SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A POSITION OF AN END FLAP

Abstract

A system (300) for controlling a position of an end flap (122) comprises a first sensor (302) that generates an input signal (S1) indicating an actual position of the end flap (122) relative to a frame (118) of a screed assembly (110). The system (300) also comprises one or more processors (308) that receive the input signal (S1) from the first sensor (302) and receive information about a desired position of the end flap (122) relative to the frame (118). The desired position is based on a paving parameter associated with a paving operation to be performed by a paving machine (100) and / or a previous position of the end flap (122) relative to the frame (118). The one or more processors (308) are also configured to compare the actual position with the desired position and to generate an output signal (S2, S4) if the actual position does not correspond to the desired position.The position of the end flap (122) is adjusted so that the actual position corresponds to the target position.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a paving machine and, more particularly, to a system and method for controlling a position of an end gate of a screed assembly of the paving machine. State of the art

[0002] A paving machine is often used to lay paving material, such as bituminous aggregate mix or asphalt, over a ground surface. The paving machine includes a screed assembly that can compact and manipulate the asphalt to form a paving material layer. The screed assembly includes one or more end flaps that contact the ground surface to prevent the paving material from scattering laterally past the end flaps. The end flaps can be retracted (e.g., raised) or extended (e.g., lowered) based on the thickness of the paving layer. When the thickness of the paving layer changes, it is important to adjust the position of the end flaps. For example, if the thickness of the paving layer increases, the end flaps must be extended.

[0003] In one example, operators may forget to position the end flaps in a desired position before starting or resuming a paving operation. In another example, operators may not position the end flaps in the desired position during an ongoing paving operation. If the end flaps are positioned too high, paving material may flow under the end flaps, which can cause wasted paving material and possible defects in the paving pavement. If the end flaps are positioned too low, the available clearance may be reduced, which in turn can cause defects in the paving pavement. Therefore, it is necessary to position the end flaps correctly during paving operations.

[0004] US Patent No. 10,640,933 describes a milling machine comprising a milling unit with a housing to which left and right end flaps are attached, a controller, a right front lifting column, a left front lifting column, and a rear lifting column. Height sensors are located at the front and rear of each end flap. The controller is operatively connected to the height sensors and linear actuators within the lifting columns of the milling machine. The height sensor located at the front of the right end flap will provide feedback for controlling the position of the right front lifting column, and the height sensor located at the front of the left end flap will provide feedback for controlling the position of the left front lifting column.The height sensors located at the rear ends of the end flaps are available at the operator's discretion to provide feedback to control the positions of one of the right and left front lift columns and the rear lift column. Summary of Revelation

[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling the position of an end flap of a screed assembly of a paving machine is provided. The system includes at least one first sensor configured to generate an input signal indicative of an actual position of the end flap relative to a frame of the screed assembly. The at least one first sensor is disposed proximate the end flap. The system also includes a controller including one or more memories and one or more processors. The one or more processors are communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the at least one first sensor. The one or more processors are configured to receive, from the at least one first sensor, the input signal indicative of the actual position of the end flap relative to the frame.The one or more processors are also configured to receive information about a desired position of the end flap relative to the frame. The desired position of the end flap is based on at least one of a paving parameter associated with a paving operation to be performed by the paving machine and a previous position of the end flap relative to the frame. The one or more processors are further configured to compare the actual position of the end flap with the desired position of the end flap. The one or more processors are configured to generate an output signal if the actual position of the end flap does not correspond to the desired position of the end flap. The position of the end flap is adjusted based on the output signal so that the actual position corresponds to the desired position.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a paving machine is provided. The paving machine includes a screed assembly. The screed assembly includes a frame. The screed assembly also includes an end gate. The screed assembly further includes an actuation system for adjusting a position of the end gate relative to the frame. The paving machine further includes a system for controlling the position of the end gate of the screed assembly. The system includes at least one first sensor configured to generate an input signal indicative of an actual position of the end gate relative to the frame of the screed assembly. The at least one first sensor is disposed proximate the end gate. The system also includes a controller including one or more memories and one or more processors.The one or more processors are communicatively coupled to the one or more memories and the at least one first sensor. The one or more processors are configured to receive, from the at least one first sensor, the input signal indicative of the actual position of the end flap relative to the frame. The one or more processors are also configured to receive information about a desired position of the end flap relative to the frame. The desired position of the end flap is based on at least one of a paving parameter associated with a paving operation to be performed by the paving machine and a previous position of the end flap relative to the frame. The one or more processors are further configured to compare the actual position of the end flap with the desired position of the end flap.The one or more processors are configured to generate an output signal when the actual position of the end flap does not correspond to the desired position of the end flap. The position of the end flap is adjusted based on the output signal so that the actual position corresponds to the desired position.

