AUTOMATIC WATERING OF WORKSITE

Abstract

A method for automatic watering of a zone on a worksite by a watering truck is provided. The method includes identifying a boundary of the zone on the worksite. The method further includes determining a position and heading of the watering truck on the worksite. The method further includes detecting if the position and the heading of the watering truck on the worksite is such that the watering truck is within the identified boundary of the zone. The method also includes selectively triggering one or more spray heads of the watering truck based, at least in part, on the detection.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a worksite management system, and more particularly to a system and method for control of watering of a worksite.

BACKGROUND

Watering of a worksite may be done using a watering truck to spray water generally about the worksite. These watering trucks may be manned, autonomous or semi-autonomous machines that distribute water to different areas of the worksite on which the watering truck operates. The watering truck traverses the worksite from one work location to another, sometimes over or under watering specific areas on the worksite. For example, the worksite may be divided into zones requiring watering, such that that the operator drives the watering truck to distribute water to a certain subset of the zones. Accordingly, these zones are appropriately watered via the manipulation of watering characteristics of equipment on the watering truck.

However, the zones may be non-sequential, larger, and include complex geometric areas; due to which proper water distribution among some portions of the zones may not be achieved. Thus, in such situations, manual intervention of the operator of the watering truck is required to control the water distribution.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,954,719, hereinafter referred to as the '719 patent, relates to method and system for controlling work site dust conditions. The '719 patent describes a mobile dust control machine configured to treat a dust condition within a work location. The '719 patent also describes monitoring a dust condition of the work location, and employing the mobile dust control machine based on the monitoring. However, the '719 patent does not describe automatic watering of specific portions of the worksite.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect of the present disclosure, method for automatic watering of a zone on a worksite by a watering truck is provided. The method includes identifying a boundary of the zone on the worksite. The method further includes determining a position and a heading of the watering truck on the worksite. The method further includes detecting if the position and the heading of the watering truck on the worksite are such that the watering truck is within the identified boundary of the zone. The method also includes selectively triggering one or more spray heads of the watering truck based, at least in part, on the detection.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an exemplary watering truck, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary watering system of the watering truck of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3 to 6 are schematic views of a worksite and the watering truck in operation thereon, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for automatic watering by the watering truck, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to specific aspects or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, corresponding or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of an exemplary watering truck 100, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The watering truck 100 may be configured to dispense a fluid. The watering truck 100 of FIG. 1 is shown as a truck, typically used in off-highway applications, capable of dispensing the fluid. However, other types of mobile machines may be employed, for example, articulated trucks, on-highway trucks, tractor-scrapers, tractors in combination with trailers, and the like.

The watering truck 100 may include a variety of piping, hoses, pumps and valves for fluid transmission and/or distribution purposes. In particular, the watering truck 100 is configured to spray water at a worksite 300 (see FIG. 3). However, the present disclosure may also apply to other types of mobile machines configured to distribute water or other types of fluids in a wide variety of applications. For example, a tractor pulling a trailer may be used to distribute chemicals in agricultural settings, an on-highway truck may be configured to spray a saline solution on roads, runways, or parking lots to melt snow and ice, or other varieties of applications and setups may be used.

The watering truck 100 includes an engine (not shown), for example, an internal combustion engine or any other power source, which may be supported on a frame 102 of the watering truck 100. Although different arrangements and setups are contemplated, as shown in FIG. 1, the watering truck 100 includes among other systems, a fluid dispensing arrangement 104 disposed on the frame 102. The fluid dispensing arrangement 104 may be powered by the engine. Further, the engine is configured to provide power to a number of other systems and devices (not shown) in addition to the fluid dispensing arrangement 104. The fluid dispensing arrangement 104 includes a fluid source 106 and one or more spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 fluidly connected thereto. The fluid dispensing arrangement 104 further includes a delivery pump 110 mechanically coupled to a motor 118 and fluidly connected to the fluid source 106. The delivery pump 110 is configured to deliver the pressurized fluid.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid dispensing arrangement 104 further includes a fluid manifold 112, and the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 (four in number shown in FIGS. 1, 3-6) mounted onto the fluid manifold 112. The fluid manifold 112 is fluidly coupled to the delivery pump 110 and configured to receive the pressurized fluid from the delivery pump 110. The spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 are configured to dispense the pressurized fluid. Although four spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 are shown in accompanying figures, it is to be noted that number of spray heads mounted onto the fluid manifold 112 is merely exemplary in nature and hence, non-limiting of this disclosure. Any number of the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 may be employed in the fluid dispensing arrangement 104 depending on specific requirements of the application. Moreover, the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 may be mounted on the watering truck 100 at any desired location or orientation to provide suitable coverage of the worksite 300. In one embodiment, the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 are positioned as to provide a desired spray pattern having a width suitable to cover a predetermined surface area of the worksite 300, such as a portion of a typical mine haul road, without having the various sprays overlap.

