Work Machine Derating Using Geocached Wireless Signal Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remotely controlled work machines become inoperable when wireless communication is lost, posing safety risks, especially when moving, due to the unpredictable nature of wireless communication availability at work sites.
Innovation Solution
A work machine controller determines approaching geographical locations and predicts signal quality using a signal map, derating or rerating operational parameters based on derating or rerating criteria to manage communication loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the work machine operates at full capability, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates when wireless communication is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary derating of operational parameters before wireless communication is completely lost by predicting signal quality based on geographical location. This proactive reduction in machine capability ensures that when communication failure occurs, the machine is already in a safer state with reduced inertia and lower operational risk, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining productivity and ensuring safety.
2Reliability
If wireless communication coverage is expanded using fixed access points, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine autonomously monitors its own geographical location and predicts signal quality without requiring external infrastructure assistance. The machine self-manages its operational parameters by derating based on predicted communication quality, eliminating the need for complex fixed access point infrastructure while maintaining safety and communication reliability.
3Reliability
If the work machine slows down to stop when communication is lost, then safety is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller preliminarily reduces operational parameters and slows the machine down before communication is completely lost by predicting signal quality deterioration based on geographical location. This proactive speed reduction minimizes the distance and time required to stop when communication failure occurs, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and time loss by preparing the machine in advance.
Data Source
AI summary
When a remotely controlled work machine loses a wireless connection on a work site, operation of the work machine should be terminated for safety purposes. However, if the work machine is moving when the wireless connection is lost, the work machine will continue moving for some time due to inertia. Accordingly, embodiments predict the signal quality of a wireless connection as a work machine approaches a new geographical location. When the predicted signal quality is low, the work machine may be proactively derated before it enters the geographical location. After entering the geographical location, if the actual signal quality is significantly better than the predicted signal quality, the work machine may be rerated. The predicted signal qualities may be determined based on a signal map that is independently maintained and updated by each work machine, so as to evolve over time with the work site and the work machine.