Variable control of liquid dispersion system for compactor

Abstract

In some implementations, a liquid dispersion system of a compactor may obtain configuration information indicative of an amount of rotation of a compaction element of the compactor associated with a dispersion period and indicative of a percentage of the dispersion period. The liquid dispersion system may determine a first time interval of a dispersion cycle and a second time interval of the dispersion cycle based on configuration information and sensor information. The liquid dispersion system may cause activation of one or more liquid pumps of the liquid dispersion system according to a first time interval. The liquid dispersion system may cause deactivation of the one or more liquid pumps according to the second time interval.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a liquid dispersion system for a compactor, and for example to variable control of the liquid dispersion system. Background Technology

[0002] Compaction of surface materials, such as soil or asphalt, can improve the strength and stability of a surface. In paving environments, a paving machine distributes a hot paving material, such as asphalt, onto a surface, and a mobile compactor follows the paving machine to compact the material to the desired density and achieve an acceptable surface finish. Typically, a compactor may include one or more compaction elements (e.g., compaction rollers) that propel the compactor and compact the paving material via the weight and vibration of the compactor. During compaction, paving material, such as asphalt, may adhere to the compaction elements, which can be detrimental to compaction performance.

[0003] Therefore, compactors can employ a liquid dispersion system, which includes a liquid pump to disperse (e.g., spray) a liquid (such as water) onto one or more compaction elements via one or more liquid dispersion components, thereby preventing paving material from sticking together. In many cases, the operator inputs the duration for dispersing the liquid in the liquid dispersion system, which is typically indicated as a percentage of the duration of the dispersion cycle (e.g., it can be on the order of tens of seconds, such as 40 seconds). This causes the liquid pump to be activated, and thus disperses the liquid onto one or more compaction elements within that duration. However, this is a manual, imprecise, and unintuitive control process, which often results in wasted fluid (e.g., by allowing more liquid to disperse than is needed to prevent paving material from adhering to one or more compaction elements) or degraded paving material quality (e.g., by not allowing sufficient liquid dispersion to prevent paving material from adhering to one or more compaction elements).

[0004] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2023 / 0078995 (“'995 Publication”) discloses timing control of a fluid jetting system for a compactor. In the '995 Publication, a controller is configured to determine the jetting timing (e.g., jetting configuration) of a first fluid pump and a second fluid pump based on the proportion of jetting cycles during which the fluid jetting system will be active. Additionally, it is noteworthy that the controller determines the jetting timing to minimize the overlap between the active times of the first and second fluid pumps, and / or to minimize the overlap between the inactive times of the first and second fluid pumps. Therefore, the '995 Publication does not relate to a liquid dispersion system comprising a single liquid pump, nor does it relate to the amount of rotation of the compaction element for activating the liquid pump to disperse liquid onto the compaction element. Therefore, the amount of rotation of the compaction element does not affect the timing control of the fluid jetting system described in the '995 Publication.

[0005] The liquid dispersion system of the present invention solves one or more of the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In some implementations, a liquid dispersion system includes one or more liquid dispersion components configured to disperse liquid at a compaction element of a compactor; one or more liquid pumps configured to supply liquid to the one or more liquid dispersion components; and a controller configured to: obtain configuration information indicating an amount of rotation of the compaction element of the compactor, for which liquid will be dispersed at the compaction element via the one or more liquid dispersion components during a dispersion cycle, and the configuration information indicating a percentage of the dispersion cycle associated with the amount of rotation; obtain sensor information associated with the compactor; determine, based on the configuration information and the sensor information, a first time interval for a dispersion cycle in which liquid is dispersed at the compaction element via the one or more liquid dispersion components and a second time interval for a dispersion cycle in which liquid is not dispersed via the one or more liquid dispersion components; activate the one or more liquid pumps according to the first time interval; and deactivate the one or more liquid pumps according to the second time interval based on the activation of the one or more liquid pumps.

[0007] In some implementations, a compactor includes a compaction element; a liquid dispersion system including one or more liquid pumps; and a controller configured to: obtain configuration information indicating an amount of rotation of the compaction element for which liquid will be dispersed at the compaction element during a dispersion cycle, and the configuration information indicating a percentage of the dispersion cycle associated with the amount of rotation; obtain sensor information; determine, based on the configuration information and the sensor information, a first time interval for a dispersion cycle for dispersing liquid at the compaction element and a second time interval for a dispersion cycle for not dispersing liquid; activate one or more liquid pumps according to the first time interval; and deactivate one or more liquid pumps according to the second time interval based on the activation of the one or more liquid pumps.

[0008] In some implementations, a method includes obtaining configuration information via a liquid dispersion system of a compactor, the configuration information indicating the amount of rotation of a compaction element of the compactor associated with a dispersion cycle, and the configuration information indicating a percentage of the dispersion cycle; determining a first time interval and a second time interval of the dispersion cycle via the liquid dispersion system and based on the configuration information and sensor information; activating one or more liquid pumps of the liquid dispersion system according to the first time interval via the liquid dispersion system; and deactivating one or more liquid pumps via the liquid dispersion system according to the second time interval via the liquid dispersion system. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the example machine described in this article.