[0007] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a position of an end flap of a screed assembly of a paving machine is provided. The method includes generating, by at least one first sensor, an input signal indicative of an actual position of the end flap relative to the frame of the screed assembly. The method also includes receiving, by the one or more processors of the controller, the input signal indicative of the actual position of the end flap relative to the frame. The method further includes receiving, by the one or more processors, information about a desired position of the end flap relative to the frame. The desired position of the end flap is based on at least one of a paving parameter associated with a paving operation to be performed by the paving machine and a previous position of the end flap relative to the frame.The method further comprises comparing, by the one or more processors, the actual position of the end flap with the desired position of the end flap. The method further comprises generating, by the one or more processors, an output signal if the actual position of the end flap does not correspond to the desired position of the end flap. The method further comprises adjusting the position of the end flap based on the output signal such that the actual position of the end flap corresponds to the desired position of the end flap.

[0008] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary paving machine including a screed assembly; Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a schematic side view of the screed arrangement of Fig. 1, including one end flap; Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a system for controlling a position of the end flap of Fig. 2 according to an example of the present disclosure; and Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the position of the end flap of Fig. 2 according to an example of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0009] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings to identify identical or similar parts.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary paving machine 100. The paving machine 100 may be used for constructing roads, bridges, and the like by spreading and compacting a layer of paving material. The paving material may include bituminous aggregate mix or asphalt. The paving machine 100 will be interchangeably referred to as "machine 100" hereinafter. The machine 100 includes a vehicle frame 102. The vehicle frame 102 supports various components of the machine 100. The machine 100 includes a housing 104 mounted to the vehicle frame 102. A power source (not shown) is located within the housing 104. The power source may be a motor, such as an internal combustion engine, a battery system, a fuel cell, etc. The power source provides the machine 100 with power for operational and mobility requirements.

[0011] The machine 100 also includes a set of ground engaging elements 106. The ground engaging elements 106 are operatively connected to the vehicle frame 102. In the illustrated example of Fig. 1, the ground-engaging elements 106 include wheels. In other examples, the ground-engaging elements 106 may include tracks. The ground-engaging elements 106 support the machine 100 on a ground surface and provide mobility.

[0012] The machine 100 also includes a machine operator station 108 mounted on the vehicle frame 102. An operator present at the machine operator station 108 can control various functions associated with the machine 100 and, in some examples, functions associated with a screed assembly 110 of the machine 100. The machine 100 includes a user interface 113 (shown schematically in Fig. 3). The user interface 113 is located in the machine operator station 108. The user interface 113 may enable the operator to provide various inputs associated with a screed assembly 110 and / or the machine 100. In some examples, the user interface 113 may include any input / output device. The user interface 113 may include a display unit for displaying various information, such as information associated with a paving operation performed by the machine 100, a speed of the machine 100, a direction of travel of the machine 100, and the like. The user interface 113 may include a portable or handheld device such as a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, or the like.

[0013] The machine 100 also includes a screed operator station 112. The screed operator station 112 may be used by the operator to control various functions associated with the screed assembly 110 and, in some examples, functions associated with the machine 100. The machine 100 includes a user interface 114. The user interface 114 is disposed within the screed operator station 112. The user interface 114 may enable the operator to provide various inputs associated with the screed assembly 110 and / or the machine 100. In some examples, the user interface 114 may include any input / output device. The user interface 114 may include a display unit that may display various information, such as information associated with a paving operation performed by the machine 100.The user interface 114 may comprise a portable or handheld device such as a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or the like.

