Indeed,, heavy equipment truck operators have challenging responsibilities to complete. In recent years, the productivity of the mines has increased. This has increased the equipment size. Due to this increased size, the blind spots have increased. This, combined with other factors, tends to make situations worse for the workers. This claims 6 million lives each year.
So what’s the solution? Introducing Collision Avoidance System (CAS) as a solution. This automated safety application lowers injury rates, prevents fatalities, and boosts output. This article will give you a detailed guide on collision warning systems and why you need them. Furthermore, it’ll also introduce you to one of the recent technologies used in CAS.
Need For Collision Warning System In Mining
The prime reason why you need a collision avoidance system is the increased accident and death rates in mining. Usually, there aren’t many rules followed during mining. This, combined with other factors such as decreased vision and oversized sight lines, creates a lot of difficulties for vehicle operators. In these situations, a vehicle proximity detection system that uses sensors can significantly help the workers.
This collision warning and avoidance system lend workers a helping hand making detecting hurdles a lot easier. This is why more and more companies are investing in collision avoidance systems. Plus, this allows the workers to use heavy-duty vehicles for longer. This too while avoiding injuries or accidents.
The best part about the mining collision avoidance system is that it increases your production. All you have to do is integrate this into a vehicle’s control system. Now, it will warn you whenever an obstacle is in your path. Also, you can mount them on top of vehicles as an add-on component. This CAS can also differentiate between objects, including trees, rocks, and other personnel.
Main Functions Of Collision Avoidance System
The primary function of the collision warning system is to prevent collisions during mining. The company has made it possible with the help of microwave radars. The radars emit microwave beams, which help detect obstacles in the monitored vicinity.
Although there are many functions of the collision warning system, the major ones are as follows:
- This microwave radar gives you an edge by detecting the area around the vehicle instead of just the front part.
- The collision warning system can build a network of all the working vehicles. This way, they always remain in connection. This dramatically reduces the chances of collision
- Last but not least, the collision warning system effectively increases workers’ work capacity. This is because of the decreased downtime caused by injuries and accidents. Meanwhile, you not only secure the safety of your workers but also gain economic benefits.
Working of Collision Warning System
The answer to “What do collision warning systems do?” is simple. A collision warning system helps workers detect obstacles in their path and take measures accordingly. Here, the system works in two parts.
First, the system uses radar sensors to detect its surroundings. Second, the system’s algorithm informs the worker if the path is clear. In case of an obstacle ahead, the vehicle will slow down to avoid a collision.
Having discussed the general workings of this proximity detection system, let’s take a closer look at how it works.
The system proceeds in the following three ways:
1. Detection
The first step to detecting any obstacle is acknowledging its presence on the path. How is this possible? The millimeter wave radar sensors have a transmitter and receiver. So, if the wave returns disrupted, it signals to the system that something is in the vehicle’s path.
2. Assessment
To determine if the object is a risk for the vehicle, there are a lot of factors that the system needs to take into consideration. These include speed, the vehicle’s direction, location, and the work span of vehicles.
3. Action
Once the system identifies the object, it’s time to take the necessary action. Here, the system uses a buzzer or warning lights to alert the operator. For these to work, you have to install the buzzers and lights in your vehicle. This way, you’ll get warned whenever there’s an obstacle around you, and hence, avoid collision.
Having discussed its functionality, let’s discuss an effective collision avoidance system.
Example Of Collision Avoiding System
Collision Avoidance Systems 77G A60
A 77 GHz collision avoiding system uses radars to detect objects in the frontal plane. This product was designed keeping in mind the blind spots in heavy-duty machinery. Since this product helps with blind spots, you can use it to detect other areas where you need monitoring. The unique feature of this system is that it has a high frequency, 77 GHz. So, its accuracy and detection range are far better than the other blind spot radars.
Technical features of 77G A60
The 77G A60 has broad technical specifications, which makes it stand out from the crowd. It can function with a low power supply of 2 W. Additionally, it provides a wide variety of voltage supplies (12–24 V). Even its refresh rate is higher than the typical at 33 Hz. Furthermore, the detection range can vary from 0.2 to a massive 40 meters.
The features of 77G A60
The product’s primary purpose is to ensure customer satisfaction by providing more benefits. Some of the key features include:
Extra Braking Assistance:
As discussed earlier, it isn’t easy for the vehicle operator to control all the operations. Therefore, the product solves this problem by automatically braking the vehicle once the system detects the obstacles in its proximity. Once you do so, detection and obstacle avoidance become much more manageable.
Optional Camera With Display
The additional feature of the 77G A60 provides an optional camera and display. With the help of the HIS program, the screen receives direct output from the control box. This helps the operator have a better idea of their surroundings.
Wide Detection Range:
Another unique feature of this product is its massive detection range. The system can detect obstructions at medium to low speeds. In front of the radar, the system can detect the object within a 40-meter range. Even the detection width is well suited to large mining vehicles, which is 8 meters wide.
Three-level alert options
Heavy-duty vehicles need more than just a single radar to avoid collisions. Since they are prone to accidents, the product is designed to alert you multiple times by providing three-level alerts. These levels are as follows.
Level 1:
Once the system detects obstacles in the 40-meter range, it activates the level warning. In this warning, only the prompt lights turn on, and the buzzer remains mute. If you use an optional HIS display screen, green flashing warns you about this level.
Level 2
Once the object moves closer and enters the middle range, the level 2 warning initiates. This is where the prompt lights start flickering. Plus, the buzzer starts making repetitive sounds. On the HIS display screen, you’ll receive this warning via yellow indicator lights.
Level 3
This is the last stage of a forward collision warning system. The object at this stage would be closest to the vehicle. Since it’s the danger zone, the lights start flickering quickly. Besides, the buzzer starts making a continuous beeping sound. On the display screen, you’ll have this warning with the help of a red flashing light.
Final Thoughts
It’s a fact that vehicle operators in mining work in harsh conditions. With the unavailability of light and blind spots, the chances of accidents increase. In these situations, the vehicle proximity detection system acts as a lifesaver.
Through its advanced algorithm, the collision warning system reduces injuries and accidents. It also helps decrease downtime, which increases productivity. The collision avoiding system makes it possible with the help of microwave radars. They have transmitters as well as receivers. So every time they receive disrupted signals, they warn the operators.
Many options are available. Yet, the 77G A60 forward collision avoidance system is the most prominent. This has a wide range of obstacle detection and is equipped with a three-level alert system. In addition, they can also apply breaks and reduce the vehicle’s speed if the obstacle is nearby. Meanwhile, a collision avoidance system is the best solution if you consider employee safety and the financial budget a priority.
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