Independent adjustable ironing plate

Abstract

Screed assemblies, screed units, and pavers, and methods for operating these assemblies, units, and pavers are disclosed. Exemplary assemblies, units, and pavers include the screed assembly described herein. The screed assembly includes a screed, one or more sensors, and one or more actuators. Each sensor is mechanically coupled to the screed and is operable to sense a pressure on the screed and transmit the sensed pressure. Each actuator is mechanically coupled to the screed and operable to receive an input related to controlling an angle of attack (AoA) of the screed and control the AoA of the screed based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of the other screed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is an international phase application of, and claims priority to, pending U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 17 / 706,209 filed on March 28, 2022. U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 17 / 706,209 is a continuation-in-part application of International Patent Application PCT / US2022 / 017361 filed on February 22, 2022. International Patent Application PCT / US2022 / 017361 claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 152,629 filed on February 23, 2021. And this application is hereby incorporated by reference into the contents of these applications. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of the present invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for paving. Summary of the invention

[0004] The following presents a brief summary of one or more aspects of the technology disclosed in the present invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the aspects. The summary is not an extensive review of all conceptual aspects, and is neither intended to identify the key or important elements of all aspects, nor to delineate the scope of any or all aspects. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description presented later.

[0005] According to some aspects, the present invention relates to a screed assembly, a screed unit and a paving machine and methods for operating the screed assembly, the unit and the paving machine. Exemplary assemblies, the unit and the paving machine include a screed assembly according to the present invention. Such a screed assembly includes a screed, one or more sensors and one or more actuators. Each sensor is mechanically coupled to the screed and is operable to sense pressure on the screed and transmit the sensed pressure. Each actuator is mechanically coupled to the screed and is operable to receive input related to controlling the angle of attack (AoA) of the screed and control the AoA of the screed based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed.

[0006] In some examples, the one or more sensors are further operable to transmit the sensed pressure as sensed pressure data via electronic communication. In these examples, the one or more actuators are further operable to receive input as AoA control commands via electronic communication. In such examples, the screed assembly (or screed unit, or road paver) also includes a computer system. The computer system is in electronic communication with the one or more sensors and the one or more actuators, and is operable to receive the transmitted sensed pressure data from the one or more sensors, determine the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data, and transmit the determined AoA control command to the one or more actuators.

[0007] The method of the present invention comprises a method for operating a screed assembly, a screed unit or a road paver. The method comprises providing a screed assembly, a screed unit or a road paver as described above. In addition, the method comprises sensing pressure on a specific screed plate by each sensor; transmitting the sensed pressure by each sensor; receiving input related to controlling the angle of attack (AoA) of the specific screed plate by each actuator; and controlling the AoA of the specific screed plate by the at least one actuator based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate.

[0008] In some such methods, one or more sensors are further operable to communicate the sensed pressure as sensed pressure data via electronic communication, and one or more actuators are further operable to receive input as AoA control commands via electronic communication. In such methods, the screed assembly (or screed unit, or road paver) also includes a computer system. Such a computer system is in electronic communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator, and is operable to receive the transmitted sensed pressure data from the at least one sensor, determine the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data, and transmit the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator. In such methods, transmitting includes transmitting the sensed pressure data to the computer system by each sensor, and receiving the transmitted sensed pressure data by the computer system. In such methods, the computer system determines the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data, and transmits the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator.

[0009] To accomplish the foregoing and related ends, one or more aspects of the invention comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and drawings of the detailed description include certain illustrative features of one or more aspects. However, these features are indicative of only a few of the various ways in which the principles of the various aspects may be utilized, and these descriptions are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The characteristic features of the various technical aspects described in the present invention are set forth below, in the appended claims and in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same parts are marked with the same numbers throughout the specification and the drawings, respectively. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and for the sake of clarity and conciseness, certain drawings may be shown in an enlarged or generalized form. However, when read in conjunction with the drawings, the invention itself, as well as its preferred mode of use, further objects and advancements will be fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 A side view of an example road paver according to an example of the technology disclosed in this invention is shown.

[0012] Figure 2 An example of the technology disclosed according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 View of an example screed system for a road paver.

[0013] Figure 3 An example of the technology disclosed according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 A screed system with the housing removed.

[0014] Figure 4 An example of the technology disclosed according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 An ironing system in which the additional housing is removed.

[0015] Figure 5 The following is a diagram showing an example of the technology disclosed according to the present invention. Figure 4 Detailed view of the screed plate engagement pressure sensor of a screed system.

[0016] Figure 6 An example of the technology disclosed according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 Side view of the screed system.

[0017] Figure 7 An example of the technology disclosed according to the present invention is shown. Figure 3 Top view of the screed system.

[0018] Figure 8 An ironing unit according to a technical example disclosed in the present invention is shown.

[0019] Fig. 9 A screed assembly according to an example of the technology disclosed in the present invention is shown.

