Shovel-to-Truck Trigger Timing for Faster Haul Truck Departure
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for communication and control between loading and hauling machines in mining operations are inefficient as they wait until the hauling machine is fully loaded to initiate the transition from an idle to a ready state, causing delays in clearing the load location and positioning another hauling machine, which affects productivity.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines when the upcoming pass is the final pass and computes a trigger time to transmit a signal to initiate the transition from an idle to a ready state before the final pass is completed, allowing the hauling machine to gain full engine power earlier, thereby reducing delays and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hauling machine waits to initiate the transition from idle state to ready state until determining that it is fully loaded, then the machine ensures it has sufficient power for movement, but the time needed to clear the load location and position another hauling machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system initiates the transition from idle state to ready state before the final pass is completed, based on prediction of final pass completion time. This preliminary action allows the hauling machine to have full engine power ready immediately when loading completes, eliminating the delay between loading completion and power availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading machine transmits information about pass completion status and predicted completion time to the hauling machine. This feedback loop enables the hauling machine to anticipate when it will be fully loaded and prepare the engine transition in advance, coordinating power readiness with loading completion.
2Loss of time
If the hauling machine initiates transition to ready state before the final pass is completed, then the clearing time is reduced, but the machine may not have full power when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The transition to ready state is initiated in advance based on predicted final pass completion time, ensuring full power is available exactly when loading completes. The system calculates the optimal trigger time to balance early preparation with power availability needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the trigger time for engine transition based on predicted loading completion time. By changing the timing parameter of the state transition, the system optimizes both the timing of power availability and the overall clearing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may determine that an upcoming pass is a final pass associated with loading a machine. The system may compute, based on determining that the upcoming pass is the final pass, a trigger time associated with causing a trigger signal to be transmitted. The trigger time may be computed based on a final pass completion time that identifies a time at which the final pass is expected to be completed. The trigger time may be prior to the final pass completion time. The system may cause the trigger signal to be transmitted at the trigger time. The system may cause, based on a receipt of the trigger signal, a transition of the machine from an idle state to a ready state to be initiated. The transition from the idle state to the ready state may be caused to be initiated prior to a time at which the final pass, associated with loading the machine, is completed.