Magnetic Field Proximity Detection for Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity detection systems in industrial settings, such as those used for continuous miners, have been ineffective in accurately warning against collisions and minimizing false positives, leading to potential harm from vehicles and mobile equipment.
Innovation Solution
A collision avoidance system utilizing a magnetic field generator to produce low-frequency oscillating magnetic fields, which generates 'speed pings' detected by a magnetic field detector to determine relative speed, triggering alarms or control signals if the speed exceeds a threshold, with features like random timing of pings and multiple ping configurations to improve accuracy and reject noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional proximity detection systems are used, then collision warning is provided, but false positives occur frequently and detection accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses Doppler shift feedback from reflected magnetic fields to continuously monitor and update relative speed measurements. The detector receives echo signals from magnetic field generators, calculates frequency shifts, and uses this feedback to determine accurate relative speeds, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining high detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or optical proximity detection systems with a magnetic field-based detection system. By using low-frequency oscillating magnetic fields and measuring Doppler shifts in the magnetic field echoes, the system achieves more reliable and accurate collision detection without the false positives common in traditional systems
2Measurement precision
If magnetic field speed pings are used to determine relative speed, then collision detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field generator serves multiple functions: it generates the oscillating magnetic field for detection, acts as a transmitter for speed pings, and its reflected field provides the echo signal for Doppler measurement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary carrier that transmits speed information between the detector and moving objects. By measuring the Doppler shift of the magnetic field echo, the system indirectly determines relative speed without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex sensor arrays, thus balancing accuracy with manageable complexity
3Measurement precision
If multiple speed pings with fixed timing are generated, then relative speed determination accuracy improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates magnetic field speed pings periodically at fixed time intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action allows sufficient time for the magnetic field to propagate, reflect, and return for measurement, ensuring accurate speed determination while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the system inactive between ping cycles
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 reduces collisions by accurately determining relative speeds and triggering appropriate alarms or control actions, enhancing safety by minimizing false positives and improving hazard detection in industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generator for generating a low frequency oscillating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
determine a relative speed between the magnetic field generator and the detector using magnetic speed pings
Data Source
AI summary
Collision avoidance systems and methods. In some embodiments the collision avoidance systems may include a magnetic field generator for generating a low frequency oscillating magnetic field, and a magnetic field detector, wherein the system is configured to determine a relative speed between the magnetic field generator and the detector using magnetic speed pings generated by the magnetic field generator. In other embodiments, the methods may include generating a low frequency oscillating magnetic field from a magnetic field generator, detecting the magnetic field from a magnetic field detector, and determining a relative speed between the magnetic field generator and the detector using magnetic speed pings generated by the magnetic field generator.