[0014] The machine 100 also includes a hopper assembly 116 operatively connected to the vehicle frame 102. The hopper assembly 116 accommodates a volume of paving material (not shown) on the machine 100 received from an external source (not shown), such as a truck or transport vehicle. The hopper assembly 116 also transfers the paving material from one portion of the machine 100 to another. Thus, the hopper assembly 116 may include one or more components (not shown), such as one or more conveyors, augers, sensors, etc., based on application requirements.

[0015] The machine 100 further includes the screed assembly 110. The screed assembly 110 is mounted to the vehicle frame 102. The screed assembly 110 includes a frame 118. The screed assembly 110 includes a main screed 120. The screed assembly 110 may also include one or more screed extensions 121 coupled to the main screed 120.

[0016] With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the screed assembly 110 also includes an end flap 122. In particular, the end flap 122 includes a left end flap 122 and a right end flap 122 disposed on opposite sides 124, 126 of the screed assembly 110. More specifically, the left end flap 122 is disposed on the side 124 and the right end flap 122 is disposed on the side 126 of the screed assembly 110. It should be noted that in the attached figures, only the left end flap 122 is shown, and the right end flap 122 is shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The left end flap 122 and the right end flap 122 are hereinafter referred to interchangeably as "end flap 122." The end flap 122 is movably mounted relative to the frame 118. The end flap 122 can contact the ground surface to prevent paving material from the sides of the screed assembly 110 from scattering laterally past the end flap 122.

[0017] With reference to Fig. 2, the screed assembly 110 also includes an actuation system 128 for adjusting a position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118. The actuation system 128 is operatively connected to both the frame 118 and the end flap 122. As such, the actuation system 128 may raise or lower the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118 based on its operation. In particular, the actuation system 128 may cause the end flap 122 to retract (e.g., raise) or extend (e.g., lower) based on a thickness of a paving surface. In the illustrated example of Fig. 2, the screed assembly 110 includes two actuation systems 128 for adjusting the position of the end flap 122. In some examples, the actuation system 128 may include a hydraulic drive system or a pneumatic drive system to adjust the position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118. Furthermore, the actuation system 128 may include one or more actuators to adjust the position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118.

[0018] The paving machine 100 includes a spring 130 coupled to the end flap 122. The spring 130 is movable to adjust the position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118. Specifically, the paving machine 100 includes two springs 130 coupled to the end flap 122. Alternatively, the paving machine 100 may include any number of springs 130 based on application requirements. Each spring 130 is connected to a corresponding shaft 132 that is extendable and retractable as required. Each shaft 132 is coupled to a corresponding actuation system 128. The paving machine 100 also includes a bracket 134 coupled to the spring 130. The bracket 134 can move up and down with the movement of the end flap 122, causing the spring 130 to compress and expand.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 3, the present disclosure relates to a system 300 for controlling the position of the end flap 122 of the screed assembly 110 of the paving machine 100 of Fig. 1. In particular, the screed assembly 110 includes the system 300. The system 300 includes one or more first sensors 302 for generating an input signal S1 that indicates an actual position of the end flap 122 with respect to the frame 118 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2) of the screed assembly 110. The one or more first sensors 302 are disposed proximate the end flap 122. The one or more first sensors 302 may include an image sensor, a linear position sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor, and / or a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor. In one example, only one first sensor 302 may be disposed proximate the end flap 122. Alternatively, two first sensors 302 may be disposed proximate the end flap 122 and may be spaced apart from each other. It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited by any type of sensor 302 or any position of the first sensor 302.

[0020] In one example, the one or more first sensors 302 may include position sensors that provide a distance between the end flap 122 and the frame 118. In another example, the one or more first sensors 302 may include perception sensors, such as cameras, that provide an indication of contact points between the end flap 122 and the ground surface, which may ultimately be used to determine a relative distance between the end flap 122 and the frame 118.

