Dynamic Proximity Detection Zones for Mining Equipment Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity detection systems for equipment and personnel in environments like underground mining only identify a static 'hazard' zone, failing to account for the movement and velocity of personnel, which can lead to unnecessary interruptions in equipment operation and reduced safety.
Innovation Solution
A proximity detection system that uses a controller to detect the location and velocity of personnel via wearable devices, defining dynamic zones (warning and stop zones) based on movement, allowing for earlier intervention or continued operation depending on the predicted path relative to equipment, thereby improving safety and productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a static hazard zone is used for proximity detection, then the system is simple to implement, but it causes unnecessary equipment interruptions and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static hazard zone into a dynamic zone that adapts to personnel movement characteristics. The system continuously monitors personnel velocity and adjusts the hazard zone boundaries in real-time, expanding the zone when personnel are stationary or moving slowly, and reducing or eliminating the zone when personnel are moving quickly away from equipment. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining safety for stationary personnel while preventing unnecessary interruptions during normal movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of hazard zone dimensions based on personnel velocity. When personnel velocity exceeds a threshold, the hazard zone parameters are modified to reduce its size or eliminate it temporarily. This parameter change allows the system to distinguish between hazardous proximity (personnel standing still near equipment) and safe proximity (personnel walking past equipment), thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring safety.
2Reliability
If velocity-based dynamic zones are implemented, then safety is improved by predicting collision courses, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring personnel velocity and using this information to adjust hazard zone boundaries in real-time. The velocity data feeds back into the zone calculation algorithm, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing conditions. This feedback mechanism enables accurate prediction of collision courses while managing complexity through systematic data processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by predicting future collision risk based on current velocity data before actual contact occurs. By calculating potential collision courses in advance and adjusting hazard zones proactively, the system prevents collisions rather than reacting to them. This preliminary action improves reliability by identifying hazards before they materialize.
3Productivity
If the hazard zone is reduced for moving personnel, then productivity is maintained, but detection precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by creating different hazard zone characteristics in different spatial locations based on personnel velocity. Rather than uniformly reducing the zone everywhere, the system selectively adjusts zone boundaries in specific directions and locations where personnel are moving. This localized adjustment maintains detection precision in critical areas while allowing productivity improvements in areas where movement is confirmed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for detecting a person located around a piece of equipment. One system includes processor configured to define a first virtual zone around a piece of equipment, determine a location of a person, and define a second virtual zone around the person at the location. As the location of the person changes, the processor is further configured to determine a direction of travel of the person, and automatically modify the second virtual zone to extend a first distance in the direction of travel of the person and extend in a second distance opposite the direction, wherein the first distance is greater than the second distance. In response to at least a portion of the second virtual zone overlapping with at least a portion of the first virtual zone, the processor is configured to perform at least one action.