Worksite Avoidance System Using Sensor-Based Disturbance Zone Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing worksite avoidance systems struggle to detect and navigate around dynamic disturbance zones on material piles, particularly when obstacles are not evident on the surface due to uneven terrain, unstable footing, or 'crusting' of materials, making it difficult for vehicles and workers to visually avoid these zones.
Innovation Solution
A worksite avoidance system that uses sensors to dynamically map the surface of material piles, identify disturbance zones based on the angle of repose and known opening locations, and transmit alerts to vehicles to maintain a safe distance from these zones, employing LIDAR, RADAR, or other sensing technologies to provide real-time data for vehicle operators or autonomous systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual observation methods are used to detect obstacles, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but obstacles such as disturbance zones on material piles that are not visually apparent cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual observation (mechanical/sensory system) with sensor-based detection systems including LIDAR, RADAR, cameras, and other sensing technologies. These sensors automatically detect disturbance zones and obstacles without relying on human visual perception, thereby improving detection reliability for non-visual obstacles while the processing system handles the complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and processing systems as intermediaries between the vehicle and the environment. These intermediaries detect disturbance zones and translate them into actionable information, bridging the gap between physical obstacles and vehicle control systems, thereby enabling reliable detection of previously undetectable obstacles.
2Reliability
If terrain surface mapping is used to avoid obstacles, then vehicles can avoid visible terrain obstacles, but obstacles not evident on the surface such as unstable disturbance zones cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static terrain mapping to dynamic disturbance zone detection. Sensors continuously monitor and update the location and characteristics of disturbance zones in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and detect unstable areas that static maps would miss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects changes in material properties and surface characteristics by monitoring parameters such as surface texture, elevation changes, and material stability. By detecting these parameter changes, the system identifies disturbance zones before they become apparent through traditional visual inspection.
3Ease of operation
If autonomous vehicles operate on worksites without real-time disturbance zone information, then the control system is simpler, but vehicles may enter unstable zones causing damage or injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously provide information about disturbance zones to the vehicle control system. This real-time feedback enables autonomous vehicles to adjust their paths and avoid unstable areas without complicating the operation, as the system handles the complexity of safety monitoring automatically.
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
The system effectively prevents vehicles from entering unstable disturbance zones by providing real-time alerts and navigation assistance, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by dynamically tracking and avoiding dynamic obstacles that may not be visually apparent.
Implementation Method 1
employing LIDAR, RADAR, or other sensing technologies to provide real-time data
Implementation Method 2
employing LIDAR, RADAR, or other sensing technologies to provide real-time data
Data Source
AI summary
An avoidance system is disclosed for operating a vehicle on a pile of material on a worksite, the material being released through an opening at the worksite and causing a disturbance zone to form on a surface of the pile. The system has a sensor positioned at the worksite and configured to sense the surface of the pile, and a processor in communication with the sensor and the vehicle. The processor is configured to identify the disturbance zone based on the sensed surface and a known location of the opening, and to transmit a signal indicative of the disturbance zone to the vehicle.