As shown in FIG. 1, the fluid dispensing arrangement 104 further includes an electronic control module (ECM) 114 electrically connected to the motor 118. The ECM 114 controls one or more actuators (not shown) associated with the motor 118 of the fluid dispensing arrangement 104. Further, the ECM 114 is electrically connected to a pressure sensor (not shown) located at the fluid manifold 112 and the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 via one or more solenoids 116.

The ECM 114 is configured to modulate a speed of the motor 118 such that a fluid output from the delivery pump 110 is varied, i.e., a flow rate and/or pressure of the fluid from the delivery pump 110 are varied. Varying the fluid output from the delivery pump 110 may increase or decrease a pressure of the fluid. In an embodiment, the dispensing of the fluid from the watering truck 100 is based on an automated command. Based on the automated command, the ECM 114 transmits corresponding control signals for controlling an operation of the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 of the fluid dispensing arrangement 104. Alternatively, the dispensing of the fluid from the watering truck 100 may involve a manual manifold 112 such that the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 may be manually controlled by an operator to dispense the fluid at an increased or decreased flow rate and/or pressure or operator command.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary automatic watering system 200, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The automatic watering system 200 includes a position detection module 202. The position detection module 202 is configured to generate a signal based on a current position and a heading of the watering truck 100 on the worksite 300. The heading is indicative of an orientation of the watering truck 100 on the worksite 300. The position detection module 202 may be any one or a combination of a Global Positioning System, a Global Navigation Satellite System, a Pseudolite/Pseudo-Satellite, and any other Satellite Navigation System, an Inertial Navigation System or any other known position detection system known in the art. The position detection module 202 may be provided on the watering truck 100.

In one embodiment, the watering truck 100 may additionally include an orientation sensor (not shown) configured to generate a signal indicative of the heading of the watering truck 100 on the surface of the worksite 300. For example, the orientation sensor may include, but not limited to, a laser-level sensor, a tilt sensor, inclinometer, a radio direction finder, a gyrocompass, a fluxgate compass, or another known device operable to determine a relative pitch, yaw, and/or roll of the watering truck 100 as the watering truck 100 operates at the worksite 300.

As shown in FIG. 2, the position detection module 202 may be communicably coupled to a watering controller 204. The watering controller 204 is further communicably coupled to a database 206. The database 206 may include any known data repository containing data that can be queried, stored, or retrieved by the watering controller 204. The watering controller 204 is located on-board the watering truck 100. Alternatively, the watering controller 204 may be located at a remote location. The watering controller 204 is configured to receive the position signal and the heading from the position detection module 202. The watering controller 204 is further communicably coupled to the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4. Accordingly, the watering controller 204 is configured to operate the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 to deliver the pressurized fluid on the worksite 300.

The watering controller 204 is configured to determine the position and the heading of the watering truck 100 relative to the worksite 300, and operation of the watering truck 100 on the worksite 300 based on the signal from the position detection module 202. The watering controller 204 defines boundary conditions for the zone 302 on the worksite 300. The boundary conditions identifies a boundary 304 (see FIG. 3) of the zone 302 on the worksite 300. The boundary 304 is representative of a virtual demarcation of the zone 302 on the worksite 300. The boundary 304 may include any regular or irregular geometrical shape. Alternatively, the watering controller 204 may retrieve the boundary 304 from the database 206.

In operation, referring to FIG. 3, as the watering truck 100 approaches the worksite 300 to perform the watering event and receives input from the position detection module 202. The watering truck 100 may be an autonomous or semi-autonomous truck configured to traverse the worksite 300 about a path of traversal, shown as “POT”. The path of traversal “POT” may be a pre-defined or an extempore path provided to the watering truck 100. Alternatively the path of traversal “POT” may be determined by the watering controller 204 in real time. The path of traversal “POT” associated with the watering truck 100 includes multiple passes on the worksite 300. An exemplary portion of the path of traversal “POT” is shown in the accompanying figures using a dashed line.

Based on the signals received from the position detection module 202, the watering controller 204 detects if the position and the heading of the watering truck 100 on the worksite 300 is such that the watering truck 100 is located within the identified boundary 304 of the zone 302. More particularly, the watering controller 204 selectively triggers the respective spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 that lie within the boundary 304 of the zone 302. In one embodiment, when the watering controller 204 detects that the watering truck 100 is within the boundary 304 of the zone 302, the watering controller 204 further identifies if an area of the zone 302 lying in the path of traversal “POT” of the watering truck 100 requires watering. This watering information may be retrieved from the database 206.

As mentioned earlier, the watering controller 204 is in communication with the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 disposed on the watering truck 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the watering controller 204 selectively triggers the spray heads 108-1, 108-2 to start the watering event based on the position and the heading of the watering truck 100 and the watering requirement of the area. The watering controller 204 however does not actuate the spray heads 108-3, 108-4, since the region of watering of the spray heads 108-3, 108-4 does not lie within the boundary 304.

