Construction Machine Travel Reversal Control for Safer Ground Working
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled construction machines face challenges in safely and easily reversing direction, as the operator must manually control the machine to come to a stop and then accelerate in the opposite direction, managing both the drive device and other components, which is demanding and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A controller is implemented to automatically manage the direction reversal by reducing speed to zero and then accelerating in the opposite direction, with customizable speed profiles and automatic initiation based on location, distance, or time, also controlling other components like the milling/mixing roller and roller flaps to simplify the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual control is used for direction reversal, then the operator can control all components, but the operator workload increases and safety decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically manages the direction reversal process by itself. The controller receives a reversal signal and autonomously executes the speed reduction to zero, pause, and acceleration in opposite direction sequence, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and reducing operator workload while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control system is replaced with an automated electronic control system. The controller electronically manages the drive device and other components during direction reversal, substituting human manual operations with automated electronic control to improve safety and reduce workload
2Ease of operation
If automated direction reversal is implemented, then operator workload decreases, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the drive device for direction reversal, manages speed adjustments, coordinates other machine components, and responds to various input signals. This multi-functionality consolidates control complexity into a single universal controller rather than requiring separate systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for direction reversal, speed management, and component coordination are merged into a single integrated controller system. This consolidation simplifies the overall control architecture by combining multiple control tasks into one unified system rather than using separate independent control mechanisms
3Reliability
If speed reduction to zero is required before reversal, then directional change is safe, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system prepares for direction reversal in advance by gradually reducing speed according to a predefined profile before reaching the reversal point. This preliminary deceleration ensures the machine is safely approaching zero speed while positioning itself optimally for the upcoming directional change, minimizing total reversal time while maintaining safety
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled construction machine for working the ground, in particular a stabilizer or recycler, has a controller for automatically reversing the direction of travel, which interacts with the drive device for the wheels or crawler tracks. The controller is configured such that the drive device, after receiving a travel direction reversal control signal, reduces the predefined first speed at which the construction machine travels in the first direction of travel until the construction machine is stationary, and, after the construction machine is stationary, drives the wheels or crawler tracks in the opposite direction, wherein the drive device increases the speed in the second direction of travel up to a predetermined second speed. Not only the drive device, but also other components of the construction machine, may be automatically controlled depending on different driving situations.