Automated Vehicle Positioning for Moving Material Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in accurately coordinating the relative positions and speeds of lead and follower vehicles during material loading, especially when both are moving, due to variations in vehicle positions, leading to inefficiencies in container loading processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the leader and follower vehicle locations, calculate and establish target relative positions, adjust the follower vehicle's position to align with the lead vehicle's chute or conduit, and use sensors to detect material fullness levels to optimize loading by shifting positions based on storage capacity and yield rates, ensuring efficient material transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual coordination of vehicle positions is used, then operators can attempt to coordinate relative positions, but accuracy deteriorates due to variations in vehicle positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coordination with an automated control system that uses sensors (cameras, LIDAR, GPS) and computer algorithms to determine vehicle locations and calculate relative positions. This substitution of mechanical/manual systems with automated sensing and computing systems resolves the contradiction by providing both high accuracy and reliability in position coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the observed relative position between vehicles and compares it to target relative positions, then automatically adjusts the follower vehicle's position based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures accurate and reliable position coordination by constantly correcting deviations from target positions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the follower vehicle maintains a fixed position, then alignment with the chute is achieved, but container space utilization deteriorates when zones become full
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the follower vehicle's target position based on real-time container fill status. When a loading zone becomes full (detected by weight sensors or electromagnetic sensors), the system automatically shifts the target position to align with empty zones. This dynamic adaptation maintains precise chute alignment while optimizing container space utilization and preventing unnecessary stops.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the target position parameters (distance and angle) of the follower vehicle based on container fill levels. By modifying these positional parameters in response to sensor feedback about zone fullness, the system maintains alignment precision while maximizing productivity through continuous loading of available space.
3Productivity
If the follower vehicle shifts position frequently, then container space is optimized, but position stability deteriorates during material transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic position adjustments rather than continuous shifting. The follower vehicle maintains a stable position during active material transfer, then shifts to a new target position when sensor feedback indicates a zone is full. This periodic action pattern optimizes container space while maintaining position stability during critical transfer operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous loading by planning position shifts in advance and executing them smoothly. By maintaining stability during transfer and only shifting when necessary (when zones are full), the system keeps the loading process continuous without interruption, optimizing both space utilization and position stability.
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
This solution enables precise alignment and efficient loading of materials between moving vehicles, optimizing the use of container space and improving the throughput rate by automatically adjusting positions based on real-time data and sensor feedback.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting an electromagnetic signal toward at least one of a reflector or reflective surface mounted in the container of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
detecting a weight associated with a material stored or accumulated in a corresponding portion or zone of the container
Data Source
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AI summary
A leader location-determining receiver (34) determines a leader location of a lead vehicle (400). A follower location-determining receiver (46) determines a follower location of a follower vehicle (405), which has a container for storing a material. A data processor (20) or position module (56) calculates an observed relative position between the lead vehicle (400) and the follower vehicle (405). Target relative positions are established between the lead vehicle and the follower vehicle. A data processor (18, 54) or selector (24) selects a preferential one of the established target positions. A data processor (18) or adjuster (54) adjusts the observed relative position of the follower vehicle (405) to achieve the selected preferential one of the established target positions.