Sensor Alignment Monitoring for Autonomous Machine Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous or semi-autonomous machines at worksites face issues with object detection sensor misalignment, leading to faulty feedback, which can go undetected until periodic checks, causing operational inefficiencies and potential safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An object detection sensor alignment monitoring system that includes first and second sensor modules to measure pitch, roll, and yaw values of the sensor and chassis, respectively, with a control unit comparing these values to determine if they are within a predefined tolerance and generating an alert for misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual periodic checks are performed to detect sensor misalignment, then operational safety is maintained, but downtime increases and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor alignment monitoring system enables self-monitoring of sensor alignment status through automated sensor modules that continuously track alignment parameters. The system self-diagnoses misalignment conditions and generates alerts without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining reliability while eliminating downtime associated with periodic manual checks
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring by comparing real-time sensor alignment data against predefined tolerance thresholds. When misalignment is detected, the system provides immediate feedback through alerts to operators, enabling prompt corrective action while maintaining operational continuity, thus resolving the contradiction between safety monitoring and operational efficiency
2Measurement precision
If sensor alignment is monitored continuously, then misalignment detection accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into modular components: alignment sensors mounted on the sensor housing, reference sensors on the vehicle chassis, and a control unit. This segmentation allows continuous precise monitoring while managing complexity through modular architecture where each component has a specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor alignment monitoring system utilizes multi-functionality by employing the existing vehicle motion sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) for dual purposes: both for vehicle stability control and for reference frame establishment in sensor alignment monitoring. This approach improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing system complexity
3Device complexity
If manual periodic sensor checks are performed, then system cost is minimized, but detection timeliness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
While implementing continuous monitoring capability, the system employs periodic action by triggering detailed alignment verification at predefined intervals or under specific conditions (e.g., during vehicle idle periods). This approach maintains detection timeliness by providing continuous surveillance while managing costs through selective detailed verification rather than constant high-level monitoring
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 provides real-time alerts for sensor misalignment, reducing downtime and eliminating the need for manual periodic checks, thereby improving operational efficiency and ensuring accurate machine feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor module coupled to an object detection sensor on the machine. The first sensor module is configured to measure values of object detection sensor pitch, roll, and yaw
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor module coupled to the chassis of the machine. The second sensor module is configured to measure values of chassis pitch, roll, and yaw
Data Source
AI summary
A machine includes a chassis and an object detection sensor alignment monitoring system. The monitoring system includes a first sensor module coupled to an object detection sensor. The first sensor module measures values of object detection sensor pitch, roll, and yaw. The monitoring system also includes a second sensor module coupled to the chassis. The second sensor module measures values of chassis pitch, roll, and yaw. The monitoring system further includes a control unit. The control unit compares the measured values of the object detection sensor and chassis pitch, roll, and yaw. The control unit determines whether the measured values are within a predefined tolerance. Further, the control unit generates an alert if the measured values of the object detection sensor and chassis pitch, roll, and yaw are beyond the predefined tolerance.