Worksite Gear Recommendation System for Machine Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing worksite management systems fail to assist machine operators in selecting optimal gears based on machine operation and worksite conditions, leading to suboptimal machine efficiency and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the need for machine propulsion or retarding based on threshold conditions and recommend the appropriate gear to the operator, using data from sensors and a remote worksite controller to optimize gear selection for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator uses familiar gear selection methods based on experience, then the operation is simple and familiar, but the machine operating efficiency is reduced due to gear limiting
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows the operator to maintain manual gear selection control while the controller automatically monitors machine performance data and worksite conditions, providing gear recommendations that the operator can accept or reject. This self-service approach preserves operator autonomy while incorporating automated efficiency optimizations.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously collects machine performance data from data acquisition modules and worksite condition data, analyzes this information, and provides feedback to the operator in the form of recommended gears. This closed-loop feedback system enables the operator to make informed gear selection decisions based on real-time data rather than relying solely on experience.
2Productivity
If the system provides automated gear recommendations, then the machine operating efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions: it monitors machine performance data, collects worksite condition data, analyzes this information to determine performance irregularities, and provides gear recommendations. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single controller, the system achieves high functionality while managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides functionality into distinct modules: data acquisition modules for collecting machine performance data, separate modules for collecting worksite condition data, and a controller that analyzes both data types. This segmentation allows each module to be independently developed and optimized while working together to achieve the overall goal of improved gear selection.
3Measurement precision
If the system monitors multiple data parameters, then the gear recommendation accuracy is improved, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-establishes the relationship between machine performance data, worksite condition data, and optimal gear selection through the controller's analysis capabilities. By preparing and analyzing data beforehand, the system can quickly provide accurate gear recommendations without complex real-time processing during critical decision moments.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a machine at a worksite includes determining data associated with at least one of a machine operation at the worksite and a worksite condition, and determining, based on the data, that one of machine propulsion and machine retarding will be required for greater than a corresponding threshold. The method also includes determining, in response to determining that machine propulsion will be required, a desired propulsion gear, and recommending the propulsion gear to an operator of the machine. The method further includes determining, in response to determining that machine retarding will be required, a desired retarding gear, and recommending the retarding gear to the operator. In such a method, the retarding gear is determined based on a maximum temperature associated with the machine.