[0010] Figures 2A-2E An example of the machine described in this article is shown.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an example component of a device associated with variable control of a liquid dispersion system.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an example process associated with variable control of a liquid dispersion system. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The present invention relates to a liquid dispersion system applicable to any machine that utilizes liquid dispersion, such as a machine that utilizes one or more liquid pumps and one or more liquid dispersion components.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the example machine 100 described in this article. Although in Figure 1 Machine 100 is described as a compactor, but machine 100 can be another type of machine. Machine 100 can be an asphalt compactor (e.g., a self-propelled twin-drum compactor), a vibratory drum compactor, etc., which can be used to compact various materials, such as soil and / or asphalt.

[0015] Machine 100 has at least one compaction element 102, such as a compaction roller. For example, as shown, machine 100 has a front compaction element 102-1 and a rear compaction element 102-2. Compaction elements 102-1 and 102-2 provide ground engagement of machine 100 at surfaces 104-1 and 104-2, respectively, of compaction elements 102-1 and 102-2. Surfaces 104-1 and 104-2 may include cylindrical surfaces forming the outer shell of the housing of compaction elements 102-2 and 102-2, respectively. As machine 100 passes over a paving material mat, surfaces 104-1 and 104-2 roll against the paving material and provide compaction force to the paving material due to the weight and / or vibration of machine 100. In some examples, in addition to or as an alternative to the front compaction element 102-1 or the rear compaction element 102-2, machine 100 may include one or more other ground engagement components, such as one or more wheels and / or one or more tracks.

[0016] Machine 100 includes an operator station 106 equipped with various systems and / or mechanisms for controlling the operation of machine 100. For example, operator station 106 may include drive system control 108 (shown as a gear shift lever) and / or steering system control 110 (shown as a steering wheel). Additionally, operator station 106 may include a control interface 112. Control interface 112 enables the operator of machine 100 or other users to instruct on the liquid dispersion system (e.g., as described herein). Figures 2A-2E The configuration information associated with the described liquid dispersion system 202. The configuration information may indicate, for example, the amount of rotation of the compaction element 102 (e.g., the front compaction element 102-1 or the rear compaction element 102-2), at which the liquid will be dispersed during the dispersion cycle (e.g., as described herein regarding...). Figures 2A-2E (further described) and / or a percentage of the dispersion period associated with the amount of rotation. The control interface 112 may include a dial, knob, lever, and / or a touchscreen interface.

[0017] Machine 100 includes an engine 114 and a generator 116 coupled to the engine 114 and attached to a frame 118 of machine 100. The generator 116 can serve as a power source for various onboard systems and components of machine 100. Engine 114 can include any type of engine (e.g., internal combustion engine, gas engine, diesel engine, gas-fueled engine, natural gas engine, propane engine, etc.) or an electric motor. Engine 114 is configured to drive the movement of machine 100 (e.g., via compaction elements 102-1, 102-2). Machine 100 also includes a braking system 120 configured to reduce or stop the speed of machine 100.

[0018] Machine 100 includes one or more liquid dispersing components 122, which may be part of a liquid dispersing system (e.g., liquid dispersing system 202). Each liquid dispersing component 122 may include a liquid jet bar, one or more nozzles for dispersing a liquid (e.g., water), a conduit for supplying liquid to the liquid jet bar or one or more nozzles, and / or other components. One or more liquid dispersing components 122 may be configured to disperse the liquid (e.g., water) at one or more compaction elements 102. As shown, machine 100 includes a set of one or more first liquid dispersing components 122-1, which may be configured to disperse the liquid at a front compaction element 102-1 (e.g., at surface 104-1 of the front compaction element 102-1). Additionally or alternatively, machine 100 may include a set of one or more second liquid dispersing components 122-2 (not shown), which guide fluid at surface 104-2 of a rear compaction element 102-2.

[0019] One or more liquid dispersion components 122 may be connected (e.g., fluidly connected) to one or more liquid pumps 124, which may be part of a liquid dispersion system (e.g., liquid dispersion system 202) of machine 100. Each liquid pump 124 may be any suitable liquid pumping mechanism configured to draw liquid (e.g., from a liquid reservoir) and supply liquid (e.g., pressurized liquid) to one or more liquid dispersion components 122. Each liquid pump 124 may have a constant flow rate (e.g., the flow rate of the liquid), a variable flow rate, or another type of flow rate capability.

[0020] Machine 100 includes a sensor system 126, which can be configured to identify and / or determine speed information (e.g., the speed of machine 100 or the expected speed of machine 100, such as as indicated by input from the operator of machine 100 via drive system control 108, steering system control 110, and / or control interface 112), rotation rate information associated with compaction element 102 (e.g., the rate at which compaction element 102 completes rotation, such as on the order of seconds), and / or other information. Sensor system 126 may include, for example, a speed sensor, an accelerometer, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, a compaction element rotation sensor, or other sensors.

