Work Machine Instability Prediction Using Terrain Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for predicting the risk of rollover in work machines, such as those described in WO2016/195557, have limited accuracy, failing to adequately account for terrain conditions and machine stability, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in operation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize on-board sensors and independent surveying devices to generate ground condition and surface topography data, processing this information to predict the risk of instability for work machines moving along a route, including the use of sensors like ground penetration radar and LIDAR to assess terrain compaction and surface profiles, thereby improving the accuracy of rollover and sliding risk assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing monitoring systems use basic ground gradient data to predict rollover risk, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision and reliability of rollover risk prediction are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverollover risk prediction accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple monitoring systems including ground gradient sensors, terrain condition sensors, machine stability sensors, and weather condition sensors into a single integrated monitoring system. This merging of multiple data sources and sensor types enables comprehensive rollover risk assessment with high measurement precision while managing system complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring ground gradient, assessing terrain conditions, monitoring machine stability, and evaluating weather conditions. This multi-functional approach allows a single system to provide comprehensive rollover risk prediction accuracy without requiring separate dedicated systems for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the monitoring system incorporates multiple sensor types and comprehensive terrain data, then the reliability of instability risk prediction is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstability risk prediction reliabilityVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges ground gradient sensors, terrain condition sensors, machine stability sensors, and weather condition sensors into an integrated monitoring system. This combination ensures reliable instability risk prediction by collecting comprehensive data from multiple sources while managing complexity through unified system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring system continuously collects data from multiple sensors and provides real-time feedback on instability risk. This feedback mechanism enhances reliability by enabling continuous monitoring and dynamic adjustment of risk assessment based on changing terrain and machine conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If real-time terrain and machine data are continuously monitored and processed, then the productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but the use of energy and computational resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption for monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system performs periodic data collection and processing at optimized intervals rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic action maintains high operational efficiency by providing timely instability risk warnings while reducing energy consumption and computational load compared to truly continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors all relevant parameters but processes and acts on critical data selectively. By focusing computational resources on the most significant instability indicators while still collecting comprehensive data, the system achieves high productivity without excessive energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enhances the accuracy of predicting rollover and sliding risks, allowing for more stable and efficient operation of work machines by providing real-time data on terrain conditions and machine stability, enabling operators to avoid hazardous areas and optimize routes.

Implementation Method 1

the use of sensors like ground penetration radar and LIDAR to assess terrain compaction and surface profiles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 2

the use of sensors like ground penetration radar and LIDAR to assess terrain compaction and surface profiles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP3635334B1Improvements in the stability of work machines
Publication Date: 2022.03.23 CATERPILLAR SARL
  • EP3635334B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3635334B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3635334B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to improvements in the stability of work machines (11). A method for predicting a risk of instability for one or more work machine(s) (11) moving along a route (12) along terrain (13) of a worksite (14) is provided. Ground condition data indicative of the ground condition of the terrain (13) along the route (12) is obtained. Surface topography data indicative of the surface topography of the terrain (13) along the route (12) is obtained. Route data indicative of the route (12) along the terrain (13) is generated. The ground condition data, the surface topography data and the route data are processed to generate risk data indicative of a risk of instability along the route (12).