[0020] Fig.10 An example screed unit adjusted to respond to an example road profile is shown according to an example of the technology disclosed herein.

[0021] Fig.11 is an example flow chart of a method according to an example of the technology disclosed in the present invention.

[0022] Fig.12 is an example flow chart of a method according to an example of the technology disclosed in the present invention.

[0023] Fig.13 An example system diagram showing various hardware components and other features used in examples of the presently disclosed technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations that can practice the concepts described in the present invention. The detailed description includes specific details used to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring these concepts.

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A road paver 100 is shown in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The road paver 100 includes a tractor 104 and a screed system 108. The tractor 104 may include a hopper, a conveyor system, and an operator cabin 112 including operating controls 114. An operator may use the operating controls 114 to drive the road paver 100, actuate various features of the road paver 100, and the like. The operating controls 114 may include an operator input / output (I / O) interface 115 and a computing system 1300. The operator I / O interface 115 may include an input device, such as a lever, a joystick, a keyboard, a voice command input, and the like, that allows an operator to input commands or information to the road paver 100. The operator I / O interface 115 may include an output device, such as a screen, an LED indicator light, an output device, configured to provide information to the operator regarding the operation of the road paver 100.

[0026] The tractor 104 may be coupled to the screed system 108 via one or more tractor arms 116. A hydraulic cylinder 120 may engage the tractor arms 116 at a tractor point 130 to adjust the position of the screed system 108 relative to the surface to be paved. For example, the hydraulic cylinder 120 may be used to change the angle of attack A of the screed system 108. As used herein, the phrase "angle of attack" (AoA) refers to the angle between the screed plate 316 and the surface to be paved, such as Figure 2 A setting pin 124 may be coupled between the traction arm 116 and the screed system 108. The operator may actuate (eg, via a handle 126) the setting pin 124 to further adjust the angle A between the screed system 108 (including one or more screed plates 316) and the surface to be paved.

[0027] During the paving process, paving material 128 is fed from a hopper via a conveying system in a direction indicated by arrow 134 and deposited in front of a front end 138 of the screed system 108. The screed plate 316 of the screed system is configured to spread and compact the paving material along the surface to be paved. As schematically shown at portion 128a, the paving material 128 is loosest (e.g., least dense, least compact, least smooth) near the front end of the screed system 108. As schematically shown at 128b, as the screed system 108 slides over the paving material 128, the paving material 128 becomes less loose (e.g., denser, more compact, more smooth). As schematically shown at 128c, the paving material 128 is most compact near the rear end 142 of the screed system 108. The angle of attack A affects the density and grade of the paving material. In some aspects of the invention, the angle of attack A can be between 2° and 5°.

[0028] Figures 3 to 7 A screed system 108 is shown in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Figures 3 to 7 The ironing system 108 is shown with the housing 146 of the ironing system 108 removed. Figure 3 As shown, the ironing system 108 includes a first ironing unit 300, a second ironing unit 304, a third ironing unit 308, and a frame 310. The frame 310 can be configured to mount the housing 146 on the ironing units 300, 304, 308. In some aspects, the ironing unit 300 can be stationary relative to the ironing system 108. In some aspects, the second ironing unit 304 and the third ironing unit 308 can be laterally extended or retracted relative to the first ironing unit 300. In other aspects of the present invention, the ironing system 108 can include more or fewer ironing units. The first ironing unit 300, the second ironing unit 304, and the third ironing unit 308 are substantially similar, so the present invention only describes the first ironing unit 300 in detail. Corresponding components between the first ironing unit 300, the second ironing unit 304, and the third ironing unit 308 are represented by the same reference numerals.

[0029] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the screed unit 304 may include a housing 312, a plurality of screed plates 316, a mounting plate 320 having a heating element (not shown), a plurality of pressure sensors 324, a support wall 328, a support plate 332, and an indicator 336. The screed plates 316 may be configured to engage paving material 128 dispensed from the road paver 100 to spread and level the paving material 128 along a surface to be paved. In some aspects of the invention, the bottom surface (e.g., a surface configured to contact the paving material) may include a pattern or texture, such as a repeating wave pattern, a repeating V-shaped pattern, a repeating block pattern, or a wave pattern of variable shape. In some aspects of the invention, the screed plate 316 includes a plurality of modular individual screed plates 316a, 316b, ... 316j, such as Figure 3 As shown. In other aspects of the invention, the screed plate 316 can be a single screed plate. The mounting plate 320 with the heating element can be connected to one or more screed plates 316 and is configured to heat one or more screed plates 316. The heated screed plates 316 prevent hot paving material from sticking to the screed plates 316 and maintain an elevated temperature during the paving process to not cool the paving material 128 prematurely. In some aspects of the invention, the heating element can be an electric heating element powered by the power supply of the tractor 104.