[0021] The system 300 also includes a controller 304 including one or more memories 306 and one or more processors 308. The system 300 further includes the user interface 113, 114. The user interface 113, 114 is presently located on the machine 100. Alternatively, the user interface 113, 114 may be located in a back office or may be located with ground personnel / operators near the machine 100.

[0022] The one or more processors 308 are communicatively coupled to the one or more memories 306 and the one or more first sensors 302. The one or more memories 306 of the controller 304 may store a desired position P1 of the end gate 122 relative to the frame 118. The desired position P1 of the end gate 122 is based on a paving parameter associated with the paving operation to be performed by the paving machine 100 and / or on a previous position of the end gate 122 relative to the frame 118. In some examples, the paving parameter comprises at least in part the thickness of the paving pavement. In other examples, the paving parameters may include, without limitation, a paving speed of the paving machine 100, a width of the paving pavement, a length of the paving pavement, a position of the main screed 120 (see Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), a position of the machine 100, an operating mode of the machine 100, the direction of movement of the machine 100, and the like. For example, the target position P1 of the end flap 122 may be different when the machine 100 is in a paving mode, and the target position P1 may be different when the machine 100 is in a travel mode, for example, during paving. Thus, the target position P1 may be different for different operating modes, and it may be necessary to position the end flap 122 in the target position P1 based on the operating mode of the machine 100. In one example, the term "previous position of the end flap 122" as mentioned herein may refer to a last noted position of the end flap 122 before the completion and / or pause of a previous paving operation and may be pre-stored in the memories 306.

[0023] Furthermore, a desired position P2 of the spring 130 can also be stored in the one or more memories 306 (see Fig. 2). The target position P2 of the spring 130 is based on the paving parameter associated with a paving operation to be performed by the paving machine 100 or on a previous position of the spring 130. In one example, the term "previous position of the spring 130" mentioned herein may refer to a last noted position of the spring 130 before the completion and / or pause of the previous paving operation and may be pre-stored in the memories 306.

[0024] The one or more memories 306 may comprise any means for storing information, including a hard disk, an optical disk, a floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), or other computer-readable storage media.

[0025] It should be noted that the one or more processors 308 may include a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors to receive various input signals and generate output signals. Numerous commercially available microprocessors can perform the functions of the one or more processors 308. Each processor 308 may further include a general-purpose processor, a central processing unit, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital circuit, an analog circuit, a microcontroller, another type of processor, or a combination thereof. Each processor 308 may include one or more components operable to execute computer-executable instructions or computer code that may be stored in and retrieved from the one or more memories 306.

[0026] The one or more processors 308 receive the input signal S1 indicating the actual position of the end flap 122 with respect to the frame 118 from the one or more first sensors 302. The one or more processors 308 also receive information about the desired position P1 of the end flap 122 with respect to the frame 118. The one or more processors 308 compare the actual position of the end flap 122 with the desired position P1 of the end flap 122. Specifically, the processors 308 retrieve the information about the desired position P1 of the end flap 122 with respect to the frame 118 from the one or more memories 306 to compare the actual position of the end flap 122 with the desired position P1 of the end flap 122.

[0027] The one or more processors 308 generate an output signal S2, S4 when the actual position of the end flap 122 does not correspond to the desired position P1 of the end flap 122. Further, the position of the end flap 122 is adjusted based on the output signal S2, S4 so that the actual position corresponds to the desired position P1 of the end flap 122. In one example, the one or more processors 308 generate the output signal S2, S4 before the start of an upcoming paving operation or before the resumption of an ongoing paving operation. In another example, the one or more processors 308 generate the output signal S2, S4 during the ongoing paving operation. That is, the one or more processors 308 may generate the output signal S2, S4 if the end flap 122 moves from its desired position P1 during the ongoing paving operation. Further, the desired position P1 may change when the operating mode of the machine 100 changes.In such situations, the processors 308 may detect a change in operating mode and generate the output signal S2, S4 to move the end flap 122 to the desired position P1 according to the operating mode of the machine 100.

