Projected Work Machine Path Indication for Ground Crew Awareness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ground personnel at worksites may not be aware of the movement direction of work machines, such as pavers, which can lead to safety hazards due to limited visibility and communication between machine operators and ground personnel.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an optical device and a controller that determines the current or proposed movement path of a work machine and projects a visual indicia on the ground surface, providing a navigation aid to personnel around the machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ground personnel are positioned around the work machine to assist with work operations, then work operations can be performed with human assistance, but ground personnel may not be aware of the heading of the work machine due to limited visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system consisting of visual indicators (lights/arrows) on the work machine that convey heading information to ground personnel. This intermediary visual signaling system bridges the information gap between the machine operator and ground personnel, allowing personnel to understand machine intent without direct line-of-sight communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color changes and visual signal variations on the work machine to communicate different operational states and heading directions to ground personnel. Different colors or patterns of visual indicators convey different information about machine movement intent, enabling personnel to quickly comprehend machine heading without verbal communication.
2Reliability
If machine operators try to alert ground personnel regarding the heading of the work machine, then safety awareness can be improved, but communication effectiveness is limited by visibility constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator system acts as an intermediary communication channel that overcomes visibility constraints. Instead of relying on operator-to-personnel communication, the system uses machine-mounted visual indicators that are visible to personnel regardless of their position relative to the operator's view, ensuring reliable safety communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical communication methods (operator gestures, verbal signals) with an optical/electronic visual indicator system. This substitution enables communication of machine heading information without being constrained by the operator's visibility or the personnel's position around the machine.
3Device complexity
If no visual indication system is used, then the system remains simple, but ground personnel cannot be aware of the movement direction of the work machine
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual indicators with different colors or patterns to convey movement direction information. This approach provides effective communication of machine heading to ground personnel while maintaining relatively simple system architecture, avoiding the need for complex communication infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicator system changes its output parameters (such as light intensity, color, or arrow direction) based on the machine's actual heading and operational state. This dynamic parameter adjustment provides accurate movement direction information to personnel while keeping the system design straightforward and integrated with existing machine controls.
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 communicates the movement path of work machines to ground personnel, enhancing safety by preventing collisions and improving operational efficiency at worksites.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one processor is also configured to control the optical device to project a visual indicia on a ground surface around the work machine
Data Source
AI summary
A system for indicating a movement path of a work includes an optical device, and a controller including at least one memory and at least one processor communicably coupled with the at least one memory. The at least one processor is communicably coupled with the optical device. The at least one processor is configured to determine at least one of a current movement path of the work machine and a proposed movement path of the work machine. The at least one processor is also configured to control the optical device to project a visual indicia on a ground surface around the work machine. The visual indicia represents at least one of the current movement path of the work machine and the proposed movement path of the work machine. The visual indicia provides a navigation aid to one or more personnel present around the work machine.