[0030] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 as well as Figure 4 Insert Figure 4 As best shown in FIG. 1A , in some aspects, the mounting plate 320 may be coupled to the support wall 328 and the support plate 332 by a plurality of bolts 338. The screed plate 316 may also be coupled to the support wall 328 by a plurality of bolts 338, or the screed plate 316 may be releasably secured to the mounting plate 320. A plurality of springs (not shown) may be positioned between the screed plate 316 and the support plate 332 so that the screed plate 316 may float above the paving material. A plurality of pressure sensors 324 may be connected between the screed plate 316 and the support plate 332. In some aspects of the invention, the pressure sensors 324 may be positioned between the housing 312 and the frame 310. In some aspects of the invention, the pressure sensors 324 may be engaged with the bolts 338. The pressure sensors 324 may be configured to sense a pressure indicative of the weight of the screed plate 316. In some aspects of the invention, the pressure sensors 324 may be positioned at other locations above the screed plate 316. For example, the pressure sensors 324 may be located above or below the support plate 332, the frame 310, etc. In aspects including a heating element, a pressure sensor 324 can be positioned above the screed plate 316 and the mounting plate 320 including the heating element. The pressure sensor 324 can be configured to transmit pressure information to the computing system 1300.

[0031] As described in more detail below, the computing system 1300 may be configured to determine the weight or pressure distribution of the screed plate 316 based on the pressure sensed by the pressure sensor 324. The computing system 1300 may then be configured to determine the angle of attack A of the screed plate 316 based on the pressure distribution of the screed plate 316. In some aspects of the invention, the pressure sensor 324 may include a load cell, a strain gauge pressure sensor, a potentiometric pressure sensor, an inductive pressure sensor, a capacitive pressure sensor, a piezoelectric pressure sensor, a variable reluctance pressure sensor, and / or one or more hydraulic pistons coupled to a hose that is in turn coupled to an electronic pressure gauge. The computing system 1300 may be configured to change the angle of attack A based on the pressure distribution of the screed plate 316 during paving. In some aspects, the computing system may be configured to dynamically change the angle of attack A in real time or substantially real time during paving.

[0032] Figure 7 1 shows a top view of the ironing system 108 with the housing 146 removed. Figure 7 As best shown, in some aspects of the invention, the pressure sensor 324 may be positioned to determine at least a pressure at or near a right side 344 of the ironing system 108, a pressure at or near a left side 348 of the ironing system 108, a pressure at or near a front side 340 of the ironing system 108, and a pressure at or near a rear side 352 of the ironing system 108. In some aspects of the invention, the pressure sensor 324 may also be positioned to determine at least a pressure at or near a center 356 of the ironing system 108. In some aspects of the invention, the pressure sensor 324 may be positioned to determine at least a pressure at or near a front side of the screed plate 316 and a pressure at or near a rear side 352 of the screed plate system 108. In some aspects of the invention, the pressure sensor 324 may be positioned to determine at least a pressure at or near a first side of the screed plate 316 and a pressure at or near a second side of the screed plate 316. In these aspects, the second side is opposite the first side.

[0033] As described in more detail below, the computer system 1300 may generate a screed reposition control signal configured to reposition the ironing system 108 based on the pressure determined by the pressure sensor 324. For example, the computer system 1300 may command an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder 120, to reposition the towing arm 116 in response to the determined pressure indicating that the pressure at or near the front side 340 or the rear side 352 of the ironing system 108 exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold. In another example, in response to determining that the pressure at the second ironing unit 304 is different from the pressure at the third ironing unit 308, the computer system 1300 notifies an operator via the I / O interface 115 that the pressure at the second ironing unit 304 is different from the pressure at the third ironing unit 308. The notification may prompt the operator to reposition the second ironing unit 304 or the third ironing unit 308 so that the pressures at the second ironing unit 304 and the third ironing unit 308 are similar. In yet another example, the computer system 1300 may notify the operator through the operator I / O interface 115 that the pressure of the second and third ironing units 304 and 308 is greater than the pressure at the first ironing unit 300. The notification may prompt the operator to raise the second or third ironing unit 304 and 308 so that the pressures of the first, second, and third ironing units 300, 304, and 308 are similar.

[0034] In some aspects of the invention, an indicator 336 may be coupled to the pressure sensor 324. The indicator may be configured to display information to the operator indicating the status of the screed plate 316. For example, the indicator 336 may be an LED indicator configured to light up or change color in response to a determination that the screed plate 316 should possibly be repositioned, an audio indicator configured to sound an alarm in response to a determination that the screed plate 316 should possibly be repositioned, and the like. In another example, the indicator 336 may be a screen configured to display the actual pressure determined by the pressure sensor 324, an animation showing the pressure distribution on the screed plate 316, an indication that the determined pressure is within limits, outside limits (e.g., the screed plate 316 should be repositioned), and the like. In some aspects of the invention, the indicator 336 may be represented in a user interface or user control panel in the operator cabin 112 of the road paver 100 so that the operator can adjust the angle of attack A based on the readings from the indicator 336.

