Ranging Radio Relative Machine Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current positioning systems for construction and mining operations, such as those using GNSS, laser, and ranging radios, face challenges in achieving improved accuracy and efficiency, particularly in guiding and navigating mobile machines like excavators and trucks to precise ground spotting locations.
Innovation Solution
A ranging radio relative machine positioning system is implemented, which includes sets of ranging radios and sensors on mobile machines to calculate range measurements and relative poses using time of flight analysis, with controllers to identify and track ground spotting locations and guide second mobile machines to these locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GNSS, laser, or ranging radios are used for positioning, then positioning capability is provided, but accuracy and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning technologies (GNSS, laser, and ranging radios) into a unified hybrid positioning system. The system integrates these different methods to leverage their respective strengths and compensate for their individual weaknesses, thereby achieving both high accuracy and reliability in positioning construction and mining machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed to perform multiple functions across different operating conditions. It can switch between and combine GNSS for broad coverage, laser for precise relative positioning, and ranging radios for robust communication and positioning, making the system universally applicable to various construction and mining scenarios regardless of environmental constraints.
2Productivity
If traditional positioning systems are used, then basic positioning is achieved, but operational efficiency and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where positioning data from multiple sources is constantly monitored, processed, and used to adjust machine operations in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables automated guidance and control functions that improve operational efficiency while maintaining high safety standards through constant position verification and correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system enables machines to autonomously determine their own positions and make self-correcting navigation decisions. The system provides self-service positioning capabilities where machines can independently navigate to target locations, adjust their positions, and operate safely without constant human intervention, thereby improving both efficiency and safety.
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 accuracy and efficiency of operations by providing precise positioning and navigation, improving safety and operational efficiency in autonomous or semi-autonomous operations, and is applicable to a wide range of machine operations.
Implementation Method 1
calculate range measurements and relative poses using time of flight analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A ranging radio relative machine positioning system for a first mobile machine and a second mobile machine is provided. The first mobile machine includes a platform rotatable relative to ground-engaging elements of the first mobile machine. A first set of ranging radios and at least one sensor are configured for attachment to the first mobile machine, and a second set of ranging radios are configured for attachment to the second mobile machine. The system also includes a controller programmed to identify a ground spotting location relative to the first mobile machine, track movement of the first mobile machine relative to the ground spotting location using the sensor to arrive at an offset, and provide a location, or pose, of the second mobile machine relative to the ground spotting location using the first and second sets of ranging radios and the offset.