Wireless Stringline Sensor System for Construction Vehicle Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing string line sensors in construction sites are prone to damage due to their proximity to traffic, leading to potential machine shutdowns and safety risks for workers, as they require physical cables that are exposed and vulnerable to damage.

Innovation Solution

A wireless mechanical string line following system utilizing a master controller and multiple receivers with 802.15.4 wireless radio links for bi-directional communication, along with RFID readers for sensor identification, allowing for over-the-air data transmission and active channel switching to minimize interference, enabling cable-free navigation of construction equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If physical cables are used to connect string line sensors to the control system, then data transmission is reliable, but the cables are exposed to damage from traffic and construction activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidcable damage from traffic

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based communication system with a wireless communication system using transceivers. The string line sensors communicate with the control system via wireless signals (802.15.4 protocol) instead of physical cables, eliminating the mechanical connection that is vulnerable to damage from construction traffic while maintaining reliable data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If string line sensors are placed close to the construction machine for accurate navigation, then navigation precision is improved, but the sensors and cables are exposed to damage from nearby traffic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigation accuracyVSAvoidsensor and cable damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system allows sensors to be positioned optimally for navigation accuracy without the constraint of protected cable routing. The transceivers enable data transmission over the required distance without physical cable exposure to traffic hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless transceivers act as intermediaries between the string line sensors and the control system, enabling communication without direct physical cable connections that would need to traverse hazardous zones near construction traffic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8855834B2Sensing system for following a stringline

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A sensing system for providing string line vehicle automation. The system includes a master controller that is electrically connected to a receiver that has a transceiver that provides over-the-air communication to a plurality of sensors that are aligned along a string line. The transceivers receive information from the plurality of sensors in order to automate the control of the vehicle to ensure the vehicle drives in a straight line.