[0021] Machine 100 includes a controller 128 (e.g., an electronic control module (ECM)). The controller 128 can be configured to perform various operations of machine 100, such as combining... Figures 2A-2E The liquid dispersion operation is described. Controller 128 can be communicatively connected to one or more systems of machine 100, such as to provide autonomous control (e.g., autonomous propulsion, steering, and / or braking) of one or more systems of machine 100. (As in combination) Figures 2A-2E The controller 128 can be communicatively connected to the liquid dispersion system 202 of the machine 100 and can provide control over the liquid dispersion system 202.

[0022] As indicated above, Figure 1 Provided as an example. Other examples can be combined. Figure 1 The descriptions are different.

[0023] Figures 2A-2E An example 200 of the machine 100 described herein is shown. As shown in the figure, in Figures 2A-2E In this context, machine 100 includes at least one compaction element 102, a control interface 112, one or more liquid dispersion components 122, one or more liquid pumps 124, a sensor system 126, and a controller 128. For example... Figures 2A-2EAs further shown, machine 100 may include a liquid dispersion system 202, which may include one or more liquid dispersion components 122, one or more liquid pumps 124 and / or a controller 128.

[0024] Each liquid pump 124 may be communicatively connected to the controller 128 (e.g., via a wired or wireless connection). Therefore, the controller 128 may send signals to each liquid pump 124 to cause activation (e.g., to cause the liquid pump 124 to turn on, pump liquid, etc.) or deactivation (e.g., to cause the liquid pump 124 to turn off, stop pumping liquid, avoid pumping liquid, etc.), as further described herein. In some implementations, the controller 128 may not cause activation or deactivation of each liquid pump 124, but rather cause (e.g., by sending signals to the liquid pump 124) the liquid pump 124 to modify its pumping rate (e.g., in liters per minute or another unit of measurement).

[0025] like Figure 2A As shown, and by reference numeral 204, the controller can obtain configuration information from, for example, a control interface 112. For instance, the operator or other user of machine 100 can interact with the control interface 112 to input configuration information. Therefore, the control interface 112 can transmit configuration information to the controller 128, such as via a connection between the control interface 112 and the controller 128 (e.g., a wired or wireless connection), thereby enabling the controller 128 to receive the configuration information.

[0026] Configuration information can indicate the amount of rotation of the compaction element 102 of machine 100 (at least one specific compaction element 102, such as a front compaction element 102-1 or a rear compaction element 102-2). Configuration information can indicate the amount of rotation of the compaction element 102 associated with a dispersion cycle of the liquid dispersion system 202. For example, configuration information can indicate the amount of rotation of the compaction element 102 for which liquid (e.g., water) will be dispersed at the compaction element 102 during the dispersion cycle, such as via one or more liquid dispersion components 122. In some implementations, the amount of rotation can be represented as an integer value (e.g., integers such as 1, 2, 3, etc.), or alternatively, as a non-integer value (e.g., a number with a fractional or decimal component, such as 1.1, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.125, etc.).

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, the configuration information may indicate a percentage of the dispersion cycle. For example, the configuration information may indicate a percentage of the dispersion cycle associated with the amount of rotation of the compaction element 102. In other words, the configuration information may indicate that the amount of rotation of the compaction element 102 will be completed within a percentage of the dispersion cycle.

[0028] As indicated by reference numeral 206 in the accompanying drawings, controller 128 may obtain sensor information, for example, from sensor system 126. For instance, sensor system 126 may send sensor information (e.g., when sensor system 126 collects or determines sensor information) to controller 128, such as via a connection between control interface 112 and sensor system 126, thereby enabling controller 128 to receive sensor information.

[0029] Sensor information may be associated with machine 100. For example, sensor information may include speed information associated with machine 100 (e.g., the speed or expected speed of machine 100) and / or rotational rate information associated with compaction element 102 (e.g., the specific compaction element 102 described herein), such as at one or more moments.

[0030] As indicated by reference numeral 208 in the accompanying drawings, the controller 128 may determine a first time interval and a second time interval of the dispersion cycle (e.g., based on configuration information and / or sensor information). The first time interval of the dispersion cycle is used to disperse the liquid at at least one compaction element 102, such as via one or more liquid dispersion components 122, and the second time interval of the dispersion cycle is used to not disperse the liquid (e.g., via one or more liquid dispersion components 122).

[0031] Therefore, the duration of the dispersion period can be equal to the sum of the first time interval and the second time interval. In other words, the duration of the dispersion period can include either the first time interval immediately following the second time interval or the second time interval immediately following the first time interval. The first time interval can be equal to (e.g., within tolerance) the duration of the dispersion period multiplied by a percentage of the dispersion period (e.g., as indicated by the configuration information), and therefore, the second time interval can be equal to (e.g., within tolerance) the duration of the dispersion period multiplied by the remaining percentage of the dispersion period (e.g., 100% minus the percentage of the dispersion period).

