Proximity Sensor Alert System for Mining Shovel Collision Avoidance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Heavy loading equipment, such as mining shovels, face challenges in collision avoidance due to limited visibility and complex geometry, particularly in poor weather or dusty conditions, making it difficult for operators to detect potential collisions with other equipment within their swing radius.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising proximity sensors and a processor circuit that defines alert regions around the equipment, processes signals to determine object locations, and initiates alerts through visual, auditory, or wireless warnings when objects enter these regions, ensuring safe operation by distinguishing between collision and warning zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If cameras are provided on shovels to improve visibility, then operator vision is improved, but visibility is compromised in poor weather conditions or extremely dusty conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors (radar, ultrasonic, laser) as intermediary devices to detect objects in the operating ambit. These sensors serve as mediators between the operator and the environment, providing detection capability that is not dependent on visual conditions. The sensors process signals to determine object locations and generate warnings, bridging the gap created by poor visibility conditions.
2Reliability
If operators monitor images displayed in the operating cabin to detect collision risk, then collision avoidance capability is improved, but the high level of concentration required makes it difficult to monitor images
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting objects, calculating their positions relative to the shovel, and generating warnings without requiring continuous operator intervention. The sensor system autonomously monitors the operating ambit and alerts the operator only when objects enter the alert region, freeing the operator from continuous monitoring tasks while maintaining collision avoidance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously receiving signals from sensors, processing object location information, and providing real-time warnings when objects enter the alert region. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automatically alerts the operator to potential collision risks without requiring constant manual monitoring, reducing the concentration burden while maintaining safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the swing axis of the shovel is positioned away from the centre of the body, then the shovel can achieve its operating arc, but the geometry makes it difficult to judge whether the swing path is clear of obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the operator's mechanical visual assessment of swing path clearance with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors positioned around the shovel body detect objects in the operating ambit, and the processor calculates whether detected objects are within the alert region defined by the swing arc. This substitution eliminates the difficulty of manual geometric assessment while preserving the adaptability to various operating positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and system for generating an indication of an object within an operating ambit of heavy loading equipment is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensors disposed about a periphery of the loading equipment, each being operable to generate a proximity signal in response to detecting an object within a coverage region of the sensor, the proximity signal including an indication of at least an approximate distance between the sensor and the object. A processor circuit is operably configured to define an alert region extending outwardly and encompassing swinging movements of outer extents of the loading equipment. The processor circuit is operably configured to receive proximity signals from the plurality of sensors, process the signals to determine a location of the object relative to the loading equipment, and initiate an alert when the location falls within the alert region.