Referring to FIG. 4, as the watering truck 100 moves along the path of traversal “POT” all of the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 are triggered by the watering controller 204, thereby watering the area “A1” (shown using hatch lines). In this scenario, the watering truck 100 is within the boundary 304 of the zone 302, the region of watering of all of the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 is within the boundary 304.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, once the watering truck 100 reaches the boundary 304 of the zone 302, the watering truck 100 is repositioned about the path of traversal “POT” to achieve watering of another area, lying adjacent to the area “A1” on the zone 302 that is defined within the boundary 304. As shown in FIG. 5, during the repositioning of the watering truck 100, the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 are switched off or in non-operational state, since the watering truck 100 is no longer within the boundary 304, as identified by the watering controller 204.

Referring to FIG. 6, the watering truck 100 further moves along the path of traversal “POT” for watering the area adjacent to the area “A1”. Since the region of watering of the spray heads 108-1, 108-2 is such that the said area “A1” is already watered, the watering controller 204 switches off the spray heads 108-1, 108-2. Accordingly, as is clearly seen, the watering event of the area adjacent to the area “A1” is achieved on operation of the spray heads 108-3, 108-4 by the watering controller 204. This watered area is shown as A2 in FIG. 6 using hatch lines.

In one embodiment, the watering controller 204 may be communicably coupled to a display unit (not shown) present within an operator cabin of the watering truck 100. Accordingly, the display unit may be configured to notify the operator of the discharge of the fluid on the worksite 300. The display unit may include any screen, monitor or display panel known in the art. An exemplary display of the display unit includes providing an outline or demarcation of the zone 302 on which fluid is discharged on a map of the worksite 300.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, the watering controller 204 may further be coupled to one or more sensors or components of the fluid dispensing arrangement 104 in order to determine a quantity of the fluid discharged by the watering truck 100. More particularly, based on one or more parameters associated with a flow of the fluid from the fluid dispensing arrangement 104, the watering controller 204 may determine the quantity of the fluid discharged from the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4. The one or more parameters may include, but not limited to, an area of the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4, pressure of the fluid being discharged from the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4, speed of the delivery pump 110 and so on.

Additionally or optionally, the watering controller 204 may also be configured to determine if the area “A1”, “A2” is receiving a required amount of the fluid. The watering controller 204 may be configured to receive signals indicative of a speed and/or the heading of the watering truck 100 in order to determine if the estimated quantity of the fluid is being discharged in a localized area on the worksite 300. For example, in a situation wherein the watering truck 100 is in a stationary position on the worksite 300 and a relatively large quantity of the fluid is being discharged in the given area “A1”, “A2” on the worksite 300, the watering controller 204 may determine that the area “A1”, “A2” is being flooded.

The watering controller 204 may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors that includes a means for receiving signals from the position detection module 202. Numerous commercially available microprocessors may be configured to perform the functions of the watering controller 204. It should be appreciated that the watering controller 204 may readily embody a general machine microprocessor capable of controlling numerous machine functions. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the watering controller 204 may additionally include other components and may also perform other functionality not described herein. It should be understood that the embodiments and the configurations and connections explained herein are merely on an exemplary basis and may not limit the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is related to a method 700 for automatic watering of the zone 302 on the worksite 300 by the watering truck 100, industrial applicability of the method 700 described herein with reference to FIG. 7 will be readily appreciated from the foregoing discussion.

At step 702, identification of the boundary 304 of the zone 302 on the worksite 300 is achieved by the watering controller 204. At step 704, determination of the position and the heading of the watering truck 100 on the worksite 300 is achieved by the watering controller 204 based on the position signal received from the position detection module 202. In an example, the position detection module 202 determines the position and the heading of the watering truck 100 relative to the boundary 304.

At step 706, the watering controller 204 detects if the position and the heading of the watering truck 100 on the worksite 300 is such that the watering truck 100 is within the identified boundary 304 of the zone 302. At step 708, the watering controller 204 selectively triggers the one or more spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 for distributing water on the worksite 300 based on the position and the heading of the watering truck relative to the boundary 304 of the zone 302. More particularly, if the region of watering of each of the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 lies within the boundary 304 and the given region is not watered, the appropriate spray head is activated.

The components disclosed in reference to the watering truck 100, i.e. the position detection module 202 and the watering controller 204 assist the operator of the watering truck 100 in achieving automatic watering of the zone 302. Further, the method 700 enables the autonomous or the semi-autonomous watering truck 100 to follow the set path of traversal “POT”, while the watering operation is controlled by the watering controller 204. Further, selective operation of the spray heads 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 avoids re-watering of an already watered portion on the worksite 300. Thereby reducing wastage, preventing overwatering, improving overall efficiency, and productivity of the process.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method for automatic watering of a zone on a worksite by a watering truck, the method comprising:

identifying a boundary of the zone on the worksite;

determining a position and a heading of the watering truck on the worksite;

detecting if the position and the heading of the watering truck on the worksite is such that the watering truck is within the identified boundary of the zone; and

selectively triggering one or more spray heads of the watering truck based, at least in part, on the detection.