Remote Worksite Machine Reconfiguration via Offboard Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing worksite management systems are insufficient in correcting performance irregularities and improving productivity and efficiency in mining and construction operations, as they primarily focus on identifying causes rather than addressing them effectively.
Innovation Solution
A worksite management system that includes a control module onboard mobile machines and an offboard controller, which collects and analyzes data to remotely reconfigure operational relationships of machines, such as transmission shift points and fuel settings, to positively affect performance irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If machines are conservatively configured for operation under theoretical conditions, then machine reliability is improved, but adaptability to actual worksite conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration of machine operational parameters through remote communication. The control module receives reconfiguration data from the offboard controller and adjusts operational relationships in real-time, transforming the static conservative configuration into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains reliability while responding to actual worksite conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters of the machine by transmitting reconfiguration data that modifies operational relationships such as transmission shift points, engine power curves, and hydraulic flow rates. This allows the machine to adapt its parameters to match actual worksite conditions while maintaining reliable operation through controlled modifications.
2Productivity
If machines are reconfigured to match actual worksite conditions, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The machine's control module automatically receives and implements reconfiguration data without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The system self-adjusts operational parameters based on remote instructions, eliminating the need for operators to manually reconfigure complex settings while maintaining improved productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The offboard controller serves as an intermediary that processes worksite condition data and generates appropriate reconfiguration commands. This intermediary handles the complexity of matching machine settings to worksite conditions, shielding the operator from complex adjustments while enabling productivity improvements.
3Ease of manufacture
If machine operational relationships are fixed after commissioning, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the machine configuration into fixed hardware components (simple to manufacture) and software-based operational relationships (flexible to reconfigure). The control module stores operational relationships as separate reconfigurable data sets, allowing simple manufacturing of the base machine while enabling later adaptability through software updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module is pre-configured with default operational relationships during manufacturing, ensuring ease of production. After commissioning, the system accepts remote reconfiguration data that modifies these pre-set relationships, combining manufacturing simplicity with post-commissioning adaptability through preliminary setup followed by remote adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A worksite management system for use with a mobile machine is disclosed. The worksite management system may have a control module located onboard the mobile machine and configured to store a least one operational relationship, and an offboard controller located at a worksite of the mobile machine in communication with the control module. The offboard controller may be configured to generate an analysis of machine performance at the worksite. The offboard controller may be further configured to cause remote reconfiguration of the at least one operational relationship based on the analysis to positively affect performance of the mobile machine.