Construction Machine Signal Mapping for GNSS and Radio Blind Spots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled construction machines face disruptions in GNSS and mobile radio signal quality due to environmental factors like shadows and building coverage, leading to inaccurate positioning and communication issues, which affect the operational efficiency and precision of subsequent work processes.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled construction machine equipped with a GNSS receiver and mobile radio communications device, featuring a GNSS evaluation device that assesses signal quality and generates spatial telemetry data sets, which are then sent to a cloud memory for analysis and planning, allowing for improved signal quality assessment and subsequent work process optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If GNSS control is used for positioning construction machines, then automation and operational efficiency are improved, but signal reception is disrupted by shadows from trees or building coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signal quality evaluation device as an intermediary component that assesses GNSS signal quality before the control system uses the positioning data. This mediator detects signal disruptions caused by shadows or building coverage and provides feedback to determine whether automated control should continue or be interrupted, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and reliability.
2Productivity
If automated control using GNSS is implemented, then productivity increases, but positioning accuracy deteriorates when satellite signals are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the signal quality evaluation device continuously monitors GNSS signal quality and provides feedback to the control system. When positioning accuracy deteriorates due to signal blockage, the feedback triggers an interruption of automated control, preventing erroneous operations and maintaining measurement precision while preserving productivity during periods of adequate signal quality.
3Loss of information
If mobile radio communications device is used for data transmission, then communication capability is improved, but signal reception is disrupted in construction site environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by evaluating mobile radio signal quality in advance before critical data transmission operations. The signal quality evaluation device assesses communication conditions beforehand, allowing the system to prepare alternative transmission methods or delay non-critical data transfers when signal quality is poor, thus maintaining information transmission capability while compensating for unreliable mobile radio signals in construction environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled construction machine for working ground or erecting a structure thereon in a preceding work process, which is followed by another work process with another construction machine, comprises a mobile radio communications device, a GNSS receiver, a GNSS evaluation device or mobile radio evaluation device, and a GNSS evaluation variable acquisition device or mobile radio evaluation variable acquisition device. The GNSS evaluation device or mobile radio evaluation device is configured wherein, during advance of the machine, evaluation variables evaluating the quality of the GNSS signals or the mobile radio signal are determined at respective locations in the terrain, and the GNSS evaluation variable acquisition device or the mobile radio evaluation parameter acquisition device is configured wherein the position data determined by the GNSS receiver at the respective locations is used to generate a spatial (geo-referenced) telemetry data set describing the quality of the signals at the respective locations.