[0028] In one example, the one or more processors 308 transmit the output signal S2 to the actuation system 128. Further, based on receiving the output signal S2 from the one or more processors 308, the actuation system 128 positions the end flap 122 in the desired position P1. Therefore, in this example, the processors 308 automatically control the position of the end flap 122.

[0029] In another example, the one or more processors 308 transmit the output signal S4 to the user interface 113, 114 to inform the operator of the paving machine 100 of a deviation between the actual position of the end flap 122 and the desired position P1 of the end flap 122. The output signal S4 may be a text notification, an audio notification, a video notification, or the like. Further, the operator of the paving machine 100 provides an input I1 to the actuation system 128 to position the end flap 122 in the desired position P1. Furthermore, based on receiving the input I1 from the operator, the actuation system 128 positions the end flap 122 in the desired position P1. Therefore, in this example, the operators can control the position of the end flap 122 based on the output signal S4 of the processors 308.

[0030] The system 300 further includes a second sensor 310. The second sensor 310 generates a signal S3 indicating the actual position of the spring 130. In one example, the second sensor 310 may be disposed proximate the spring 130 to measure the actual position of the spring 130. The second sensor 310 may include a linear variable differential transducer, a pressure sensor, a load cell, or an acoustic sensor. The second sensor 310 is communicatively coupled to the one or more processors 308 and may measure the amount of extension and / or the amount of compression of the spring 130.

[0031] The one or more processors 308 receive the signal S3 indicating the actual position of the spring 130 from the second sensor 310. The one or more processors 308 compare the actual position of the spring 130 with the desired position P2 of the spring 130. In particular, the one or more processors 308 retrieve the desired position P2 of the spring 130 from the one or more memories 306 to compare the actual position of the spring 130 with the desired position P2 of the spring 130.

[0032] The one or more processors 308 confirm that the actual position of the end flap 122 does not correspond to the desired position P1 of the end flap 122 based on a deviation between the actual position of the spring 130 and the desired position P2 of the spring 130. Thus, the comparison between the actual position of the spring 130 and the desired position P2 of the spring 130 can provide the processors 308 with feedback about the deviation between the actual position of the end flap 122 and the desired position P1 of the end flap 122.

[0033] It should be understood that individual features illustrated or described for one embodiment may be combined with individual features illustrated or described for another embodiment. The above-described implementation in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, although some features are illustrated or described to describe the use of the present disclosure in the context of functional segments, it is to be understood that such features may be excluded from the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims. Industrial applicability

[0034] The present disclosure describes the system 300 for controlling the position of the end flap 122 of the screed assembly 110 of the paving machine 100. The system 300 includes the first sensors 302 that determine the actual position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118 of the screed assembly 110.

[0035] The system 300 also includes the controller 304, which includes one or more processors 308. The processors 308 determine whether the actual position of the end flap 122 matches the desired position P1 of the end flap 122. In one example, if the processors 308 determine that the actual position of the end flap 122 differs from the desired position P1 of the end flap 122, the processors 308 may transmit the output signal S2 to the actuation system 128 to automatically adjust the position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118. In another example, if the processors 308 determine that the actual position of the end flap 122 differs from the desired position P1 of the end flap 122, the processors 308 may transmit the output signal S4 to the user interface 113, 114. In such an example, the operator may send input I1 to the actuation system 128 to adjust the position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118.

[0036] The system 300 further includes the second sensor 310, which determines the actual position of the spring 130 and generates the signal S3. Based on the receipt of the signal S3, the processors 308 compare the actual position of the spring 130 with the desired position P2 of the spring 130. Furthermore, if there is a difference between the actual position and the desired position P2 of the spring 130, the processors 308 can confirm that the actual position of the end flap 122 does not correspond to the desired position P1 of the end flap 122. Therefore, incorporating the second sensor 310 can provide feedback to the processors 308 regarding the deviation between the actual position and the desired position P1 of the end flap 122.

