Compactor Vibration Zone Control Near Sensitive Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Compactor machines operating near vibration-sensitive objects or areas can cause damage or disruption due to high-intensity vibrations, and existing systems lack effective methods to adjust vibration intensity dynamically and autonomously.

Innovation Solution

A control system for a compactor machine that includes a vibratory system and a controller to identify vibration limiting zones and adjust operating settings, such as vibration intensity, based on the machine's location relative to sensitive objects or areas, allowing for autonomous operation while minimizing damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high intensity vibrations are used for compaction, then compaction efficiency and productivity are improved, but damage or disruption to vibration-sensitive objects or areas occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompaction efficiencyVSAvoidvibration damage to sensitive objects

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vibratory system dynamically adjusts its operating intensity based on real-time location data and pre-defined vibration limiting zones. The controller continuously monitors the compactor's position and modifies vibration parameters (amplitude, frequency, or power) as the machine enters or exits sensitive areas, enabling high-intensity operation in safe zones and low-intensity operation near sensitive objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different vibration intensities are applied to different spatial zones within the work area. The system creates a heterogeneous vibration profile where high intensity is permitted in areas away from sensitive objects, while low intensity is enforced in proximity to vibration-sensitive structures, utilities, or equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If manual monitoring and adjustment of vibration intensity is implemented, then vibration damage to sensitive objects is reduced, but operator workload and complexity of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration damage to sensitive objectsVSAvoidoperator workload

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of vibration intensity through automated GPS/Location tracking and controller-based modification of vibratory parameters. The compactor autonomously identifies its position relative to pre-programmed vibration limiting zones and adjusts its own operation without requiring continuous manual intervention or monitoring by the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where location data from GPS or other positioning systems is fed back to the controller, which then automatically adjusts vibration intensity based on the compactor's real-time position relative to sensitive areas. This closed-loop control eliminates the need for manual monitoring while ensuring vibration limits are maintained

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration intensity is reduced near sensitive objects, then damage or disruption is prevented, but compaction quality and effectiveness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration damage to sensitive objectsVSAvoidcompaction quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically modulates vibration intensity rather than maintaining a constant reduced level. As the compactor approaches a vibration limiting zone, the system gradually reduces intensity; when outside the zone, full intensity is restored. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal compaction quality in the majority of the work area while providing localized protection near sensitive objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vibratory system operates in periodic cycles of high and low intensity corresponding to the compactor's movement through different zones. High-intensity compaction is applied periodically when in safe zones, and low-intensity operation is applied periodically when near sensitive objects, maintaining overall compaction effectiveness while preventing damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20250389091A1Vibration adjustment in vibration limiting zones of a work area

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC

AI summary

A controller may identify a vibration limiting zone within a work area of a work machine. The vibration limiting zone may be associated with an object or area sensitive to vibration. The controller may monitor, while the work machine is operating in the work area, a location of the work machine in the work area. The controller may cause, while the location of the work machine is in the vibration limiting zone, an adjustment to one or more operating settings of an implement of the work machine.