Compaction Machine Pneumatic Tire Edge Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current compaction machines require multiple passes and specialized equipment to efficiently compact wide work surfaces, leading to increased process time and cost, and often result in excessive compaction or poor quality at edges due to inconsistent pressure.

Innovation Solution

A compaction machine with a pressure control system for pneumatic tires that includes a pressure sensor, compressor unit, and release valve, allowing for precise control of air pressure to optimize compaction force, and a movable pneumatic tire that can switch between retracted and deployed positions to address varying compaction needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple compaction passes are performed on wide work surfaces, then complete coverage is achieved, but process time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework surface coverage areaVSAvoidcompaction process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The compaction machine divides the work surface into multiple zones with different compaction requirements. The first compaction device handles the main compaction area while the second compaction device handles the edge portion, allowing simultaneous compaction of different zones in a single pass, thereby reducing the number of passes required for complete coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a lateral dimension to compaction by extending the second compaction device to the edge portion of the work surface. This dimensional extension allows the machine to cover the entire width of the work surface in a single pass, eliminating the need for multiple passes to achieve complete area coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If higher compaction pressure is applied, then compaction effectiveness increases, but excessive compaction and flow out occurs at edge portions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompaction pressureVSAvoidcompaction quality at edges
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention applies different compaction pressures to different zones of the work surface. The first compaction device applies higher pressure to the main compaction area where it is needed, while the second compaction device applies lower pressure to the edge portion to prevent excessive compaction and flow out, thereby maintaining compaction quality at edges

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The compaction system is segmented into two independent compaction devices with independent pressure control. This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific zone - the first device for high-pressure compaction of the main area and the second device for low-pressure compaction of the edge portion, preventing quality degradation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If a specialized compaction machine with pneumatic wheels is used, then simultaneous compaction of adjacent and remaining portions is achieved, but equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompaction efficiencyVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention makes a standard compaction machine multi-functional by adding a second compaction device that can be configured for edge portion compaction. This transformation allows the machine to perform both main area compaction and edge compaction functions, achieving the productivity of specialized machines while using more common, cost-effective equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Force

If a relatively smaller compaction machine is used for edge portion, then appropriate compaction pressure is achieved, but equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompaction pressure for edgesVSAvoidequipment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the compaction function by adding a separate second compaction device specifically for edge portion compaction. This device can be smaller or lighter than a dedicated edge compaction machine but is integrated into the existing machine structure, achieving the required lower compaction pressure for edges without the cost of a completely separate smaller machine

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the edge compaction function into the main compaction machine by integrating the second compaction device. This combination eliminates the need for separate smaller machines while still providing the appropriate lower compaction pressure for edge portions, reducing overall equipment cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces the number of compaction passes required, lowers equipment and process costs, and improves compaction quality by allowing for tailored pressure application across different surface areas, including edges, thereby enhancing efficiency and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one pneumatic tire is adapted to selectively move between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the at least one pneumatic tire is adapted to provide selective compaction of a portion of the work surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The pressure sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of an air pressure within the at least one pneumatic tire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

The compressor unit is adapted to provide a flow of pressurized air to the at least one pneumatic tire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11377802B2Compaction machine
Publication Date: 2022.07.05 CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC
  • US11377802B2 patent drawing
  • US11377802B2 patent drawing
  • US11377802B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A compaction machine includes a frame and at least one compaction member rotatably mounted to the frame. The compaction machine also includes at least one pneumatic tire movably coupled to the frame. The at least one pneumatic tire is disposed on at least one of a first side and a second side of the at least one compaction member and adjacent to an edge of the at least one compaction member. The at least one pneumatic tire is adapted to selectively move between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the at least one pneumatic tire is raised relative to a work surface. In the deployed position, the at least one pneumatic tire is adapted to provide selective compaction of a portion of the work surface.