[0037] Furthermore, the one or more processors 308 generate the output signal S2, S4 to position the end flap 122 at the target position P1 before the upcoming paving operation begins, before resuming the ongoing paving operation, and / or during the ongoing paving operation. Thus, the system 300 can ensure that the end flap 122 is positioned in the target position P1 even if operators inadvertently forget to adjust the position of the end flap 122 before starting or resuming the paving operation. The system 300 described herein can prevent a risk of spillage of paving material and / or paving defects in the paving surface because the system 300 ensures that the end flap 122 is positioned in the target position P1.

[0038] In addition, the System 300 is simple to install, does not involve complex components, and can avoid waste of paving material compared to conventional paving machines.

[0039] Furthermore, the system 300 can prevent damage to the machine 100 due to incorrect positioning of the end flaps 122. Thus, the system 300 can reduce maintenance and repair costs associated with the paving machine 100 and improve performance or operating efficiency of the paving equipment 100 and / or the screed assembly 110. The system 300 described herein can be implemented cost-effectively, can be retrofitted to existing paving equipment, and can improve the uptime of the paving machine 100.

[0040] Fig. 4 is a flow diagram of a method 400 for controlling the position of the end flap 122 of the screed assembly 110 of the paving machine 100. Referring to Fig.1 to 4, the paving machine 100 includes the user interface 113, 114. The screed assembly 110 includes the actuation system 128 for adjusting the position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118. Furthermore, the paving machine 100 includes the spring 130 coupled to the end flap 122. The spring 130 is movable to adjust the position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118. In step 402, the one or more first sensors 302 generate the input signal S1, which indicates the actual position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118 of the screed assembly 110.

[0041] In step 404, the one or more processors 308 of the controller 304 receive the input signal S1 indicating the actual position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118. In step 406, the one or more processors 308 receive the information of the desired position P1 of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118. The desired position P1 of the end flap 122 may be stored within the one or more memories 306 of the controller 304. The desired position P1 of the end flap 122 is based on the paving parameter associated with the paving operation to be performed by the paving machine 100 and / or on the previous position of the end flap 122 relative to the frame 118.

[0042] In step 408, the one or more processors 308 compare the actual position of the end flap 122 with the desired position P1 of the end flap 122.

[0043] In step 410, the one or more processors 308 generate the output signal S2, S4 if the actual position of the end flap 122 does not correspond to the desired position P1 of the end flap 122.

[0044] In step 412, the position of the end flap 122 is adjusted based on the output signal S2, S4 so that the actual position of the end flap 122 corresponds to the target position P1 of the end flap 122.

[0045] The method 400 also includes a step where the one or more processors 308 transmit the output signal S2 to the actuation system 128. The method 400 further includes a step where the actuation system 128 positions the end flap 122 in the desired position P1 based on receiving the output signal S2 from the one or more processors 308.

[0046] The method 400 includes a step in which the one or more processors 308 transmit the output signal S4 to the user interface 113, 114 to notify the operator of the paving machine 100 of the deviation between the actual position of the end flap 122 and the desired position P1 of the end flap 122. The method 400 also includes a step in which the operator provides the input I1 to the actuation system 128 to position the end flap 122 in the desired position P1. The method 400 further includes a step in which the actuation system 128 positions the end flap 122 in the desired position P1 based on receiving the input I1 from the operator.

[0047] The method 400 further includes a step in which the second sensor 310 generates the signal S3 indicating the actual position of the spring 130. The method 400 further includes a step in which the one or more processors 308 receive the signal S3 indicating the actual position of the spring 130 from the second sensor 310. The method 400 further includes a step in which the one or more processors 308 compare the actual position of the spring 130 with the desired position P2 of the spring 130. The desired position P2 of the spring 130 may be stored in the one or more memories 306. The desired position P2 of the spring 130 is based on the paving parameter associated with the paving operation to be performed by the paving machine 100 and / or the previous position of the spring 130.The method 400 further includes a step where the one or more processors 308 confirm that the actual position of the end flap 122 does not correspond to the desired position P1 of the end flap 122 based on the deviation between the actual position of the spring 130 and the desired position P2 of the spring 130.

