Construction Machine Measuring System for Subgrade Irregularity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic control systems for road pavers and mobile milling machines fail to effectively eliminate minor irregularities in the subgrade, leading to uneven road surfaces and vibrations, and adding more sensors increases installation and maintenance costs without significant improvement.

Innovation Solution

A measuring system with at least one distance sensor and an evaluation unit that correlates distance values with distance information, using time- or path-based references to filter out temporary irregularities and adjust the construction machine's height control, utilizing existing sensors and modifying the evaluation unit's software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional construction machines are used without integrated measuring systems, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and position accuracy cannot be sufficiently controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the construction machine with an integrated measuring system that includes measurement devices, communication units, and control units. The measuring system is merged with the construction machine's control system, allowing real-time monitoring and adjustment of position parameters during operation. This integration enables precise position control while managing device complexity through unified system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring system continuously monitors position parameters and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the construction machine's operations to maintain desired position accuracy. The feedback mechanism includes real-time data transmission from measurement devices to the control system, enabling dynamic correction of position deviations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If measurement devices are added to construction machines, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring system is designed with multi-functional capabilities, where measurement devices serve multiple purposes including position monitoring, quality control, and process optimization. The communication unit and control unit are configured to handle various measurement types and integrate with different construction machine operations, reducing the need for separate specialized measurement systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces communication units as intermediaries between measurement devices and the control system. These communication units facilitate data transmission and coordination, allowing the control unit to receive measurement data and issue commands without direct complex interconnections with each measurement device. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If real-time measurement and control is implemented, then the productivity is improved through reduced rework, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiduse of energy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring system employs periodic sampling and measurement rather than continuous monitoring, reducing energy consumption while maintaining effective control. The control unit receives measurement data at predetermined intervals and adjusts operations accordingly. This periodic action allows the system to achieve productivity improvements through reduced rework while minimizing energy usage compared to continuous real-time monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP3712328B1Construction maschine with measuring system
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 MOBA MOBILE AUTOMATION AG
  • EP3712328B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3712328B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3712328B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A measuring system for a construction machine comprises at least a first distance sensor and an evaluation unit (45). The first distance sensor is configured to determine the distance to the ground of the construction machine and, depending on the determined distance, to output a distance value or a series of distance values ​​as a function of at least one distance sensor criterion. The evaluation unit comprises at least one interface, the interface being used to receive the distance value or the series of distance values ​​and to receive distance information as a function of at least one distance criterion. The evaluation unit is configured to combine the received distance value or the series of distance values ​​with the distance information in a correlated manner.