Loader Blind-Spot Object Detection With Zone-Based Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power machines, such as loaders, face challenges in detecting objects in their vicinity and safely controlling operations to prevent collisions, especially in blind spots, while existing systems may not adequately address the need for visual warnings and automatic control adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes object detection sensors, a controller, and a zone illumination system, which detects objects in monitored zones adjacent to the power machine and responds by controlling travel and work functions, including the ability to slow or stop operations and illuminate the detected area, thereby preventing collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If object detection sensors and control systems are added to power machines, then collision prevention and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring area is divided into multiple zones (first zone closer to the machine, second zone farther away). Different control actions are applied to different zones: stopping work functions in the first zone and reducing travel speed in the second zone. This segmentation allows nuanced safety responses rather than a single binary stop/go decision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts machine operations based on real-time sensor data. When objects are detected in monitored zones, the controller dynamically modifies work function speed and travel speed according to the object's position and zone classification, creating adaptive safety responses.
2Reliability
If the power machine stops or slows work functions upon object detection, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of completely stopping all machine functions upon detecting any object, the system applies partial actions: reducing travel speed for objects in the second zone and only stopping work functions for objects in the first zone. This partial action approach maintains productivity while providing adequate safety responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the level of intervention based on object position. Objects in the farther second zone trigger only travel speed reduction, while objects in the closer first zone trigger work function stopping. This dynamic response optimizes the balance between safety and productivity.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If monitored zones are set to cover blind spots, then detection capability is improved, but false obstacle detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different zones have different properties and trigger different responses. The first zone (closer to machine) is designated for critical objects requiring work function stopping, while the second zone (farther away) triggers only travel speed reduction. This local differentiation allows the system to account for the fact that objects farther away may be false obstacles or less critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies a graded response based on zone: full stopping action for the first zone and reduced speed action for the second zone. This partial action in the second zone reduces false obstacle impacts while maintaining detection coverage in blind spots.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include power machines (100; 200; 400) such as loaders, and systems used on power machines, configured to detect the presence of an object (402; 406) in a zone (404; 408; 410) adjacent the rear or sides of the power machine and to responsively control the power machine to stop or slow work functions.