Autonomous Dump Queuing Control System for Mobile Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous machine control systems for dump sites are inefficient due to limited simultaneous use of the dump site by multiple trucks and require trucks to stop and wait for multiple communication instructions, leading to disjointed movement and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a worksite controller and a control module for mobile machines, which generates and communicates a travel route with distinct segments for entrance, single-use paths to dump sites, and exit rows, allowing machines to move autonomously without stopping for instructions, optimizing route assignment based on site and machine characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the queue manager and resource manager communicate multiple instructions back and forth, then the truck can be directed to the dump site, but the communication delays cause disjointed movement and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-calculates and stores multiple future dump sites and their corresponding routes before the truck arrives. The queue manager has access to a pre-generated sequence of dump locations, eliminating the need for real-time back-and-forth communication during the critical dumping and travel phases. This allows the truck to receive instructions in advance and execute them continuously without stopping for communication delays.
2Device complexity
If the dump site is used by one truck at a time, then communication can be managed sequentially, but simultaneous use by multiple trucks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dump site is divided into multiple distinct dump locations or zones, each with its own designated area for material deposition. Multiple trucks can be assigned to different dump locations simultaneously, allowing parallel operations. The queue manager manages these segmented locations independently, enabling concurrent truck operations without conflict while maintaining organized communication channels for each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-file sequential dump site arrangement to a multi-dimensional layout with multiple dump locations arranged in space. Trucks can access different locations simultaneously from various directions, creating a spatial dimension for parallel operations. This transforms the one-dimensional queue into a multi-dimensional operational space where multiple trucks work concurrently.
3Measurement precision
If the truck stops to wait for communication instructions, then precise control is maintained, but continuous movement and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The queue manager pre-calculates a sequence of dump locations and routes before the truck enters the dump site area. The truck receives the complete instruction set in advance, including multiple dump locations and navigation paths, allowing it to execute the entire sequence without stopping for additional communications. This maintains precise control through pre-planned instructions while enabling continuous movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the truck to maintain continuous movement by providing advance instructions that cover the entire dumping sequence. The truck travels to the first dump location, dumps material, immediately proceeds to the second location, and continues this pattern without stopping to wait for new instructions. This continuous action eliminates idle time while maintaining control precision through pre-established routing.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for use at a dump location having a plurality of dump sites is disclosed. The control system may have a control module associated with a mobile machine and a worksite controller. The worksite controller may be configured to receive a signal from the control module indicative of the mobile machine crossing a boundary at a dump location, and assign a travel route for the mobile machine based on the signal. The travel route may include a travel segment on a common entrance row, a first single-use path from the common entrance row to a particular one of the plurality of dump sites, a second single-use path from the particular one of the plurality of dump sites to a common exit row, and a travel segment on the common exit row. The worksite controller may be further configured to communicate the travel route to the control module as the mobile machine moves toward the dump location.