Excavating system utilizing machine-to-machine communication
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsStephen J. Morey, Timothy A. Vik, Quentin D. Burt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for enhancing productivity for an excavating operation is disclosed. The method includes establishing a machine-to-machine communication system for a fleet of machines, including at least two machines. The method also includes removing material during the excavating operation with at least a first machine of the fleet of machines. The method additionally includes operating a second machine of the fleet of machines in a mode involving contact between at least the first machine and the second machine. The method further includes employing the machine-to-machine communication system to effect controlled contact between at least the first machine and the second machine.
Claims26
A method for enhancing productivity for an excavating operation, the method comprising:
- using a machine-to-machine communication system to allow a first machine and a second machine of a fleet of machines to communicate with each other;
- employing the machine-to-machine communication system to send a communication relating to at least one monitored characteristic of the second machine to the first machine as the second machine approaches the first machine;
- and
- automatically controlling a speed of the first machine based on the communication in order to physically contact the first and second machines;
- and further including:
- operating the first machine in a load phase to remove material during the excavating operation while the first and second machines are physically contacting;
- wherein the first machine is a first wheel tractor scraper and the speed of the first wheel tractor scraper is automatically controlled based on the communication while operating the first wheel tractor scraper in the load phase.
A system for enhancing productivity for an excavating operation, the system comprising:
- a fleet of mobiles machines including a first machine and a second machine, the first machine being configured to remove material during the excavating operation, and the first and second machines configured to operate in a mode involving physical contact between the first and second machines during the excavating operation;
- a machine-to-machine communication system configured to provide communication between the first and second machines relating to at least one monitored characteristic of the first and second machines;
- and
- at least one controller being configured to automatically control a speed of at least one of the first machine or the second machine based on the communication such that the second machine physically contacts and pushes the first machine;
- the at least one controller being further configured to automatically control, based on the communication, a mechanism that engages the first machine and the second machine such that the first machine pulls the second machine.
A machine configured to load and transport a quantity of material, the machine being one of a fleet of machines, the machine comprising:
- an element configured to enable the machine to physically contact and exert a force on an additional machine of the fleet of machines;
- a machine-to-machine communication system configured to enable communication between the machine and the additional machine, the communication relating to at least one monitored characteristic of the additional machine as the additional machine approaches the machine;
- and
- a controller configured to automatically control a speed of the machine based on the communication in order to physically contact the machine and the additional machine;
- wherein the machine is a wheel tractor scraper.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.