Load Location Detection Using Dump Switch Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately determining the location of loading points for machines like mining trucks at worksites, especially when the load point is unsurveyed or lacks payload sensors, leading to difficulties in production recording and tracking.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses a dump switch to generate a dump signal, coupled with a controller that receives velocity data to identify dump locations and assigns weighting factors to stops based on estimated distances, determining the load location through a weighting factor analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If payload sensors are installed to detect load location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the machine's own existing dump switch and velocity data to determine load location, eliminating the need for external payload sensors. The machine serves itself by utilizing its operational data for location detection
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that processes dump signals and velocity data to infer load location, replacing the need for direct sensor measurement with computational analysis of operational parameters
2Measurement precision
If the load point is surveyed to identify location, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to surveying requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of dump locations using dump signals, then uses these pre-identified points with velocity data to determine load location, eliminating the need for time-consuming surveying operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical surveying process with an electronic system that uses dump switch signals and velocity data processing to automatically determine load location
3Measurement precision
If additional hardware is installed to detect loading location, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it processes dump signals, analyzes velocity data, identifies dump locations, and determines load location - all using existing machine components, making the system multi-functional without additional hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The machine uses its own operational data (dump switch signals and velocity information) to determine load location, eliminating the need for external detection hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for determining a location of loading of a machine operating at a worksite is provided. The control system includes a controller coupled to a dump switch. The controller receives a dump signal and velocity data associated with the machine. The velocity data includes a speed of the machine at various positions along a route followed by the machine from a first dump location to a second dump location. The controller identifies the first dump location, the second dump location, and a plurality of stops made along the route. The controller estimates, a first distance and a second distance between the stop and each of the dump locations. The controller estimates a baseline distance between the dump locations and assigns a weighting factor to the stops. Further, the controller determines a load location from the plurality of stops based on the assigned weighting factors.