Underground Loader Route and Implement Control for Precise Dumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human operators of underground loaders face challenges in maintaining optimal performance due to the tedious and time-consuming nature of their tasks, especially in noxious or low-visibility conditions, leading to suboptimal operation and increased operator stress.
Innovation Solution
A control system for underground loaders that includes a positioning system and a controller to detect the loader's position, determine the location of a dumping pit, plan a route, and control the loader's movement based on terrain profiles and embankment heights, enabling autonomous operation and reducing operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If human operators manually operate underground loaders in noxious or low-visibility conditions, then the loader can be controlled flexibly, but operator fatigue increases and performance consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the loader to operate autonomously by detecting its own position, calculating routes, and controlling its movement without continuous human intervention. The automatic control system performs tasks that would otherwise require manual operation, allowing the machine to serve itself in navigation and basic operation while the operator focuses on higher-level decision making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automatic control system that uses electronic sensors, processors, and actuators. The system substitutes human physical operation with automated electronic control, maintaining operational flexibility while eliminating the physical and mental fatigue associated with manual operation in challenging environments.
2Ease of operation
If human operators manually control underground loaders, then real-time decision making is possible, but the complexity of processing multiple operating parameters exceeds human capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic control system acts as an intermediary between the loader's multiple sensors and the operator. It collects data from various sources (position sensors, terrain sensors, vehicle status sensors), processes this information through algorithms, and presents simplified control options to the operator. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of parameter processing while maintaining real-time decision-making capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation or model of the loader's operating environment and state, allowing the control processor to simulate and evaluate multiple operating scenarios before executing decisions. This virtual copy enables complex parameter analysis without overwhelming the operator with raw data.
3Reliability
If autonomous control systems are implemented, then operator fatigue is reduced and performance consistency improves, but system complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control system is divided into modular functional components: position detection module, route calculation module, movement control module, and monitoring module. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently tested, maintained, and upgraded. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity by breaking down the complex control task into manageable, specialized subsystems.
4Device complexity
If manual operation is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but operator stress increases in noxious or low-visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the operator from the harsh operating environment by enabling autonomous operation. The control system remains in the protected operator cabin while the loader autonomously navigates and operates in noxious or low-visibility conditions. This separation removes the operator from direct exposure to harmful factors while maintaining system functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an underground loader is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a controller, a first position of the underground loader within a worksite. The method also includes determining, by the controller, a location of a dumping pit within the worksite. Further, the method includes determining, by the controller, a route for the underground loader to tram from the first position to the location of the dumping pit. Furthermore, the method includes controlling, by the controller, a movement of the underground loader along the route up to the location of the dumping pit. The method also includes moving, by the controller, an implement assembly of the underground loader based on a profile of a terrain along the route and a height of an embankment defined at an edge of the dumping pit.