[0035] Although the indicator 336 is described with reference to the screed 316, the indicator 336 may also display information related to each screed unit 300, 304, 308. In some aspects of the invention, the indicator 336 may display a notification that may prompt the operator to reposition the second screed unit 304 or the third screed unit 308 as described above.

[0036] As described above, the screed system 108 can be adjusted as a whole (with respect to the AoA of the screed plate 316 and the height of the paving surface) in at least two ways. First, the screed system 108 can be adjusted by using the hydraulic cylinder 120 (e.g., under the control of an operator via the operator controls 114) to raise or lower the towing arm 116, thereby raising / lowering the entire screed system 108. Second, the screed system 108 can be adjusted using a setting pin 124 assembly and a handle 126 that can change the AoA of the screed system 108.

[0037] In some cases, the surface to be paved is non-uniform laterally in the direction of travel of the road paver (as opposed to being uniform longitudinally, i.e., parallel to direction 134). For example, the surface to be paved may include tire ruts and corresponding bumps that are generally parallel to the direction of travel of the road paver 100. In certain examples of the presently disclosed technology, the individual screed plates are independently adjustable (in at least one direction) to mitigate paving irregularities caused by irregularities in the surface to be paved.

[0038] As a continuing example, consider a tire track consisting of a set of tire ruts and edge bumps (in Fig.10 A 2 inch (average) mat of paving material 128 is laid by a 10 foot screed unit 300 on a 10 foot wide section of road represented by an approximate road profile 1010 in FIG. Figure 8 , and with continued reference to the previous figures, the screed unit 800 includes ten (10) foot (1') wide independently adjustable screed plates 816a-816j. During paving, the total weight of the screed unit 800 is supported by the underlying pad of paving material 128b. Without the lateral control of the separate screed plate 816, the paving material 128b on the bumps would carry a larger proportional share of the weight of the screed unit 800, while the paving material 128b in the ruts would carry a smaller proportional share of the weight of the screed unit 800. As a result, the paving material 128c would be less dense in the ruts and more dense on the bumps.

[0039] Although a 1 foot wide screed plate 816 is used in the continuing example, narrower and wider screed plates 816 with individually controlled pitch (AoA), roll, and yaw may be used. In the continuing example, only AoA (pitch) control is discussed, and the rear 852 of each plate 816 forms a substantially continuous line across the rear of the screed unit 800, while the front 840 of each plate 816 is individually adjustable for a desired AoA.

[0040] Preferably, the screed 816 over ruts will have an AoA greater than nominal, and the screed 816 over bumps will have an AoA less than nominal. Such an approach pushes more paving material 128 into the ruts and less paving material 128 over the bumps, thereby alleviating paving irregularities - perhaps to the point where subsequent rolling of the surface can further reduce the irregularities.

[0041] See also Fig. 9 , and with continued reference to the previous figures in context, an exemplary individually adjustable screed assembly 900 is shown. In this screed assembly 900, a screed plate 916 (e.g., screed plate 816) is mounted to a mounting plate 920, and similar to the screed unit 300, the mounting plate 920 is connected to a lower support wall 928a using bolts 938. The bolts 938 can be used to adjust the pitch (AoA), roll, and yaw of the screed plate 916. As an alternative to the support wall 328 structure used in the screed unit 300, the bolts 938 are also connected to the upper support wall 928b through the sensor 924 (e.g., sensor 324) in this case. Not shown are 1) the connection of the support walls 928a, 28b to a frame similar to the frame 310, 2) the connection of the housing (e.g., housing 312) to the frame, and 3) the conductor plate.

[0042] Fig. 9 The screed assembly 900 uses four (4) sensors 924 - two (2) sensors located above the lower support wall 928a at the screed front 940 and two sensors located above the lower support wall 928a at the screed rear 952. Other examples may use different numbers of sensors 924 in different locations, including sensors 924 other than coaxial with the bolts 938 shown. For example, only one front sensor 924, one sensor 924 for each support wall 928. The measured pressure at the screed rear 952 can be used to determine the pressure differential from the screed front 940 to the screed rear 952. Figure 3 As in the example of , sensor 924 is a discrete electronic sensor that measures pressure / weight. Other examples may include a distributed pressure sensor, such as a conductor that changes resistance under pressure. In each example, the sensed pressure is used to determine the AoA of the screed plate 916. In some examples, data from sensor 924 (or information derived from such sensor data) may be used to adjust the pitch (AoA), roll, and yaw of the screed plate as described below.