[0032] To determine the first time interval and the second time interval, controller 128 can determine the speed associated with machine 100 (e.g., based on sensor information). For example, controller 128 can process (e.g., read and / or parse) sensor information to determine the speed. Additionally, controller 128 can identify a circumference measurement associated with compaction element 102 (e.g., a specific compaction element 102), which may be stored by a data structure included in and / or accessible to machine 100. Therefore, controller 128 can determine the first time interval based on the speed of compaction element 102, the circumference measurement, and the amount of rotation (e.g., indicated by configuration information). For example, given the circumference measurement associated with compaction element 102 and the speed associated with machine 100, controller 128 can determine the first time interval as the amount of time required to complete the amount of rotation of compaction element 102. In other words, controller 128 can multiply the amount of rotation by the circumference measurement to determine a product, and then divide the product by the speed to determine the first time interval. The controller 128 can then determine the second time interval based on the first time interval and a percentage of the dispersion period (e.g., as indicated by configuration information). For example, the controller 128 can identify the first time interval as equal to (e.g., within tolerance) the duration of the dispersion period multiplied by a percentage of the dispersion period. Therefore, the controller 128 can determine the duration of the dispersion period (e.g., by dividing the first time interval by a percentage of the dispersion period) and determine the second time interval by subtracting the first time interval from the duration of the dispersion period.

[0033] Alternatively, to determine the first and second time intervals, controller 128 may determine rotation rate information associated with compaction element 102 (e.g., based on sensor information). For example, controller 128 may process (e.g., read and / or parse) sensor information to determine rotation rate information. Therefore, controller 128 may determine the first time interval based on the rotation rate information and the amount of rotation of compaction element 102 (e.g., indicated by configuration information). For example, given the rotation rate information, controller 128 may determine the first time interval as the amount of time required to complete the amount of rotation of compaction element 102. In other words, controller 128 may multiply the amount of rotation by the rotation rate information to determine the first time interval. Then, as described above, controller 128 may determine the second time interval based on the first time interval and a percentage of the dispersion period.

[0034] like Figure 2BAs shown, and by reference numeral 210, controller 128 can cause activation of one or more liquid pumps 124. For example, controller 128 can cause activation of one or more liquid pumps 124 according to a first time interval. In other words, as part of a dispersion cycle, controller 128 can cause activation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., during the duration of the first time interval). In some implementations, as an alternative to causing activation of one or more liquid pumps 124, controller 128 can cause (e.g., because one or more liquid pumps 124 have been activated) one or more liquid pumps 124 to have a first pump rate according to the first time interval (e.g., during the duration of the first time interval).

[0035] As indicated by reference numeral 212, activation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (or causing one or more liquid pumps 124 to have a first pump rate) (e.g., according to a first time interval) can cause one or more liquid pumps 124 to supply liquid (e.g., water) to one or more liquid dispersion components 122 during the first time interval (e.g., during the duration of the first time interval) (e.g., at the first pump rate). Therefore, as indicated by reference numeral 214, one or more liquid dispersion components 122 can disperse liquid at at least one compaction element 102 during the first time interval (e.g., during the duration of the first time interval). Thus, activation of one or more liquid pumps 124 can cause liquid to be dispersed onto at least one compaction element 102 during the first time interval (e.g., the amount of rotation within the first time interval).

[0036] like Figure 2C As shown, and by reference numeral 216, controller 128 can cause the deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., based on causing the activation of one or more liquid pumps 124). For example, controller 128 can cause the deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124 according to a second time interval. In other words, as part of a dispersion cycle, controller 128 can cause the deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., during the duration of the second time interval). In some implementations, as an alternative to causing the deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124, controller 128 can cause one or more liquid pumps 124 to have a second pump rate (e.g., different from the first pump rate, such as a second pump rate less than the first pump rate) according to the second time interval (e.g., during the duration of the second time interval).

[0037] As indicated by reference numeral 218 in the accompanying drawings, deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., according to a second first time interval) can cause one or more liquid pumps 124 to stop supplying liquid (e.g., water) to one or more liquid dispersion components 122 during a second time interval (e.g., the duration of the second time interval). Therefore, deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124 can prevent liquid from dispersing onto at least one compaction element 102 during the second time interval. In some implementations, causing one or more liquid pumps 124 to have a second pump rate (e.g., less than a first pump rate) can reduce the amount of liquid dispersed onto at least one compaction element 102 during the second time interval (e.g., the duration of the second time interval).

[0038] Although Figure 2B and 2C The diagram illustrates a controller 128 causing activation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., according to a first time interval), followed by deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., according to a second time interval) as part of a dispersion cycle. However, the controller 128 may also cause deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., according to a second time interval), followed by activation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., according to a first time interval) as part of a dispersion cycle. Furthermore, the controller 128 may cause one or more liquid pumps 124 to have a first pump rate (e.g., according to a first time interval), followed by a second pump rate (e.g., according to a second time interval), as part of a dispersion cycle, or the controller 128 may cause one or more liquid pumps 124 to have a second pump rate (e.g., according to a second time interval), followed by a first pump rate (e.g., according to a first time interval), as part of a dispersion cycle.

