Beyond the Road: Unconventional Uses of Fleet Safety Technology

At DiCAN, we believe in the power of innovation and creativity to solve real-world problems. Our technology, designed to be flexible, has found its way into some truly unique and unexpected applications. Here are a few examples of how DiCAN has used its solutions in unconventional ways.

STATIS Devices

One of our interesting projects involved setting up STATIS devices in strategic locations throughout the Niagara Region. These devices are designed to monitor air and road temperatures, and we have strategically installed these units in busy pedestrian areas, including the bustling walkway outside the casino on Bridge Street in Niagara Falls. This location, known for its high tourist traffic, requires meticulous attention to safety, especially during winter months when icy conditions can pose significant risks.

The STATIS device continuously measures the temperature of both the air and the road surface. When temperatures drop to a critical preset threshold, the system automatically sends an alert to local maintenance crews via an embedded GPS system (Geotab). This immediate notification allows maintenance teams to respond promptly by applying necessary treatments, such as salt or sand, to prevent slippery conditions.

The benefits of this system are multifaceted:

• Enhanced Public Safety: By preventing icy surfaces, this significantly reduces the risk of slips and falls. This proactive approach helps protect both residents and tourists, contributing to a safer public space.
• Efficient Resource Allocation: The real-time alerts enable maintenance crews to act quickly and efficiently. Instead of relying on scheduled checks or reactive measures, crews can focus their efforts where and when they are needed most, optimizing the use of resources.
• Cost Savings: By targeting treatments only when necessary, the system helps reduce the amount of salt and other de-icing materials used. This not only lowers costs but also minimizes environmental impact, as excessive use of such materials can lead to pollution and damage to local ecosystems.
• Increased Visitor Satisfaction: Ensuring safe walkways enhances the overall visitor experience, which is particularly important in high-traffic tourist areas like Niagara Falls. Satisfied visitors are more likely to return and recommend the destination to others, benefiting the local economy.
• Data-Driven Decisions: The data collected by the devices provide valuable insights into temperature patterns and trends. This information can be used by local authorities to make informed decisions about infrastructure improvements and maintenance schedules, further enhancing public safety and operational efficiency.

Overall, the implementation of the STATIS device in the Niagara Region showcases DiCAN's commitment to leveraging technology for practical, real-world benefits. By enhancing safety, optimizing resource use, and contributing to environmental sustainability, this project exemplifies how innovative applications of technology can make a significant positive impact on communities.

Magnetic Switch Assembly

Another noteworthy use of our technology is the magnetic switch assembly we installed to monitor the blade positions on front-end loaders. This application underscores the importance of reliability and precision in heavy machinery operations.

Front-end loaders are essential in construction, agriculture, and snow removal, and ensuring they operate safely and efficiently is crucial. Traditional sensors used to monitor the position of the loader's blade often struggle in harsh weather conditions, such as snow, ice, mud, and dirt. These environmental factors can cause conventional sensors, like inductive proximity sensors or hydraulic pressure switches, to malfunction or provide inaccurate readings.

To address these challenges, we developed a magnetic switch assembly designed to be impervious to severe weather conditions. Our magnetic switches remain fully functional regardless of exposure to snow, ice, mud, or dirt, ensuring reliable performance in any environment.

Here are some key benefits of this technology:

• Improved Reliability: Unlike traditional sensors, our magnetic switches are unaffected by environmental conditions. This ensures continuous and accurate monitoring of the blade's position, reducing the risk of equipment failure and improving overall reliability.
• Enhanced Safety: Knowing the exact position of the loader's blade at all times helps operators avoid accidents and injuries. This is especially important in construction sites and other high-risk environments where precision and safety are paramount.
• Increased Efficiency: With accurate and reliable monitoring, operators can work more efficiently. They can make precise adjustments to the blade's position, optimizing performance and productivity. This leads to faster project completion and reduced downtime.
• Cost-Effective Maintenance: The durability of our magnetic switches means they require less frequent maintenance and replacement compared to traditional sensors. This results in cost savings for fleet operators and less downtime for equipment repairs.
• Versatility: Our magnetic switch assembly can be adapted to various types of heavy machinery beyond front-end loaders, including excavators, bulldozers, and more. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any fleet of heavy equipment.

By providing a reliable, durable, and efficient solution for monitoring blade positions on front-end loaders, DiCAN is helping to improve safety and productivity on construction sites and other demanding environments. Our commitment to developing innovative technology that meets real-world needs is what sets us apart and drives us to continually push the boundaries of what's possible.

Double Camera System with 10" Quad Monitor

Perhaps one of our most unique projects involved installing a double camera system with a 10" monitor on a government amphibious dredger in Port Hope Harbour. This dredger is essential for maintaining the beaches along Lake Ontario by removing sand from the lake floor and pumping it back to shore. The process helps restore and preserve the beaches, which are vital for the local environment and community.

Our double camera system, equipped with a 10" quad monitor, provides operators with clear, real-time visuals of the dredging process. This setup includes two cameras positioned strategically to offer comprehensive views:

Dredging Operations View: One camera focuses on the dredging process itself, giving operators a detailed, close-up view of the sand being sucked from the lake floor. This real-time visual feedback ensures that the dredging is performed accurately and efficiently, preventing over-dredging or under-dredging.

Surrounding Area View: The second camera provides a wide-angle view of the area around the dredger. This is crucial for monitoring the safety of the operation, especially in busy harbours where other watercraft and pleasure vessels may be nearby. The camera system provides a 300-degree view, allowing operators to keep an eye on their surroundings and avoid potential collisions or interference with other boats.

Check out the benefits below:

• Enhanced Operational Precision: Real-time visuals allow operators to make precise adjustments during the dredging process, ensuring optimal sand removal and efficient operation. This precision helps in maintaining the delicate balance of the lake's ecosystem.
• Improved Safety: The wide-area view enhances situational awareness, helping operators avoid accidents and ensuring the safety of other vessels in the vicinity. This is particularly important in a busy harbour setting where multiple activities are happening simultaneously.
• Environmental Protection: By enabling precise dredging, our camera system helps prevent environmental damage caused by over-dredging. This careful approach ensures that the lake floor is disturbed as little as possible, preserving aquatic habitats and promoting ecological balance.
• Operational Efficiency: The 10" quad monitor allows operators to view multiple camera feeds simultaneously, reducing the need for constant adjustments and checks. This streamlined operation enhances overall efficiency, allowing the dredging process to be completed more quickly and effectively.
• Cost Savings: Efficient dredging operations reduce fuel and labour costs, contributing to overall cost savings. Additionally, the enhanced safety features help prevent costly accidents and equipment damage.

This distinctive application of our double camera system on the amphibious dredger in Port Hope Harbour demonstrates DiCAN's ability to develop practical solutions that meet complex operational needs. By providing clear visuals and enhancing safety, our technology plays a crucial role in preserving the local environment and supporting community projects.

At DiCAN, we’re proud of how our technology has been adapted for such diverse uses. These examples highlight our commitment to innovation and our ability to meet the individual needs of our clients. We welcome exploring your use case applications to improve safety around your operations and those you are responsible to protect.