[0043] Each example screed assembly 900 includes one actuator 980 per bolt. Each actuator 980 can be used to adjust the pitch (AoA), roll, and yaw of the screed plate 916 using its associated bolt 938 based on sensor data (and other data as described below). In this example, the actuator 980 is a manual actuator, and the sensor data is presented to the operator (e.g., via the I / O interface 115, via the indicator 136) to allow manual adjustment of the screed plate 914 AoA. In other examples, the actuator 980 can include a servo, a turnbuckle, one or more cams, a screw jack, a hydraulic cylinder, and a lever. In a non-manual example, the actuator 980 is controlled by the computer system 1300 based on the AoA determined for each screed plate 916 based on the sensor 924 data for the particular screed plate 916. In some examples, the screed AoA may be actuated solely by pressure feedback, such as a spring (or torsion bar in a lateral pivot), with pressure on the front of the screed to hold the front end of the screed up unless the rear of the screed is pivoted downward via the lateral pivot (e.g., when the rear hits a bump); or unless the rear of the screed is pivoted upward via the lateral pivot (e.g., when the rear hits a rut).

[0044] exist Fig. 9 In the example of , four actuators 980 can adjust each bolt 938 (and therefore the AoA and lateral angle) to effectively adjust the overall vertical position of the screed plate 916, for example, to compensate for different wear on a smaller screed plate. For example, a worn screed plate (e.g., nominally ½ inch thick, but worn to 1 / 8 inch) can be replaced with a new ½ inch screed plate between two semi-worn (e.g., ¼ inch remaining) screed plates. The disclosed techniques can raise the new screed plate ¼ inch to be flush with the ¼ inch remaining screed plate. This can be self-adjusting if pressure based, or the road paver 100 can zero out / reset all plates to a flat surface. In the example of , four actuators 980 can adjust each bolt 938 (and therefore the AoA and lateral angle) to effectively adjust the overall vertical position of the screed plate 916, for example, to compensate for different wear on a smaller screed plate. For example, a worn screed plate (e.g., nominally ½ inch thick, but worn to ½ inch) can be replaced with a new ½ inch screed plate between two semi-worn (e.g., ¼ inch remaining) screed plates. The disclosed techniques can raise the new screed plate ¼ inch to be flush with the ¼ inch remaining screed plate. If pressure based, this can be self-adjusting, or the road paver 100 can zero out / reset all plates to a flat surface. Fig. 9 In the example of , the actuators along the rear portion 952 of the screed are laterally adjacent to the rear portion 952 of the screed and maintain a common pivot axis.

[0045] In some examples, information other than pressure / weight on one or more portions of the screed plate 916 may be used to inform the height, pitch (AoA), roll, and yaw of the screed plate 916. For example, the road paver 100 may use a detailed geo-location-based topographic map of the surface to be paved (e.g., acquired after surveying the surface in conjunction with milling) to determine (e.g., using the computer 1300) adjustments to one or more of the pitch (AoA), roll, and yaw of each individually controlled screed plate assembly 900. Electromagnetic (EM), sonar, or mechanical sensors may be used in front of the screed unit 300, for example, the surface to be paved may be contoured by a set of mechanical sensors using downwardly biased wheels on an arm. This data may be used to command the actuator 980 to adjust the AOA of each individually controlled screed plate 916. Combinations of the above sensors may also be used.

[0046] Reference Fig.10 , Fig.11 and Fig.12 , and continuing to refer to the previous figures for context, another example of adjusting a screed unit 1000 including ten screed assemblies 1016a-1016j according to methods 1100 and 1200 in response to a transverse road profile 1010 is shown. The transverse profile 1010 shows a rutted unground roadway with raised old pavement on the left.

[0047] A screed unit 1000 (similar to screed unit 800) is provided - the screed unit includes a frame (not shown) such as frame 310 and a plurality of screed assemblies 1016a-1016j (similar to screed assembly 900) - block 1110. In another example, each screed assembly 1016 is attached to frame 310. Each screed assembly 1016 includes a screed plate 916, at least one sensor 924 (four sensors in another example), and at least one actuator 980 (four actuators in another example). Each sensor 924 is mechanically coupled to the screed plate 916 by bolts 938. Each sensor 924 is operable to sense pressure on the screed plate 916 and transmit the sensed pressure. Each actuator 980 is mechanically coupled to the screed plate 916. Each actuator 980 is operable to receive input related to controlling the angle of attack (AoA) of the screed plate 916 and control the AoA of the screed plate 916 based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate.

[0048] Each sensor 924 senses pressure on a particular screed plate - block 1120. In another example, the bottom of each screed plate assembly 1016a-1016j is subjected to pressure from the paving material 128 (not shown) as the screed unit 1000 encounters the contour 1010 below the screed unit 1000. Each sensor 924 transmits the sensed pressure - block 1130. In some other examples (e.g., such as examples of manually adjusting the screed plate AoA), this transmission is via an indicator 336 unique to a given screed plate assembly 1016.

[0049] Each actuator 980 receives input related to controlling the angle of attack (AoA) of a particular screed plate - block 1170. In some other examples, the operator manually adjusts the individual screed plate as input after noticing that the indicator 336 indicates that an AoA adjustment is needed for the particular individual screed plate. Each actuator controls the AoA of the particular screed plate based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate - block 1180. Such control may be, for example, by turning the bolt 938 a certain amount to adjust the AoA.

