Machine Speed Control Using Production Circuit Cycle Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine speed management systems in work environments, such as mining sites, are inefficient due to reactive, per-machine speed adjustments that can lead to reduced production efficiency and complexity, particularly when multiple machines share roads or tracks, and centralized systems fail to optimize operations considering multiple vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a controller to manage machine speed based on production circuit cycle times and dynamic events, using performance parameters like tire heat, battery level, and fuel efficiency, while optimizing speed adjustments for individual machines to maintain efficiency and productivity across multiple machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machine speed is reduced to satisfy parameter thresholds (e.g., tire heat), then machine parameter compliance is improved, but production efficiency of the work environment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary speed adjustments before machines reach critical parameter thresholds. By proactively managing speed based on current parameter values and predicted trends, the system prevents parameter violations before they occur, avoiding the need for reactive speed reductions that would disrupt production. This is achieved through continuous monitoring and predictive algorithms that calculate optimal speed adjustments in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized controller acts as an intermediary between individual machines and the overall production system. It coordinates speed management across multiple machines sharing roads or tracks, balancing individual machine parameter requirements with collective production efficiency. The controller mediates by optimizing speeds for groups of machines rather than treating each machine independently, thus maintaining parameter compliance while minimizing impact on overall productivity.
2Reliability
If per-machine speed management is implemented, then individual machine parameter compliance is improved, but system-wide efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges individual machine speed management with group coordination. Instead of treating each machine independently or managing all machines uniformly, the controller groups machines by shared resources (roads, tracks, loading stations) and optimizes speeds for each group. This combining approach maintains individual parameter compliance while improving system-wide efficiency through coordinated group management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies differentiated speed management strategies to different groups of machines based on their specific contexts. Each group of machines sharing common resources receives tailored speed recommendations that consider both individual machine parameters and group coordination requirements. This localized approach allows optimal parameter compliance for each machine while maintaining efficient system-wide operations.
3Ease of operation
If centralized assignment operation is used for machine speed management, then task allocation is improved, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized control system segments the work environment into multiple production circuits or zones based on shared resources and machine groups. Instead of managing all machines uniformly across the entire site, the controller divides the system into manageable segments, each with its own optimization parameters. This segmentation reduces computational complexity while maintaining effective centralized coordination for task allocation and speed management.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a controller may obtain a production plan for a work environment, the production plan including at least one production circuit for machines, wherein the at least one production circuit is based on respective production parameters. The controller may determine cycle times for respective production circuits of the at least one production circuit, wherein the cycle times are based on at least one machine performance parameter. The controller may perform an action associated with controlling a speed of a first machine based on a cycle time of a first production circuit in which the first machine is operating and based on at least one dynamic event in the work environment.