[0048] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by modifying the disclosed work machine, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. These embodiments are to be understood as falling within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based on the claims and any equivalents thereof. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 10,640,933

[0004]

Claims

[1] A system (300) for controlling a position of an end flap (122) of a screed assembly (110) of a paving machine (100), the system (300) comprising: at least one first sensor (302) configured to generate an input signal (S1) indicating an actual position of the end flap (122) relative to a frame (118) of the screed assembly (110), wherein the at least one first sensor (302) is arranged near the end flap (122); and a controller (304) including one or more memories (306) and one or more processors (308), wherein the one or more processors (308) are communicatively coupled to the one or more memories (306) and the at least one first sensor (302), and wherein the one or more processors (308) are configured to: Receiving, from the at least one first sensor (302), the input signal (S1) indicating the actual position of the end flap (122) with respect to the frame (118); Receiving information about a desired position of the end flap (122) relative to the frame (118), and wherein the desired position of the end flap (122) is based on at least one of: a paving parameter associated with a paving operation to be performed by the paving machine (100); and a previous position of the end flap (122) relative to the frame (118); Comparing the actual position of the end flap (122) with the desired position of the end flap (122); and Generating an output signal (S2, S4) if the actual position of the end flap (122) does not correspond to the target position of the end flap (122), wherein the position of the end flap (122) is adjusted based on the output signal (S2, S4) so ​​that the actual position corresponds to the target position. [2] The system (300) of claim 1, wherein the screed assembly (110) comprises an actuation system (128) adapted to adjust the position of the end flap (122) relative to the frame (118), wherein the one or more processors (308) are further adapted to transmit the output signal (S2) to the actuation system (128), and wherein the actuation system (128) is adapted to arrange the end flap (122) in the desired position based on receiving the output signal (S2) from the one or more processors (308). [3] The system (300) of claim 1, further comprising a user interface (113, 114), wherein the screed assembly (110) comprises an actuation system (128) adapted to adjust the position of the end flap (122) relative to the frame (118), wherein the one or more processors (308) are further adapted to transmit the output signal (S4) to the user interface (113, 114) to notify an operator of the paving machine (100) of a deviation between the actual position of the end flap (122) and the desired position of the end flap (122), wherein the operator of the paving machine (100) provides an input (I1) to the actuation system (128) to arrange the end flap (122) in the desired position, and wherein, based on receiving the input (I1) from the operator, the actuation system (128) is adapted to (122) in the desired position. [4] The system (300) of claim 1, wherein the at least one first sensor (302) comprises at least one of an imaging sensor, a linear position sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, a radio detection and ranging sensor (RADAR), and a light detection and ranging sensor (LIDAR). [5] The system (300) of claim 1, wherein the paving machine (100) includes a spring (130) coupled to the end flap (122), and wherein the spring (130) is movable to adjust the position of the end flap (122) relative to the frame (118). [6] The system (300) of claim 5, further comprising a second sensor (310) configured to generate a signal (S3) indicative of an actual position of the spring (130), wherein the one or more processors (308) are further configured to: Receiving the signal (S3) indicating the actual position of the spring (130) from the second sensor (310); Comparing the actual position of the spring (130) with a desired position of the spring (130), wherein the desired position of the spring (130) is based on at least one of: the paving parameter associated with the paving operation to be performed by the paving machine (100); and a previous position of the spring (130); and Confirm that the actual position of the end flap (122) does not correspond to the desired position of the end flap (122) based on a deviation between the actual position of the spring (130) and the desired position of the spring (130). [7] The system (300) of claim 6, wherein the second sensor (310) comprises at least one of a linear variable differential transducer, a pressure sensor, a load cell, and an acoustic sensor. [8] The system (300) of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors (308) are configured to generate the output signal (S2, S4) at least either before a start of an upcoming paving operation or before a resumption of an ongoing paving operation. [9] The system (300) of claim 1, wherein the paving parameter comprises at least in part a thickness of a paving surface.

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