Construction Machine Positioning Switch for GNSS Signal Loss

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Self-propelled construction machines face challenges in maintaining accurate control along a target route when Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are disrupted, such as under bridges or in tunnels, leading to loss of positioning and operational interruption.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a position determination device with both GNSS and total station capabilities, allowing the machine to switch between GNSS control and total station control modes, ensuring continuous operation by using a reflector and total station data for accurate positioning and orientation calculations, even without reliable satellite signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If GNSS control is used for positioning, then automation and productivity are improved, but reliability deteriorates when satellite signals are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic controlVSAvoidcontrol continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the positioning method parameter from GNSS satellite-based positioning to total station terrestrial positioning when signal conditions change. The control system detects GNSS signal availability and switches between positioning modes, changing the fundamental parameter of how position is determined to maintain reliability under different environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The total station serves as an intermediary positioning system that takes over when GNSS fails. Rather than relying solely on satellite signals, the total station provides an alternative measurement intermediary (terrestrial optical/electronic signals) to determine machine position, ensuring control continuity in signal-disrupted environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If total station control is used as backup, then reliability is improved during GNSS disruption, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol continuityVSAvoidpositioning system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is designed with multi-functionality, where the total station equipment serves dual purposes: it can be used during initial system setup/calibration and as a backup positioning method during operation. This universal application of the total station reduces the need for entirely separate backup systems, managing complexity while ensuring reliability

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If dual positioning systems are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning mode flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic switching between positioning modes based on real-time GNSS signal conditions. Rather than operating two independent positioning systems simultaneously, the system dynamically adapts its positioning method, activating total station mode only when GNSS signals are disrupted, thereby managing complexity while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the construction machine to maintain high accuracy and continuous operation along a predetermined path, regardless of GNSS signal quality, by using terrestrial measurements to determine and adjust its position and orientation, thus preventing operational interruptions.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector for optical measurement using a total station

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical measurement: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3502821B1Self-propelled construction machine and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2021.03.24 WIRTGEN GMBH
  • EP3502821B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3502821B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3502821B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine and a method for controlling a self-propelled construction machine. Furthermore, the invention relates to a construction machine system comprising a self-propelled construction machine 1 and a total station T. The construction machine 1 has a machine frame 2 and a drive unit 8 for propelling the construction machine, as well as a working unit for altering the terrain. In addition, the construction machine has a positioning device 9 for determining the position (xn, yn, zn) of a reference point on the construction machine in a coordinate system (X, Y, Z) independent of the construction machine. The positioning device 9 includes a navigation satellite system receiver 10 for receiving satellite signals from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and a processing unit 11.Under normal operating conditions, construction machine 1 is controlled using the global navigation satellite system (GNSS), such that a reference point R on construction machine 1 moves along a predetermined target path W. In addition, a total station control mode is provided, in which construction machine 1 is controlled without GNSS, solely using total station T. This is based on the position of the observation point S and the orientation O of total station T, previously determined by the total station in a coordinate system (X, Y, Z) independent of the construction machine's position, and the position of the construction machine in a coordinate system (X', Y', Z') referenced to the total station.