Nested Geofence Zones for Mining Machine Command Override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mining machines often inadvertently operate outside designated geofence areas, risking accidents by entering restricted regions or high walls, due to inadequate control over movement commands.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a geofence system with an electronic processor that receives commands for mobile industrial machines, determines if the machine is within a restricted region, and overrides or modifies commands to prevent penetration into restricted areas by gradually slowing down or stopping the machine at geofence boundaries, ensuring operation within a confined and safe perimeter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mining machine operates freely within the geofence area based on commands, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates as the machine may inadvertently enter restricted regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nested operation zones (first operation zone within second operation zone) around the mining machine, where each zone triggers different control responses. The inner zone prevents entry into restricted regions while the outer zone provides gradual speed reduction, creating a layered safety mechanism that maintains operational freedom while ensuring reliability.
2Reliability
If the geofence system overrides commands to prevent entry into restricted regions, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to command blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing graduated control responses based on proximity to restricted regions. Instead of always blocking commands, the system only intervenes when the mining machine enters the first operation zone, allowing free operation in the second zone while maintaining operational reliability through selective command override.
3Reliability
If the system monitors and controls movement commands to prevent geofence violation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the geofence control system into distinct operational zones with specific functions. The first operation zone handles critical safety by blocking commands that would cause restricted region entry, while the second operation zone provides gradual speed reduction. This segmentation simplifies the control logic compared to a single complex monitoring system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for operating a mining machine with respect to a geofence. One system includes an electronic processor configured to establish a first virtual operation zone positioned around the mobile industrial machine. The electronic processor is also configured to establish a second virtual operation zone positioned around the mobile industrial machine and nested within the first virtual operating zone.