Construction Blade Control for Cross Slope Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining proper cross slope grade on a road surface is challenging due to the complexity of adjusting cross slope grade while accounting for changing longitudinal slope grades, leading to inconsistent results across different operators.
Innovation Solution
A mobile construction equipment with a movable blade and a controller that automatically adjusts the second blade side position based on received longitudinal slope grade and target cross slope grade, allowing the operator to focus on steering and manual control of the first blade side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of cross slope grade is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but cross slope consistency deteriorates due to operator variability
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously receives feedback from sensors measuring blade position, grade conditions, and machine orientation, automatically adjusting the blade to maintain target cross slope grade while compensating for longitudinal slope changes, thereby ensuring consistent results without sacrificing operator control
Solution Approach 2:
An automated control system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the blade adjustment mechanism, translating operator intent into precise blade position commands while compensating for varying grade conditions, thus maintaining both consistency and operational flexibility
2Manufacturing precision
If automated control system is implemented, then cross slope consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions including longitudinal slope compensation, cross slope grade control, blade position monitoring, and machine orientation sensing into a single unified system, improving cross slope consistency while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration
3Measurement precision
If longitudinal slope compensation is added, then cross slope accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional control parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically performs longitudinal slope compensation by sensing grade conditions and autonomously adjusting blade position to maintain target cross slope accuracy, eliminating the need for operators to manually calculate or adjust for slope variations, thus improving accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile construction equipment for operation on a surface having at least one longitudinal slope grade includes: a blade that is movable with respect to the mobile construction equipment, the blade having a first blade side and a second blade side opposite the first blade side, the blade imparting at least one cross slope grade on the surface; and a controller for receiving the at least one longitudinal slope grade, a first blade side position of the first blade side, and at least one target cross slope grade, and, based on the at least one longitudinal slope grade and the first blade side position, adjusting a second blade side position of the second blade side so as to impart the at least one target cross slope grade on the surface.