[0050] In another example, if Fig.12 As described in Fig.11 Block 1110 is performed as described above. In another example, the one or more sensors transmit the sensed pressure as sensed pressure data via electronic communication - block 1230. Such communication may be one or a combination of wired and wireless communication.

[0051] In another example, the provided screed assembly also includes a computer system, such as the computer system 1300. Note: Elements of the computer system 1300 may be in the screed unit 1000 itself, on the overall screed system 108, and on the tractor 104 (e.g., in the operator cabin 112). The computer system 1300 is in electronic communication with at least one sensor 924 and at least one actuator 980, and is operable to receive transmitted sensed pressure data from the at least one sensor 924, determine an AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data, and send the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator 980. In such an example, the computer system 1300 receives transmitted sensed pressure data from one or more sensors 924 - block 1240.

[0052] The computer system 1300 determines an AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data - block 1250. For example, a lookup table may be used to map the received pressure sensor data to an AoA control command. As another example, an equation may be used to associate the AoA control command with the sensed pressure data. As another example, hysteresis may be utilized in the transformation from the sensed pressure data to the AoA command. Readings from multiple sensors 924 at known locations may form a pressure distribution at different points around the screed assembly 1016, and the distribution may be used to determine the AoA command. Once the AoA control command is determined, the computer 1300 transmits the determined AoA control command to one or more actuators - block 1260. Each actuator 980, whether directly, peer-to-peer, or via a hub, receives commands related to controlling the angle of attack (AoA) of a particular screed via electronic communication - block 1270. In another example, one or more actuators may also be operable to receive input as an AoA control command via electronic communication. Again, such communication may be one or a combination of wired and wireless communication.The one or more actuators 980 then control the AoA of each screed plate 916 based on the received commands and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate, for example, as described above in connection with block 1180.

[0053] Aspects of the present invention can be implemented using hardware, software or a combination thereof, and can be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In one aspect, the present invention relates to one or more computer systems capable of performing the functions described in the present invention. Fig.13 An example system diagram of various hardware components and other features that can be utilized according to various aspects of the present invention is presented. Various aspects of the present invention can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof, and can be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In an exemplary variation, various aspects of the present invention relate to one or more computer systems capable of performing the functions described in the present invention. Fig.13 An example of such a computer system 1300 is shown in FIG. 1300. In some aspects of the invention, the computer system 1300 may be located in the operator cabin 112. In some aspects of the invention, the computer system 1300 may be located within the ironing system 108.

[0054] Computer system 1300 includes one or more processors, such as processor 1304. Processor 1304 is connected to a communication infrastructure 1306 (e.g., a communication bus, a crossbar, or a network). Various software aspects are described based on this example computer system. After reading this specification, a person skilled in the relevant art will understand how to implement various aspects of the present invention using other computer systems and / or architectures.

[0055] The computer system 1300 may include a display interface 1302 that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure 1306 (or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit 1330. The computer system 1300 also includes a main memory 1308, preferably a random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 1310. The secondary memory 1310 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 1312 and / or a removable storage drive 1314 representing a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive 1314 reads from and / or writes to a removable storage unit 1318 in a well-known manner. The removable storage unit 1318 represents a floppy disk, a tape, an optical disk, etc., which is read by and written to by the removable storage drive 1314. It is understood that the removable storage unit 1318 includes a computer-usable storage medium having computer software and / or data stored therein.

[0056] In alternative aspects, secondary memory 1310 may include other similar devices that allow computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system 1300. Such devices may include, for example, a removable storage unit 1322 and interface 1320. Such examples may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as those found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or a programmable read-only memory (PROM)) and an associated socket, and other removable storage units 1322 and interfaces 1302 that allow software and data to be transferred from removable storage unit 1322 to computer system 1300.

[0057] The computer system 1300 may also include a communication interface 1324. The communication interface 1324 allows software and data to be transmitted between the computer system 1300 and external devices. Examples of the communication interface 1324 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communication port, a personal computer memory card international association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc. The software and data transmitted via the communication interface 1324 are in the form of signals 1328, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals that can be received by the communication interface 1324. These signals 1328 are provided to the communication interface 1324 via a communication path (e.g., channel) 1326. The path 1326 carries the signal 1328 and may be implemented using wires or cables, optical fibers, telephone lines, cellular links, radio frequency (RF) links and / or other communication channels. In the present invention, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer usable medium" are generally used to refer to media such as removable storage drives 1380, hard disks installed in hard disk drives 1370, and signals 1328. These computer program products provide software to the computer system 1300. Aspects of the present invention relate to such a computer program product.

