Vehicle Collision Avoidance Using Magnetic Safety Zone Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity detection systems for operators near large and powerful industrial machines, such as continuous mining machines, face challenges in harsh environments due to the limitations of traditional sensors like sonar, laser time-of-flight sensors, and magnetic field systems, which struggle with accuracy, durability, and the inability to define custom safety perimeters effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transmitter system on one vehicle and a machine-mounted locator on another, using a uniquely encoded magnetic signal and digital radio transceivers to determine the operator's location relative to the machine, allowing for customizable safety zones and warning signals to prevent collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensors like sonar and laser time-of-flight sensors are used in harsh industrial environments, then detection capability is provided, but the sensors become dirty and non-operational quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical sensors (sonar, laser) with a magnetic field-based detection system. The transmitter generates a magnetic field that penetrates harsh environments (dust, water, noise) without being affected by contamination, while the locator detects position through magnetic field interaction rather than optical or acoustic means.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from optical/acoustic to magnetic field properties. By using magnetic field strength and phase detection instead of light or sound waves, the system achieves immunity to environmental contaminants while maintaining detection capability in harsh industrial conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If magnetic field generator and sensor system is used to create safety perimeter, then operator location detection is enabled, but the safety perimeter is limited to substantially circular shape
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the safety perimeter geometry based on machine operation state and environmental factors. The controller modifies the transmitter's magnetic field characteristics and the locator's detection parameters in real-time, allowing the safety perimeter to transform from a fixed circular shape to customized polygons or irregular shapes that match the actual hazard zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety perimeter is divided into multiple detectable zones using an array of transmitters and locators. Each transmitter-locator pair defines a segment of the overall safety perimeter, allowing complex geometric shapes to be constructed from simpler magnetic field interaction zones, thereby achieving geometric flexibility without excessive system complexity.
3Reliability
If radio time-of-flight sensors like radar are used for proximity detection, then durability in harsh environment is improved, but the short distances make the sensors impractical and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the detection parameter from radio wave time-of-flight to magnetic field phase and strength detection. Magnetic fields provide superior resolution at short distances compared to radio waves, enabling precise proximity detection within feet rather than meters, while maintaining durability in harsh industrial environments.
4Measurement precision
If transmitters are placed on operators instead of machine, then operator location can be determined, but power and detection range are necessarily limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the transmitter (on the machine) and locator (on the operator) into a coordinated detection pair. The machine-mounted transmitter provides high-power magnetic field generation with unlimited range, while the operator's locator consumes minimal power to detect position. This combination achieves both accurate location determination and extended detection range beyond what a portable operator-mounted transmitter could provide.
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
This system enhances the detection range and accuracy of operator proximity, enabling safer operation by defining customizable safety zones and preventing collisions in harsh industrial environments.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generator on the machine and a magnetic field sensor carried by the operator. The magnetic field generator creates a magnetic field around the machine.
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field sensor carried by the operator. The magnetic field sensor senses the strength of the magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
digital radio transceivers to determine the operator's location relative to the machine
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for preventing vehicle collisions is provided. The system includes a transmitter system on the first vehicle, a machine mounted locator on the second vehicle, means for determining coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system; means for defining a safety zone around the first vehicle; and warning means for generating a signal when the machine mounted locator enters the safety zone surrounding the first vehicle. The method includes the steps of: generating and transmitting an encoded signal around the first vehicle; receiving the encoded signal at a machine mounted locator on the second vehicle; processing the encoded signal; transmitting a locator radio frequency signal from the machine mounted locator in response to the encoded signal; receiving the locator radio frequency signal at the transmitter system; and performing an algorithm to determine coordinates of the machine mounted locator relative to the transmitter system.