Automated Lost Load Detection for Heavy Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively detect and respond to lost loads in autonomous machines, particularly in heavy equipment, which can lead to reduced productivity, obstruction, and potential damage to surroundings, as they do not adequately detect loads lost by the vehicle itself or identify road surface damage caused by such losses.
Innovation Solution
An automated load response system equipped with sensors to detect road surface contours before and after the machine passes over them, a controller to provide warnings and reroute the vehicle, and additional sensors to detect falling loads, enabling the system to alert other machines and initiate necessary actions for cleanup or repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser scanner and vehicle positioning system are used to detect obstacles in the path of an autonomous vehicle, then the vehicle can avoid lost loads in its path, but the system cannot detect loads lost by the vehicle itself or identify road surface damage
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into multiple sensor segments: a first sensor for detecting road surface contour forward of the machine, a second sensor for detecting road surface contour rearward of the machine, and additional sensors for detecting falling loads. Each sensor segment covers a specific detection zone, collectively providing comprehensive coverage that allows the vehicle to detect loads lost by itself as well as loads in its path.
2Reliability
If the vehicle positioning and navigation system reroutes the autonomous vehicle to avoid a lost load, then the vehicle can avoid the obstacle, but other machines receive no warning and road surface damage is not identified
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives feedback from multiple sensors including the first and second sensors that detect road surface contour changes. When a lost load is detected through contour analysis, the controller processes this feedback information and generates appropriate responses including warnings to other machines and routing adjustments, creating a closed-loop information feedback system that improves overall situational awareness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively detects and responds to lost loads, preventing obstructions, damage, and ensuring safer operations by providing timely warnings and rerouting, while also identifying and addressing road surface damage caused by lost loads.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor situated to detect the contour of the road surface forward of the first machine
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor situated to detect the contour of the road surface rearward of the first machine
Data Source
AI summary
An automated lost load response system for work machines is disclosed. The response system has a first sensor situated to detect the contour of the road surface forward of a first machine, and a second sensor situated to detect the contour of the road surface rearward of the first machine. Each of the first and second sensors generates a signal corresponding to its detection of the contour of the road surface. The response system also has a controller that is in communication with both sensors. The controller is configured to provide a load loss warning based on the signals.