[0058] Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in the main memory 1308 and / or the secondary memory 1310. The computer programs may also be received via the communication interface 1324. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system 1300 to perform various features according to various aspects of the present invention as discussed herein. Specifically, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor 1304 to perform these features. Thus, such computer programs represent a controller of the computer system 1300.

[0059] In a variation where various aspects of the present invention are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computer system 1300 using a removable storage drive 1314, a hard disk drive 1312, or a communication interface 1320. When executed by the processor 1304, the control logic (software) causes the processor 1304 to perform the functions described by the present invention in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. In another variation, various aspects of the present invention are implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. It will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art to implement a hardware state machine in order to perform the functions described by the present invention.

[0060] In yet another example variation, aspects of the present invention are implemented using a combination of hardware and software.

[0061] During operation of the road paver 100, paving material may be distributed from the hopper via the conveyor system to near the front 138 of the screed system 108. As the screed system 108 travels over the paving material 128, the screed plate 316 may engage the paving material and spread, level, and compact the paving material. The angle of attack A of the screed plate 316 may determine the amount of compaction (e.g., density) of the paving material 128, the grade of the paving material 128, etc. The pressure distribution on the screed plate 316 may also determine the amount of compaction of the paving material 128 and the grade of the paving material 128.

[0062] Additionally, the angle of attack A may affect the amount of wear experienced by the screed plate 316. For example, where the angle of attack A is too low, excessive wear may occur along or near the leading edge of the screed plate 316. Where the angle of attack A is too high, excessive wear may occur along the trailing edge of the screed plate 316.

[0063] In conventional paving systems, an operator of the paving system typically sets the angle of attack A of the screed plate 316 at the beginning of the paving operation. During the paving operation, the operator typically does not adjust the angle of attack A or the pressure distribution along the screed plate 316. Conventional road paving machines and / or screed plate systems are not configured to determine and / or monitor the angle of attack A or the pressure distribution along the screed plate 316 during the paving operation.

[0064] Under some operating conditions, the angle of attack A may change during the paving operation such that the angle of attack A is different from the target angle of attack. For example, if the towing arm 116 is positioned so that the towing point 130 is above the pin 131 of the screed system 108, the towing arm 116 may push the screed system 108 upward, and the pressure sensor 324 may read a pressure above a threshold at the front of the screed system 108. In this case, it may be desirable to increase the angle of attack A. Similarly, if the towing arm 116 is positioned so that the towing point 130 is below the pin 131 of the screed system 108, the towing arm 116 may pull the screed system 108 downward, and the pressure sensor 324 may read a pressure above a threshold at the rear of the screed system 108. In this case, it may be desirable to decrease the angle of attack A. In some aspects, the angle of attack A may be dynamically changed in real time or substantially in real time.

[0065] The previous description provided enables a person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described in the present invention. Various modifications to these aspects are obvious to those skilled in the art, and the basic principles defined by the present invention can be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown in the present invention, but to conform to the full scope consistent with the claim language, wherein the reference to an element in the singular form is not intended to represent "one and only one" (unless explicitly stated as such), but to represent "one or more". Unless otherwise specifically stated, the term "some" refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described in the present invention known or to be known by a person of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated into the present invention by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, nothing disclosed by the present invention is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether these disclosures are explicitly stated in the claims. Unless the claim element is explicitly described using the phrase "device for...", the element should not be interpreted as a device plus function.

Claims

1. A screed assembly, comprising: Screed; At least one sensor, each of which: mechanically coupled to the screed, and operable to sense pressure on the screed plate and transmit the sensed pressure; as well as At least one actuator, each actuator: mechanically coupled to the screed; and The screed plate is operable to receive input relating to controlling the angle of attack, or AoA, of the screed plate and to control the AoA of the screed plate based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate.

2. The screed assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one sensor is further operable to transmit the sensed pressure as sensed pressure data via electronic communication, The at least one actuator is further operable to receive the input as an AoA control command via electronic communication; and The screed assembly further comprises a computer system, wherein: in electronic communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator, and The device is operable to receive transmitted sensed pressure data from the at least one sensor, determine the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data, and transmit the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator.

3. A method for operating a screed assembly, comprising: A screed assembly is provided, the screed assembly comprising: Screed; At least one sensor, each of which: mechanically coupled to the screed, and operable to sense pressure on the screed and transmit the sensed pressure; and At least one actuator, each actuator: mechanically coupled to the screed, and operable to receive input relating to controlling the angle of attack, or AoA, of the screed plate and to control the AoA of the screed plate based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate; The pressure on a specific screed plate is sensed by each sensor; transmitting the sensed pressure through each sensor; receiving, via each actuator, input relating to controlling the angle of attack, or AoA, of said particular screed plate; and The AoA of the particular screed plate is controlled by the at least one actuator based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The at least one sensor is further operable to transmit the sensed pressure as sensed pressure data via electronic communication, The at least one actuator is further operable to receive the input as an AoA control command via electronic communication; The screed assembly further comprises a computer system, wherein: in electronic communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator, and operable to receive transmitted sensed pressure data from the at least one sensor, determine the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data, and transmit the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator; as well as The transmitting includes transmitting the sensed pressure data to the computer system by each sensor, and receiving the transmitted sensed pressure data by the computer system; The method further comprises: The computer system determines the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data; as well as The computer system transmits the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator.

