Compactor Plate Force Distribution Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing add-on compactors face challenges in achieving uniform static force distribution when pressing onto a surface, leading to potential damage and uneven soil compaction due to non-orthogonal loading, which is difficult for operators to detect in real-time.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using at least two sensors to detect and record the static force distribution, determining differences in measured forces, and triggering actions when limit values are exceeded, such as generating signals to the operator or interrupting vibration, to ensure uniform loading and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the attachment compactor is pressed onto the surface without real-time monitoring, then the operation is simple, but the static force distribution becomes uneven causing damage and uneven soil compaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of soil compactionVSAvoidcomplexity of force distribution monitoring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compactor plate is divided into multiple measurement zones with sensors distributed across different locations. Each sensor independently measures the static force at its specific position, enabling segmentation of the force distribution measurement into discrete detectable points that collectively represent the overall distribution pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors static force distribution through sensors and provides real-time feedback to the operator. When uneven distribution is detected, the system signals the operator to adjust the compactor orientation, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains reliable operation without requiring complex automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the operator manually checks for perpendicular orientation, then the monitoring is simple, but the detection precision of non-orthogonal loading is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of non-orthogonal loading detectionVSAvoiddifficulty of real-time force distribution measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the compactor plate are equipped with sensors that measure local static force characteristics. By analyzing the spatial pattern of forces at different locations, the system can precisely determine whether the loading is orthogonal or oblique, providing high measurement precision through local force quality assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical checking of orientation by the operator is replaced with an automated sensor-based detection system. The sensors electronically measure static forces and compute orientation information, substituting mechanical judgment with precise electronic measurement and calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are installed to detect static force distribution, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of static force distribution measurementVSAvoidnumber of sensors and measurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring static force magnitude, determining force distribution pattern, detecting non-orthogonal loading, and providing orientation information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement systems and minimizes overall device complexity despite using multiple sensors.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple sensor measurements are merged and processed together to derive comprehensive force distribution characteristics. The system combines data from individual sensors to calculate overall static force, distribution uniformity, and orientation, merging multiple measurement streams into unified diagnostic information.

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 approach enhances the reliability and simplicity of add-on compactor operation, preventing damage to the compactor and soil, while ensuring even soil compaction by allowing operators to adjust for uniform force distribution.

Implementation Method 1

at least two sensors (40) are provided for detecting at least one quantity that characterizes a distribution of the static force (static force distribution) with which the compressor plate (28) is pressed against a surface location

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force

Implementation Method 2

The compaction plate is coupled to a vibration generator, by means of which the compaction plate is set into vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

the compaction plate is pressed by the excavator onto a surface area of the soil to be compacted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3225743B1Method for operating a mounted compressor and storage medium and mounted compressor
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 MTS SCHRODE AG
  • EP3225743B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3225743B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3225743B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a method for operating an attachment compactor (10) with a vibrating compactor plate (28) that can be coupled to a carrier vehicle (14), in particular to an excavator, it is proposed that at least one quantity (D1, D2, D3) that characterizes a distribution of the static force (static force distribution) acting between the compactor plate (28) and a surface point (30) of a soil (32) is detected by at least two sensors (40).