Fluid Delivery Control Module for Worksites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid delivery systems for mobile machines, such as water trucks, face challenges in accurately controlling water delivery and shut-off due to inaccuracies in ground speed sensors, especially at slow speeds, leading to inefficient dust control on worksites like mines and construction sites.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a control module, including an engine control module, determines and switches between fluid delivery and non-delivery modes based on predetermined distances traveled, using a combination of ground speed and machine sensors to accurately manage fluid distribution, ensuring precise control of water application on worksites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If ground speed sensors are used to control water delivery intervals, then the system can automate fluid delivery timing, but measurement precision deteriorates at slow speeds leading to inaccurate distance determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an engine control module as an intermediary device that receives signals from the ground speed sensor and processes them to determine fluid delivery timing. This intermediary layer filters and refines the raw sensor data, compensating for inaccuracies at slow speeds while maintaining the automated timing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring ground speed sensor signals and using this information to adjust fluid delivery timing. The control module compares actual speed data against desired delivery intervals and modifies pump operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains precision despite sensor limitations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If water is sprayed continuously to control dust, then dust suppression effectiveness improves, but energy consumption increases and road safety deteriorates due to wet surface conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by delivering fluid in intermittent intervals rather than continuously. The control module activates the fluid pump for specific duration cycles followed by idle periods, maintaining dust suppression effectiveness while significantly reducing energy consumption and preventing excessive road wetting that would create safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid delivery parameters based on real-time operating conditions. The control module modifies pump operation timing and duration according to detected ground speed and dust generation levels, optimizing the balance between dust control effectiveness and energy efficiency while preventing hazardous wet road conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If water is sprayed on sloped haul roads to prevent dust, then dust control improves, but machinery safety deteriorates due to increased sliding risk on wet surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering fluid only to specific zones where dust generation is detected rather than uniformly spraying the entire road surface. The control module targets fluid application to areas with active dust problems while leaving other portions dry, maintaining dust control where needed while preserving traction and safety on sloped haul roads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic action to deliver fluid in controlled intervals rather than continuous spraying. This allows dust-prone areas to receive periodic treatment while maintaining dry conditions between treatments, preventing the cumulative wetting that would create sliding hazards on inclined road surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a fluid delivery machine configured to deliver fluid on a worksite is disclosed. In the method, operation of a power source of the fluid delivery machine is controlled with a control module. Fluid delivery on the worksite is also controlled by the control module.