Subsurface Material Analysis for Hidden Object Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction vehicles operating in uncertain construction environments face risks due to hidden objects in piles of material, necessitating reliance on operator experience for safe and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
Acquire and analyze subsurface scanning data using systems like ground penetrating radar to identify structural properties of construction materials, determining appropriate actions and control inputs for the vehicle to mitigate these risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If subsurface scanning data is acquired and analyzed to identify hidden objects, then safety and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A ground penetrating radar system is introduced as an intermediary device between the construction vehicle and the hidden objects in the material pile. The radar system emits electromagnetic waves that penetrate the material, reflect off hidden objects, and provide subsurface scanning data. This intermediary enables non-contact detection of hidden objects, improving safety without requiring direct physical interaction with the material pile.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanical sensing and operator experience with electromagnetic field-based detection. Instead of using mechanical probes or visual inspection, the ground penetrating radar uses electromagnetic waves to detect the presence, position, and characteristics of hidden objects. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact and provides comprehensive subsurface information.
2Productivity
If subsurface scanning data is acquired and analyzed to identify hidden objects, then efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground penetrating radar system performs preliminary scanning of the material pile before the construction vehicle begins operation. The system acquires subsurface scanning data in advance, allowing the vehicle to plan its operations based on pre-identified hidden objects and material characteristics. This preliminary action eliminates the need for trial-and-error operations and reduces downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system processes subsurface scanning data to provide feedback about the material pile's structure, hidden objects, and potential hazards. This feedback information is used to adjust the construction vehicle's operations in real-time, optimizing efficiency by avoiding unnecessary maneuvers and ensuring safe operation. The feedback loop continues throughout the operation, adapting to changing conditions.
3Device complexity
If operator experience is relied upon to avoid hidden objects, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground penetrating radar system enables the construction vehicle to self-detect and self-navigate around hidden objects without relying on operator experience. The system automatically acquires subsurface data, processes the information to identify hazards, and provides guidance for safe operation. This self-service capability eliminates the variability in operator performance and ensures consistent safety standards.
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
Enhances safety and efficiency by enabling non-destructive identification and avoidance of hidden objects, optimizing vehicle operations based on material conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the processing circuitry is configured to acquire the subsurface scanning data from a ground penetrating radar system
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer system (114, 500) comprising processing circuitry (502) configured to acquire subsurface scanning data relating to structural properties of a pile (106) of material (104) of a construction environment (100), and analyse the subsurface scanning data to evaluate the contents of the pile (106) of material (104), determine an action for a construction vehicle (102) configured to operate in the construction environment (100) based on the analysis, and determine a control input for controlling the construction vehicle (102) to perform the determined action.