[0039] like Figure 2D As shown, and by reference numeral 220, controller 128 can obtain additional sensor information, such as from sensor system 126 (e.g., based on at least one of causing activation or deactivation of the liquid pump, as described herein). For example, sensor system 126 can send additional sensor information (e.g., when sensor system 126 collects or determines additional sensor information) to controller 128, such as via a connection between control interface 112 and sensor system 126, which allows controller 128 to receive additional sensor information.

[0040] Other sensor information may be associated with machine 100. For example, sensor information may include other speed information associated with machine 100 (e.g., the speed or expected speed of machine 100) and / or other rotational rate information associated with compaction element 102 (e.g., a specific compaction element 102), such as one or more other times after one or more times associated with the sensor information.

[0041] As indicated by reference numeral 222 in the accompanying drawings, controller 128 may determine another first time interval of another dispersion cycle and another second time interval of another dispersion cycle (e.g., based on configuration information and / or other sensor information). The other first time interval of another dispersion cycle is used to disperse liquid at at least one compaction element 102, such as via one or more liquid dispersion components 122, while the other second time interval of another dispersion cycle is used not to disperse liquid (e.g., via one or more liquid dispersion components 122).

[0042] Therefore, the duration of another dispersion period can be equal to the sum of another first time interval and another second time interval. In other words, the duration of another dispersion period can include another first time interval immediately following another second time interval, or another second time interval immediately following another first time interval. Another first time interval can be equal to (e.g., within tolerance) the duration of another dispersion period multiplied by the percentage indicated by the configuration information, and therefore, another second time interval can be equal to (e.g., within tolerance) the duration of another dispersion period multiplied by the remaining percentage of the other dispersion period (e.g., 100% minus the percentage indicated by the configuration information).

[0043] Controller 128 can be used in conjunction with the information in this article. Figure 2A Another first time interval and another second time interval of the other dispersion cycle are determined in a manner similar to that described by reference numeral 208. It is worth noting that because the speed associated with machine 100 and / or the rotational rate associated with compaction element 102 (e.g., as indicated by other sensor information) may differ from the corresponding speed and / or rotational rate information indicated by the sensor information, the other first time interval may differ from the first time interval, and the other second time interval may differ from the second time interval. Therefore, the duration of the other dispersion cycle may differ from the duration of the dispersion cycle.

[0044] Therefore, controller 128 can cause activation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., according to another first time interval) and / or can cause deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., according to another second time interval), such as in accordance with the provisions of this document. Figure 2B and 2CThe manner described is similar. Alternatively, controller 128 may cause one or more liquid pumps 124 to have another first pump rate (e.g., according to another first time interval) and / or controller 128 may cause one or more liquid pumps 124 to have another second pump rate (e.g., according to another second time interval), such as in accordance with the provisions of this document. Figure 2B and 2C The method described is similar to that described above.

[0045] As this article is about Figure 2D Some or all of the alternatives to the described operation, such as Figure 2E As shown, and by reference numeral 224, controller 128 can determine that one or more control change criteria are met (e.g., based on other sensor information obtained by controller 128, as described herein). Figure 2D (As described by reference numeral 220 in the accompanying drawings). For example, controller 128 may determine, based on other sensor information, that the speed associated with machine 100 is less than or equal to a minimum speed control change criterion and / or the rotational rate associated with compaction element 102 is less than or equal to a minimum rotational rate control change criterion. In other words, controller 128 may determine that machine 100 is moving too slowly and / or compaction element 102 is moving too slowly, and may thereby determine that one or more control change criteria are met.

[0046] Therefore, as indicated by reference numeral 226 in the figures, controller 128 can identify another first time interval of another dispersion cycle (e.g., for dispersing liquid at compaction element 102, such as via one or more liquid dispersion components 122) and another second time interval of another dispersion cycle (e.g., for not dispersing liquid, such as via one or more liquid dispersion components 122). The other first time interval and the other second time interval can be stored in the data structure described herein, and controller 128 can identify the other first time interval and the other second time interval by communicating with the data structure.

[0047] The duration of another dispersion period can be equal to the sum of another first time interval and another second time interval. In other words, the duration of another dispersion period can include another first time interval immediately following another second time interval, or another second time interval immediately following another first time interval. It is worth noting that another first time interval may not be equal to the duration of the other dispersion period multiplied by the percentage indicated by the configuration information, and therefore, another second time interval may not be equal to the duration of the other dispersion period multiplied by the remaining percentage of the other dispersion period (e.g., 100% minus the percentage indicated by the configuration information). Furthermore, another first time interval may be different from the first time interval, and another second time interval may be different from the second time interval. Therefore, the duration of another dispersion period may be different from the duration of the dispersion period.

