (42) containing information indicative of an actual plate position of the dump plate (18). The invention also relates to a dump plate system (10a, 10b) and to a method of handling a dump plate (18) for supporting a vehicle (24) adjacent to an edge (14) at a worksite (12) when dumping a load over the edge (14) by the vehicle (24).