GPS Driver Guidance for Precise Mine Haul Truck Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In mining environments, particularly open pit surface mining, the large and cumbersome nature of vehicles like mine haul trucks poses challenges in maneuverability, leading to inefficiencies and safety hazards due to blind spots and slow movement, which complicates navigation around other vehicles and geographical features.
Innovation Solution
A GPS and geolocation-based system that provides real-time guidance to operators or autonomous vehicles, using position sensors and display devices to calculate and display the optimal path to a target location, ensuring safe and efficient positioning relative to other vehicles or features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of mining vehicles is increased to improve material handling capacity, then the productivity increases, but the maneuverability deteriorates due to large blind spots and slow movement
Solution Approach 1:
A GPS-based guidance system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the vehicle's movement. The system receives position data from GPS sensors, calculates the optimal path to the target location, and provides guidance instructions to the operator through display devices, enabling precise maneuvering of large vehicles with limited visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical navigation with an automated electronic guidance system. Instead of relying on the operator's direct visual observation and manual control, the system uses GPS satellite signals, electronic position calculation, and automated path guidance to control vehicle movement, substituting mechanical operation with electronic automation
2Productivity
If the vehicle size is increased to haul more material, then the productivity improves, but the navigation precision deteriorates due to large turning radii and slow braking
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system continuously receives real-time position feedback from GPS sensors mounted on the vehicle. This feedback loop allows the system to calculate the current position relative to the target loading location, determine the remaining distance and bearing, and provide updated guidance instructions, enabling precise navigation despite the vehicle's large size and slow response characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is equipped with onboard GPS receivers and display devices that enable it to autonomously determine its own position and navigate to the target location. The system self-calculates the optimal path and provides self-guidance to the operator, reducing reliance on external guidance infrastructure
3Reliability
If the operator moves the vehicle more cautiously to avoid collisions, then the safety improves, but the productivity decreases due to extended positioning time
Solution Approach 1:
The GPS guidance system serves as an intermediary that provides precise positional information and guidance instructions, allowing the operator to move the vehicle with confidence. The system continuously monitors position and provides real-time feedback on distance to target and bearing, enabling faster and more accurate positioning while maintaining safety through informed decision-making
4Productivity
If the vehicle operates closer to other equipment and geographical features to improve mine efficiency, then the productivity increases, but the safety risk increases due to collision hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback on the vehicle's position relative to the target loading location, including real-time information on distance and bearing. This feedback enables the operator to maintain precise control when operating in close proximity to other equipment and geographical features, allowing efficient mine operations while managing collision risks through informed positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for driver guidance are presented. A position sensor is mounted to a vehicle. The position sensor is configured to identify a position of the vehicle and a heading of the vehicle. A device is configured to generate a plurality of outputs. A controller is connected to the position sensor and the display device. The controller is configured to access, via a wireless communications network, a database to identify a target loading location for the vehicle, determine a location and a heading of the target loading location for the vehicle, and modify at least one of the plurality of outputs of the display device based upon at least one of the location and the heading of the target loading location.