Work Machine Turn Detection and Winker Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of established techniques for using direction indicators on unmanned work machines in mines to enhance safety, as existing methods do not effectively communicate the running direction of autonomous vehicles to manned vehicles or operators.
Innovation Solution
A control system for work machines that includes a turn determination unit and a winker control unit, which determines if the machine is making a turn with a predetermined curvature radius or less over a certain distance and outputs a winker control signal to illuminate direction indicators based on running condition data, including position and target azimuth data, to indicate turns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direction indicator is used on an unmanned work machine, then the safety of the mine is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into distinct functional modules: a turn determination unit that analyzes running condition data to detect turns, and a winker control unit that manages the direction indicator. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable and less complex while still achieving the safety improvement through coordinated operation of these simplified components.
2Reliability
If turn detection based on running condition data is implemented, then the safety is improved, but the calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The turn determination unit does not need to calculate complete geometric parameters of turns. Instead, it performs partial action by detecting whether the work machine is making a turn based on changes in running condition data (position, target azimuth). This partial detection approach is sufficient for safety purposes without requiring excessive calculation complexity for precise turn geometry analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses the work machine's own running condition data (position, target azimuth) to determine turns. The system serves itself by utilizing data already generated during normal operation, eliminating the need for additional sensors or external reference systems. This self-service approach reduces calculation complexity while maintaining safety improvement.
3Loss of information
If winker control signal is output based on turn determination, then the communication of running direction is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The winker control unit is extracted as a separate functional module from the main control system. This extraction allows the direction indicator control to be managed independently based on simple turn determination signals. The control system complexity is reduced by separating the information communication function (winker control) from the primary running control functions, enabling each to be optimized independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a work machine includes: a turn determination unit configured to determine whether the work machine makes a turn with a predetermined curvature radius or less over a predetermined distance or more, based on running condition data including at least position data and target azimuth data for performing running control of the work machine; and a winkers control unit configured to output a winker control signal based on a determination result of the turn determination unit.