[0048] Therefore, controller 128 can cause activation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., according to another first time interval) and / or can cause deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124 (e.g., according to another second time interval), such as in accordance with the provisions of this document. Figure 2B and 2C The manner described is similar. Alternatively, controller 128 may cause one or more liquid pumps 124 to have another first pump rate (e.g., according to another first time interval) and / or controller 128 may cause one or more liquid pumps 124 to have another second pump rate (e.g., according to another second time interval), such as in accordance with the provisions of this document. Figure 2B and 2C The method described is similar to that described above.

[0049] In this way, as this article discusses Figure 2D-2E As described, the controller 128 is capable of variable control of the liquid dispersion system 202. For example, the controller 128 causes at least one of the activation or deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124 according to a dispersion cycle including a first time interval and a second time interval, and then the controller 128 causes at least one of the activation or deactivation of one or more liquid pumps 124 according to another dispersion cycle having a duration different from the duration of the dispersion cycle, such as because the other dispersion cycle includes another first time interval having a duration different from the duration of the first time interval and another second time interval having a duration different from the duration of the second time interval.

[0050] As indicated above, provide Figures 2A-2E As an example, other examples can be combined. Figures 2A-2E The descriptions are different.

[0051] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of example components of a device 300 associated with variable control of a liquid dispersion system. Device 300 may correspond to a control interface 112, one or more liquid pumps 124, a sensor system 126, a controller 128, and / or a liquid dispersion system 202. In some implementations, the control interface 112, one or more liquid pumps 124, sensor system 126, controller 128, and / or liquid dispersion system 202 may include one or more devices 300 and / or one or more components of device 300. Figure 3 As shown, the device 300 may include a bus 310, a processor 320, a memory 330, an input component 340, an output component 350, and / or a communication component 360.

[0052] Bus 310 may include one or more components for implementing wired and / or wireless communication between components of device 300. Bus 310 may connect components such as via operative connections, communication connections, electronic connections, and / or electrical connections. Figure 3 Two or more components are connected together. For example, bus 310 may include electrical connections (e.g., wires, traces, and / or leads) and / or a wireless bus. Processor 320 may include a central processing unit, graphics processing unit, microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, application-specific integrated circuit, and / or another type of processing unit. Processor 320 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. In some implementations, processor 320 may include one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform one or more operations or processes described elsewhere herein.

[0053] Memory 330 may include volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory. For example, memory 330 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk drive, and / or other types of memory (e.g., flash memory, magnetic storage, and / or optical storage). Memory 330 may include internal memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, or hard disk drive) and / or removable memory (e.g., removable via a Universal Serial Bus connector). Memory 330 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. Memory 330 may store information related to the operation of device 300, one or more instructions, and / or software (e.g., one or more software applications). In some implementations, memory 330 may include one or more memories, such as those connected (e.g., communicatively connected) to one or more processors (e.g., processor 320) via bus 310. The communicative connection between processor 320 and memory 330 enables processor 320 to read and / or process information stored in memory 330 and / or store information in memory 330.

[0054] Input component 340 enables device 300 to receive input, such as user input and / or sensed input. For example, input component 340 may include a touchscreen, keyboard, keypad, mouse, button, microphone, switch, sensor, GPS sensor, GNSS sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and / or actuator. Output component 350 enables device 300 to provide output, such as via a display, speaker, and / or light-emitting diode. Communication component 360 enables device 300 to communicate with other devices via wired and / or wireless connections. For example, communication component 360 may include a receiver, transmitter, transceiver, modem, network interface card, and / or antenna.

[0055] Apparatus 300 may perform one or more operations or procedures described herein. For example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 330) may store a set of instructions (e.g., one or more instructions or code) that can be executed by processor 320. Processor 320 may execute the set of instructions to perform one or more operations or procedures described herein. Execution of the set of instructions by one or more processors 320 causes one or more processors 320 and / or apparatus 300 to perform one or more operations or procedures. Hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with instructions to perform one or more operations or procedures. Processor 320 may be configured to perform one or more operations or procedures. Therefore, the implementations described herein are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0056] Figure 3 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. Device 300 may include components related to... Figure 3 The components shown are compared to additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged in a different manner. The set of components of device 300 (e.g., one or more components) can perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 300.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an example process 400 associated with variable control of a liquid dispersion system. Figure 4 One or more process frames may be performed by a liquid dispersion system (e.g., liquid dispersion system 202) of a machine such as a compactor (e.g., machine 100). Additionally or alternatively, Figure 4 One or more process frames may be performed by another device or set of devices that are separate from or include the liquid dispersion system, such as the liquid dispersion system and / or another device or component inside or outside the machine.

[0058] like Figure 4As shown, process 400 may include obtaining configuration information (block 410). For example, as described above, the liquid dispersion system may obtain configuration information. The configuration information may indicate the amount of rotation of the compaction element of the compactor associated with the dispersion cycle, and the configuration information indicates the percentage of the dispersion cycle.

