Work Machine Controller Person Detection Safety

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work machine automatic control systems do not adequately consider the presence of people in the peripheral environment, which can lead to safety risks during loading operations.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that includes a controller and detection device to transition from a standby mode to a loading mode only when no person is detected in the peripheral region, ensuring safe automatic operation by preventing loading when people are present.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automatic control mode is activated without person detection, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to potential hazards to persons in the peripheral region

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading work efficiencyVSAvoidsafety risk to persons

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device performs person detection in advance before the work machine activates automatic loading mode. The controller checks the detection result and only permits mode transition when no persons are detected in the peripheral region, thereby eliminating safety risks before they can materialize.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device serves as an intermediary between the operator and the automatic control system. It provides real-time information about persons in the peripheral region, enabling the controller to make informed decisions about mode transitions and ensuring safety before automatic operation begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If person detection is implemented before mode transition, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional detection device and control logic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is integrated into the existing control system architecture, serving multiple functions: detecting persons in the peripheral region, providing input signals for mode transition control, and potentially supporting other safety functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The person detection function is merged with the automatic control mode transition logic. The controller combines the detection device output with other control parameters to determine whether to permit mode transition, creating a unified control system rather than separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11788254B2System and method for controlling work machine

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 KOMATSU LTD

AI summary

A system controls a work machine that loads materials onto a conveyance vehicle. The system includes a controller and a detection device. The controller controls the work machine in an automatic control mode in which work is performed automatically. The detection device detects a presence of a person in a peripheral region of the work machine. The automatic control mode includes a loading mode in which the work machine is caused to move to perform loading work for loading onto the conveyance vehicle, and an other mode other than the loading mode. The controller causes the automatic control mode to transition from the other mode to the loading mode when a predetermined transition condition is satisfied. The predetermined transition condition includes non-detection of a person by the detection device.