Work Machine Coordination for Precise Material Discharge Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for coordinating the maneuvers between milling machines and hauling trucks in pavement milling operations require skilled operators to maintain relative speed and position, making it challenging for less skilled operators to perform efficiently and reducing the workload on skilled operators.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a distance control mechanism, sensors, and a messenger to select path information for a dwell location and indicate relocation of a bounded area, allowing for coordinated maneuvers among work machines with improved precision and reduced operator workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If skilled operators manually coordinate the maneuvers between milling machine and hauling truck, then the relative speed and position can be maintained for efficient pavement milling, but the workload on operators is high and less skilled operators cannot perform the maneuver efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical coordination system with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect the relative position and speed between the milling machine and hauling truck, while a controller automatically adjusts the discharge chute position and conveyor belt speed to maintain optimal material transfer, eliminating the need for skilled manual coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through sensors that monitor the relative position and speed of the two machines, as well as the material flow conditions. This feedback is processed by the controller to automatically adjust operational parameters, ensuring consistent efficient operation regardless of operator skill level.
2Ease of operation
If automated control systems are implemented to assist machine operators, then the operator skill requirement is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it processes sensor data from various sources, controls the discharge chute positioning, regulates the conveyor belt speed, and monitors material flow conditions. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single integrated control unit, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-regulating, automatically adjusting operational parameters based on real-time sensor feedback without requiring constant operator intervention. The controller autonomously maintains optimal coordination between the milling machine and hauling truck, reducing the complexity of manual operation while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine discharges material through a discharge port at a moving discharge target in a coordinated maneuver during which the discharge target is confined to a bounded area. A distance control mechanism selects path information to a dwell location of the coordinated maneuver. Sensors generate respective signals by which a relative position of the discharge port to the bounded area are indicated during the coordinated maneuver. A messenger indicates the selected path information to compel relocation of the bounded area according thereto.