[0059] like Figure 4 As further shown, process 400 may include determining a first time interval and a second time interval of the dispersion period (box 420). For example, as described above, the liquid dispersion system may determine (e.g., based on configuration information and sensor information) the first time interval and the second time interval of the dispersion period. The first time interval may be equal to the duration of the dispersion period multiplied by a percentage of the dispersion period. Determining the first time interval and the second time interval of the dispersion period includes determining at least one of the speed associated with the compactor or the rotational rate associated with the compaction element based on sensor information; determining the first time interval of the dispersion period based on at least one of the speed associated with the compactor or the rotational rate associated with the compaction element and configuration information; and determining the second time interval of the dispersion period based on the first time interval and the configuration information.

[0060] like Figure 4 As further shown, process 400 may include activating one or more liquid pumps according to a first time interval (block 430). For example, as described above, a liquid dispersion system may activate one or more liquid pumps (e.g., the liquid pumps of the liquid dispersion system) according to a first time interval.

[0061] like Figure 4 As further shown, process 400 may include deactivating one or more liquid pumps according to a second time interval (box 440). For example, as described above, the liquid dispersion system may deactivate one or more liquid pumps according to the second time interval.

[0062] Process 400 may include determining another first time interval of another dispersion cycle and another second time interval of another dispersion cycle based on configuration information and other sensor information, wherein the other first time interval is different from the first time interval and the other second time interval is different from the second time interval; activating one or more liquid pumps according to the other first time interval; and deactivating one or more liquid pumps according to the other second time interval.

[0063] Process 400 may include determining, based on information from another sensor, that one or more control change criteria are met; identifying, based on determining that one or more control change criteria are met, another first time interval of another dispersion cycle and another second time interval of another dispersion cycle; activating one or more liquid pumps according to the other first time interval; and deactivating one or more liquid pumps according to the other second time interval.

[0064] Although Figure 4 An example box of process 400 is shown, but in some implementations, process 400 may include... Figure 4 The boxes depicted in the text are compared to additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes with different arrangements. Additionally or alternatively, two or more boxes of process 400 can be executed in parallel.

[0065] Industrial applicability The liquid dispersion system described herein can be used with any machine that utilizes liquid dispersion. For example, the liquid dispersion system can be used with machines that include compaction elements such as compaction rollers for compacting soil, paving materials, etc.

[0066] Typical liquid dispersion systems allow manual input (e.g., by the machine operator) of the duration for which liquid is dispersed onto the compaction element. However, this control process is not precise and intuitive (e.g., because it is based on the input duration), which often leads to wasted fluid (e.g., allowing more liquid to be dispersed onto the compaction element than is needed to prevent paving material from adhering to it) or negatively impacts the machine's compaction performance (e.g., not allowing sufficient liquid to be dispersed to prevent paving material from adhering to the compaction element).

[0067] In some implementations described herein, the controller of the liquid dispersion system can determine a first time interval for a dispersion cycle used to disperse the liquid at the compaction element and a second time interval for a dispersion cycle where the liquid is not dispersed, based on configuration information and sensor information. The configuration information can be input by the machine operator and can indicate the amount of rotation of the compaction element at which the liquid will be dispersed during the dispersion cycle, and the percentage of the dispersion cycle associated with that rotation. The sensor information can indicate the machine speed or the rotational rate of the compaction element.

[0068] Therefore, the controller activates one or more liquid pumps of the liquid dispersion system according to a first time interval (e.g., during the duration of the first time interval, such as allowing liquid to disperse onto the compaction element for a rotational amount), and deactivates one or more liquid pumps according to a second time interval (e.g., during the duration of the second time interval, such as preventing liquid from dispersing onto the compaction element during the second time interval). In some implementations, the controller causes one or more liquid pumps to have a first pump rate according to the first time interval (e.g., during the duration of the first time interval, such as allowing a specific amount of liquid to disperse onto the compaction element for a rotational amount), and causes one or more liquid pumps to have a second pump rate according to the second time interval (e.g., during the duration of the second time interval, such as allowing a smaller amount of liquid to disperse onto the compaction element during the second time interval).

[0069] In this way, some implementations enable variable control of the liquid dispersion system, allowing the duration of the first and second time intervals to vary with changes in machine speed and / or the rotational rate of the compaction element. Therefore, the liquid dispersion system increases the likelihood of effective liquid dispersion (e.g., by reducing the likelihood of more liquid being dispersed onto the compaction element than is needed to prevent paving material from adhering to it, and / or by reducing the likelihood of insufficient liquid dispersion to prevent paving material from adhering to it). This reduces the number of times the liquid reservoir needs to be refilled (e.g., to supply the liquid to be dispersed), thereby increasing machine productivity (e.g., by reducing downtime required to refill the liquid reservoir) and additionally improving the quality of the paving mat compacted by the machine. Inputting configuration information is also more intuitive for the machine operator (e.g., because the configuration information indicates the amount of rotation of the compaction element and the percentage of the dispersion cycle, rather than an arbitrary duration), which increases the likelihood that the controller can determine the optimal first and second time intervals for the dispersion cycle.

