Abstract: A fatigue detection and operator alert system is disclosed for detecting operator fatigue in a machine having a cab, a seat, and a joystick. The fatigue detection and operator alert system comprises an optic sensor positioned non-obstructively facing an operator and configured to output a first signal consisting of images captured of an operator; a pressure sensor configured to provide a second signal indicative of a pressure of an operator hand on the joystick; a thermal sensor configured to provide a third signal indicative of a temperature of the operator; a load sensor configured to provide a fourth signal indicative of a load of an operator foot; and a controller configured to: receive the sensor signals; detect instances of operator fatigue based on the received sensor signals during non-hauling operation; and actuate an alert device to alert the operator when instances of operator fatigue are detected.

Abstract: A battery system includes a battery cell including a housing. The housing includes a plurality of walls that define an outer surface of the housing. The battery system also includes a sensor coupled to the outer surface to determine an adverse thermal event in the cell. The sensor includes a deformable element made of a shape-memory material (SMM) that has a pre-stressed shape. The deformable element is adapted to deform to a memorized shape from the pre-stressed shape in response to an operating temperature of the cell exceeding a predefined temperature threshold for the cell. The memorized shape of the deformable element is different from the pre-stressed shape of the deformable element. A deformity of the deformable element to the memorized shape is indicative of the adverse thermal event in the cell.

Abstract: A battery system includes a cell. The cell includes a including a housing. The housing includes a plurality of walls that define an outer surface of the housing. The housing also includes a sensor coupled to the outer surface of the housing and configured to indicate an adverse thermal event in the cell. The sensor includes a deformable element made of a shape-memory material (SMM) and has a pre-stressed shape. The deformable element is adapted to deform to a memorized shape from the pre-stressed shape in response to an operating temperature of the cell exceeding a predefined temperature threshold for the cell. The memorized shape of the deformable element is different from the pre-stressed shape of the deformable element. A deformity of the deformable element from the pre-stressed shape to the memorized shape is indicative of the adverse thermal event in the cell.

Abstract: A thermal event identification device for detecting thermal events in a battery pack with at least one battery cell. The thermal identification device includes a heat sensitive component, an electrically conductive substrate and a capsule containing an electrolyte. Below a lower threshold temperature, the substrate has a first resistance value. When the heat sensitive component is heated above the threshold temperature the electrolyte is released from the capsule and the substrate is soaked in the electrolyte. This changes the resistance of the substrate to a different resistance value. By measuring the resistance of the electrically conductive substance, a controller can determine whether a thermal event has occurred. The heat sensitive component is positioned adjacent to a battery cell to identify thermal events related to the battery cell.

Abstract: A fatigue detection and operator alert system is disclosed for detecting operator fatigue in a machine having a cab, a seat, and a joystick. The fatigue detection and operator alert system comprises an optic sensor positioned non-obstructively facing an operator and configured to output a first signal consisting of images captured of an operator; a pressure sensor configured to provide a second signal indicative of a pressure of an operator hand on the joystick; a thermal sensor configured to provide a third signal indicative of a temperature of the operator; a load sensor configured to provide a fourth signal indicative of a load of an operator foot; and a controller configured to: receive the sensor signals; detect instances of operator fatigue based on the received sensor signals during non-hauling operation; and actuate an alert device to alert the operator when instances of operator fatigue are detected.