Vehicle Loading Detection via Acceleration and Location Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mining operations face challenges in accurately detecting the start of loading or unloading processes in vehicles, leading to unreliable time measurements and inefficient productivity monitoring, as existing methods rely on operator input or GPS, which are prone to errors and inaccuracies, especially in multi-vehicle scenarios and varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a triaxial accelerometer and location detector to determine vehicle states (loading, unloading, or traveling) and initiate timers, combined with a processor that uses data from these sensors to accurately record loading/unloading times and assess road conditions, enabling reliable monitoring and optimization of mining operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If operator manual input is used to detect loading start, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator input with an automated sensor-based detection system. Accelerometers, GPS receivers, and tilt sensors automatically detect vehicle state changes to determine loading start times, eliminating human error while maintaining system functionality through electronic rather than mechanical/manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate sensors (accelerometers, GPS, tilt sensors) that act as mediators between the physical loading process and the monitoring system. These sensors capture subtle physical changes during loading and translate them into detectable signals, enabling accurate automated detection without direct operator intervention.
2Device complexity
If GPS location alone is used to infer loading, then device complexity is minimized, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish multiple vehicles and false stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection methods into a unified system. GPS location data is combined with accelerometer readings and tilt sensor information to create a composite detection mechanism. This combination allows the system to distinguish true loading events from false positives caused by vehicle queuing or temporary stops, significantly improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds additional detection dimensions beyond simple GPS location. By incorporating acceleration data and tilt angle measurements, the system creates a multi-dimensional detection space that enables more precise discrimination between loading events and other vehicle activities, resolving the limitations of single-dimension GPS-based detection.
3Measurement precision
If automated sensor systems are implemented to accurately detect loading start, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs sensors with multiple functions to reduce overall system complexity. The accelerometer serves both to detect loading start events and to monitor vehicle motion states. The tilt sensor simultaneously detects dump body position and loading/unloading events. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated sensors needed, balancing precision improvement with complexity management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's own existing motion and position data to detect loading events, rather than requiring entirely new specialized sensors. The accelerometer and GPS, which may already be present for other vehicle monitoring purposes, are leveraged for loading detection, reducing additional complexity and cost while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 accurate and reliable determination of loading/unloading times and road conditions, enhancing operational efficiency and productivity by automating the tracking of vehicle activities and optimizing mining processes.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes data detected by an acceleration detector and a location detector to determine whether the detected acceleration is due to vehicle loading, unloading or travel
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A system for determining vehicle loading and unloading comprises an acceleration detector provided, on a vehicle, a location detector for detecting the location of the vehicle and a processor that receives information detected by the acceleration detector and location detector and determines whether the detected acceleration is due to vehicle loading, unloading or travel, based on the received information. A timer may be started, when vehicle loading or unloading is determined, such that the amount of time spent loading or -unloading the vehicle may be obtained. Also, a condition of a traveled surface may be determined based on infomiatioii received from the acceleration detector and location detector.