[0070] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations can be made based on the foregoing disclosure, or can be derived from practice of the implementations. Furthermore, any implementations described herein can be combined unless the foregoing disclosure expressly provides a reason why one or more implementations cannot be combined. Even if specific combinations of features are listed in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various implementations. While each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of various implementations includes every dependent claim combined with every other claim in the group of claims.

Claims

1. A liquid dispersion system, comprising: One or more liquid dispersion components are configured to disperse liquid at the compaction element of a compactor; One or more liquid pumps configured to supply liquid to the one or more liquid dispersion components; as well as The controller, which is configured as follows: Obtain configuration information indicating the amount of rotation of the compaction element of the compactor, for which liquid will be dispersed at the compaction element via the one or more liquid dispersion components during a dispersion cycle, and the configuration information indicating the percentage of the dispersion cycle associated with the amount of rotation; Obtain sensor information associated with the compactor; Based on the configuration information and the sensor information, a first time interval for dispersing liquid at the compaction element via the one or more liquid dispersing components and a second time interval for not dispersing liquid via the one or more liquid dispersing components are determined. The activation of the one or more liquid pumps is caused according to the first time interval; as well as Based on the activation of the one or more liquid pumps, the one or more liquid pumps are deactivated according to the second time interval.

2. The liquid dispersion system according to claim 1, wherein the duration of the dispersion cycle is equal to the sum of the first time interval and the second time interval.

3. The liquid dispersion system according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein the first time interval is equal to the duration of the dispersion period multiplied by the percentage of the dispersion period.

4. The liquid dispersion system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein activation of the one or more liquid pumps caused by the first time interval results in: The one or more liquid pumps supply liquid to the one or more liquid dispersion components during the first time interval; The one or more liquid dispersion components are used to disperse liquid at the compaction element during the first time interval; and During the first time interval, liquid is dispersed onto the compaction element for the amount of rotation.

5. The liquid dispersion system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, in order to determine the first time interval of the dispersion period and the second time interval of the dispersion period, the controller is configured to: Identify the perimeter measurement associated with the compaction element; The speed associated with the compactor is determined based on the sensor information; The first time interval of the dispersion cycle is determined based on the perimeter measurement of the compaction element, the speed, and the amount of rotation. as well as The second time interval of the dispersion period is determined based on the first time interval and the percentage of the dispersion period.

6. The liquid dispersion system according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, in order to determine the first time interval of the dispersion period and the second time interval of the dispersion period, the controller is configured to: Based on the sensor information, the rotational rate information associated with the compaction element is determined; The first time interval of the dispersion cycle is determined based on the rotation rate information and the amount of rotation of the compaction element; as well as The second time interval of the dispersion period is determined based on the first time interval and the percentage of the dispersion period.

7. The liquid dispersion system according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the controller is further configured as follows: Other sensor information associated with the compactor is obtained based on at least one of the activation or deactivation of the one or more liquid pumps; Based on the information from the other sensor, it is determined that one or more control change criteria are met; Based on the determination that the one or more control change criteria are met, another first time interval for another dispersion cycle for dispersing liquid at the compaction element via the one or more liquid dispersion components and another second time interval for another dispersion cycle for not dispersing liquid via the one or more liquid dispersion components are identified; The activation of the one or more liquid pumps is caused by the other first time interval; as well as Based on the activation of the one or more liquid pumps caused by the other first time interval, and the deactivation of the one or more liquid pumps caused by the other second time interval.

8. A compactor, comprising: Compactor element; Liquid dispersion system, including: One or more liquid pumps; and The controller, which is configured as follows: Obtain configuration information indicating the amount of rotation of the compaction element, for which liquid will be dispersed at the compaction element during a dispersion cycle, and the configuration information indicating the percentage of the dispersion cycle associated with the amount of rotation; Obtain sensor information; Based on the configuration information and the sensor information, a first time interval for the dispersion cycle used to disperse the liquid at the compaction element and a second time interval for the dispersion cycle used to not disperse the liquid are determined. The activation of the one or more liquid pumps is caused according to the first time interval; and Based on the activation of the one or more liquid pumps, the one or more liquid pumps are deactivated according to the second time interval.

9. The compactor of claim 8, wherein activation of the one or more liquid pumps caused by the first time interval results in liquid being dispersed onto the compaction element during the first time interval for the amount of rotation.

10. The compactor according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein the controller is further configured as follows: Obtain information from another sensor associated with the compactor; Based on the configuration information and the other sensor information, a first time interval for another dispersion cycle for dispersing the liquid at the compaction element and a second time interval for the other dispersion cycle for not dispersing the liquid are determined. The other first time interval is different from the first time interval, and the other second time interval is different from the second time interval; The activation of the one or more liquid pumps is caused by the other first time interval; and based on causing activation of the one or more liquid pumps according to the other first time interval, causing deactivation of the one or more liquid pumps according to the other second time interval.

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