Construction Machine Control for Complex Curves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-propelled construction machines, such as road milling machines and slipform pavers, face challenges in accurately moving along complex spatial curves with small path lengths and tight radii, requiring significant surveying effort and being inefficient for small objects due to the need for precise measurement and integration of constraint points like hydrants or water drains.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled construction machine equipped with a control unit that allows for automatic movement along a target curve by specifying a geometric shape and determining the position and orientation of a reference point in an independent reference system, reducing the need for extensive surveying. This system uses GPS or satellite-independent methods to align the machine at a starting point and adjust its path based on predefined geometric parameters, enabling precise control without extensive measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If GPS or satellite-independent measuring systems are used to control the construction machine, then automation and productivity improve, but surveying effort and device complexity increase disproportionately for small objects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction efficiencyVSAvoidsurveying effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the control system into two distinct modes: automated mode using GPS/satellite systems for large objects, and manual mode using simple distance measurement for small objects. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently, preventing the disproportionate complexity burden from affecting small object operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter based on object size: for large objects, it uses automated GPS-based position and orientation data, while for small objects, it switches to manual distance measurement parameters. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by adapting the complexity level to the task requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If extensive surveying and measurement are performed to ensure precise positioning, then manufacturing precision improves, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidsurveying time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing only the necessary amount of surveying based on object size. For small objects, minimal distance measurement is performed rather than extensive GPS integration, achieving sufficient precision without excessive time investment. For large objects, full automated positioning is applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary assessment of object size to determine the appropriate control mode before beginning construction. This preliminary action prevents time-wasting extensive surveying for small objects while ensuring adequate precision measures are taken for large objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If guide wires are used to specify target curves, then ease of operation improves for large objects, but adaptability deteriorates for small objects with tight radii

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcapability for small objects
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the control system dynamic by allowing switching between guide wire-based control and GPS/satellite-based control based on object characteristics. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain ease of operation for large objects while gaining versatility for small objects with tight radii.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal control system that can handle both large objects (using guide wires) and small objects (using GPS/satellite positioning with distance measurement). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable to different object sizes and complexity levels.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2336424B1Self-propelled construction machine and method for controlling same
Publication Date: 2017.02.08 WIRTGEN GMBH
  • EP2336424B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2336424B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2336424B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The self-propelled construction machine has a machine frame (2) and a working unit with a working instrument arranged at machine frame for constructing building structures (10) on a site or for changing the site. A drive unit with a drive instrument is provided for performing translational or translational movements of the construction machine on the site. A control unit (7) for controlling the drive unit is provided, where the control unit comprises a unit for presetting a determined geometric form of the building structure to be erected or the site to be changed. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for controlling a self-propelled construction machine, particularly slip form paver, road finisher or road mill; and (2) a method for erecting a building construction on a site or for changing the site with a self-propelled construction machine.