Compaction Sensor System Empirical State Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compaction systems lack an absolute or empirical measure of material compaction, requiring secondary tests and multiple evaluations to determine if the desired level of compaction is uniformly achieved, which can disrupt work site operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a compactor, compaction sensor system, and controller that determines the empirical state of compaction by analyzing signals from sensors such as effective radius, machine height, and rolling resistance, and using machine characteristics to provide an absolute measure of compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If relative state of compaction measurement is used, then the measurement process is simple and integrated with the compactor, but the measurement precision is insufficient to provide an absolute or empirical measure of compaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a position sensing system as an intermediary that measures the position of the compactor at multiple locations. By comparing position data across different locations and combining it with compaction force measurements, the system derives an absolute state of compaction rather than just relative measurements. This intermediary positioning measurement enables the transformation from simple relative compaction assessment to precise absolute compaction quantification.
2Measurement precision
If secondary tests are performed to determine actual state of compaction, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity decreases due to material removal and multiple evaluations
Solution Approach 1:
The compactor performs self-measurement by integrating sensors and position sensing systems directly into its structure. As the compactor operates and applies compaction force to the material, it simultaneously measures its own position, the force applied, and the resulting compaction state. This eliminates the need for separate secondary tests that would require stopping work, removing material, and performing standalone evaluations, thereby maintaining continuous productivity while achieving precise compaction measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous compaction and measurement operations without interruption. The compactor continuously applies compaction force while the sensors continuously monitor position and compaction state in real-time. This continuous measurement process eliminates the need to stop work for discrete testing events, maintaining the continuity of useful compaction action while providing comprehensive compaction data across the entire work area.
3Measurement precision
If multiple locations are tested to ensure uniform compaction, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time increases due to multiple evaluations
Solution Approach 1:
The compactor system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it applies compaction force to the material, measures its position at multiple locations through the position sensing system, and assesses compaction uniformity across all measured locations. This multi-functional integration allows the single compactor to evaluate compaction uniformity across the entire work area without requiring multiple separate testing operations, thereby reducing the time loss associated with sequential evaluations at multiple locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining a state of compaction of a work material includes a compactor and a compaction sensor system. A controller is configured to determine an empirical state of compaction of the work material based upon signals from the compaction sensor system and the characteristics of a machine associated with the compaction sensor system.