5. An ironing unit, comprising: frame; as well as Multiple screed assemblies, each screed assembly: attached to the frame, and include: Screed; At least one sensor, each of which: mechanically coupled to the screed; and operable to sense pressure on the screed plate and transmit the sensed pressure; At least one actuator, each actuator: mechanically coupled to the screed; and The screed plate is operable to receive input relating to controlling the angle of attack, or AoA, of the screed plate and to control the AoA of the screed plate based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate.

6. The ironing unit according to claim 5, wherein: The at least one sensor is further operable to transmit the sensed pressure as sensed pressure data via electronic communication, and The at least one actuator is further operable to receive the input as an AoA control command via electronic communication; and The ironing unit further comprises a computer system, wherein: in electronic communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator, and The device is operable to receive transmitted sensed pressure data from the at least one sensor, determine the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data, and transmit the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator.

7. A method for operating an ironing unit, comprising: An ironing unit is provided, the ironing unit comprising: Framework; and Multiple screed assemblies, each screed assembly: attached to the frame, and include: Screed; At least one sensor, each of which: mechanically coupled to the screed; and operable to sense pressure on the screed plate and transmit the sensed pressure; At least one actuator, each actuator: mechanically coupled to the screed; and operable to receive input relating to controlling the angle of attack, or AoA, of the screed plate and to control the AoA of the screed plate based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate; The pressure on a specific screed plate is sensed by each sensor; transmitting the sensed pressure through each sensor; receiving, via each actuator, input relating to controlling the angle of attack, or AoA, of said particular screed plate; and The AoA of the particular screed plate is controlled by the at least one actuator based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The at least one sensor is further operable to transmit the sensed pressure as sensed pressure data via electronic communication, The at least one actuator is further operable to receive the input as an AoA control command via electronic communication; The screed assembly further comprises a computer system, wherein: in electronic communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator, and operable to receive transmitted sensed pressure data from the at least one sensor, determine the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data, and transmit the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator; The transmitting includes transmitting the sensed pressure data to the computer system by each sensor, and receiving the transmitted sensed pressure data by the computer system; The method further comprises: The computer system determines the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data; and The computer system transmits the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator.

9. A paver, comprising: Screed unit, comprising: Framework; and Multiple screed assemblies, each screed assembly: attached to the frame, and include: Screed; At least one sensor, each of which: mechanically coupled to the screed; and operable to sense pressure on the screed plate and transmit the sensed pressure; At least one actuator, each actuator: mechanically coupled to the screed; and The screed plate is operable to receive input relating to controlling the angle of attack, or AoA, of the screed plate and to control the AoA of the screed plate based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate.

10. The paving machine according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one sensor is further operable to transmit the sensed pressure as sensed pressure data via electronic communication, and The at least one actuator is further operable to receive the input as an AoA control command via electronic communication; and The ironing unit further comprises a computer system, wherein: in electronic communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator, and The device is operable to receive transmitted sensed pressure data from the at least one sensor, determine the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data, and transmit the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator.

11. A method for operating a paving machine, comprising: An ironing unit is provided, the ironing unit comprising: Framework; and Multiple screed assemblies, each screed assembly: attached to the frame, and include: Screed; At least one sensor, each of which: mechanically coupled to the screed; and operable to sense pressure on the screed plate and transmit the sensed pressure; At least one actuator, each actuator: mechanically coupled to the screed; and operable to receive input relating to controlling the angle of attack, or AoA, of the screed plate and to control the AoA of the screed plate based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate; The pressure on a specific screed plate is sensed by each sensor; transmitting the sensed pressure through each sensor; receiving, via each actuator, input relating to controlling the angle of attack, or AoA, of said particular screed plate; and The AoA of the particular screed plate is controlled by the at least one actuator based on the received input and independently of controlling the AoA of another screed plate.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The at least one sensor is further operable to transmit the sensed pressure as sensed pressure data via electronic communication, The at least one actuator is further operable to receive the input as an AoA control command via electronic communication; The screed assembly further comprises a computer system, wherein: in electronic communication with the at least one sensor and the at least one actuator, and operable to receive transmitted sensed pressure data from the at least one sensor, determine the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data, and transmit the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator; The transmitting includes transmitting the sensed pressure data to the computer system by each sensor, and receiving the transmitted sensed pressure data by the computer system; The method further comprises: The computer system determines the AoA control command based on the received sensed pressure data; and The computer system transmits the determined AoA control command to the at least one actuator.

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