Systems and methods for improving haul route management
First Claim
1. A method for improving haul route management, comprising:
- receiving performance criteria associated with a haul route;
establishing a target total effective grade for at least one machine associated with the haul route based on the performance criteria;
collecting performance data associated with the at least one machine;
determining a drive axle torque of the at least one machine and estimating an actual total effective grade associated with the at least one machine based on the drive axle torque; and
identifying the at least one machine as an underperforming machine if the actual total effective grade for the at least one machine exceeds the target total effective grade.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for managing haul routes in work environments comprises receiving performance criteria associated with a haul route and establishing a target total effective grade for at least one machine associated with the haul route based on the performance criteria. The method also includes collecting performance data associated with the at least one machine. A drive axle torque of the at least one machine is determined and an actual total effective grade associated with the at least one machine is estimated. The at least one machine is identified as an underperforming machine if the actual total effective grade for the at least one machine exceeds the target total effective grade. An average total effective grade for the at least one machine is determined as a function of the actual total effective grade. A haul route deficiency is identified if the average total effective grade exceeds a threshold level.
42 Citations
24 Claims
-
1. A method for improving haul route management, comprising:
-
receiving performance criteria associated with a haul route; establishing a target total effective grade for at least one machine associated with the haul route based on the performance criteria; collecting performance data associated with the at least one machine; determining a drive axle torque of the at least one machine and estimating an actual total effective grade associated with the at least one machine based on the drive axle torque; and identifying the at least one machine as an underperforming machine if the actual total effective grade for the at least one machine exceeds the target total effective grade. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method for improving haul route management, comprising:
-
receiving performance criteria associated with a haul route; collecting performance data associated with a plurality of machines operating on the haul route; determining, based on the collected performance data, whether actual performance of the haul route is consistent with the performance criteria; simulating a design performance of each machine; comparing the collected performance data with simulated design performance data and identifying one or more underperforming machines based on the comparison; identifying a potential problem with the haul route if a total number of underperforming machines exceeds a threshold number; and generating a performance report providing one or more recommendations for improving haul route management. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
-
20. A haul route management system, comprising:
-
a condition monitoring system in data communication with at least one machine operating in a work environment and configured to collect performance data associated with the at least one machine; a torque estimator communicatively coupled to the condition monitoring system and configured to determine a drive axle torque of the at least one machine and estimate a total effective grade associated with the at least one machine based on the drive axle torque; a performance simulator communicatively coupled to the torque estimator and the condition monitoring system, wherein the performance simulator is configured to; establish a target total effective grade for the at least one machine based on the performance criteria; collect performance data associated with the at least one machine; monitor an average total effective grade for the at least one machine, wherein the average total effective grade is calculated as a function of the actual total effective grade for the at least one machine; and identify a potential haul route deficiency if the average total effective grade exceeds a threshold level. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
-
Specification