Control Console Fresh Air Integration for Road Paver Operator Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional fresh air systems in road construction machines are costly, noisy, and not easily adaptable to different paver types, and they fail to effectively improve air quality for operators due to their separate modules and closed cabin designs.

Innovation Solution

A road paver or feeder vehicle with an open control station featuring a fresh air system fully integrated into the control console, providing fresh air directly to the operator and reducing harmful vapors and aerosols, while being compact, quiet, and energy-efficient, with adjustable air supply and filtration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional separate fresh air systems are used in enclosed cabs, then air quality can be improved, but the systems become expensive, noisy, and difficult to adapt to different machine types

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fresh air system is merged with the control console to form an integrated unit. The control console housing serves as the fresh air generator housing, and the control console itself acts as the fresh air distribution element. This integration eliminates the need for separate fresh air system components and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining air quality improvement functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control console with fresh air functionality serves multiple purposes: it provides control operations, generates fresh air, and distributes fresh air to the operator. This multi-functional design allows the same component to fulfill multiple roles, making the system adaptable to different machine types without requiring type-specific modifications.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If air nozzle units are used to create air curtains, then vapor extraction can be improved, but construction costs increase and noise levels rise at the operator's workplace

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor extractionVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fresh air generation and distribution functions are merged into the control console structure. The control console housing incorporates the fresh air generator, and the control console surfaces serve as distribution points, eliminating the need for separate air nozzle units and reducing noise at the operator's position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control console acts as an intermediary element that both generates and distributes fresh air directly to the operator. This intermediary function replaces the need for separate air curtain generating devices and provides a quieter, more integrated solution for vapor management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If fresh air systems are integrated into the control console, then cost and complexity are reduced, but space for other components may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integrationVSAvoidcontrol console space
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fresh air generator is nested within the control console housing structure. The fresh air distribution channels are integrated into the control console surfaces. This nesting approach allows the fresh air system components to occupy space within the existing control console volume rather than requiring additional external space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The control console housing and fresh air generator housing are merged into a single structural unit. The control console surfaces serve dual purposes as both control interfaces and fresh air distribution surfaces. This merging eliminates the need for separate component spaces and utilizes the existing control console volume efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If separate fresh air modules are used, then functionality can be provided, but tripping hazards and workspace obstructions are created

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworkspace safetyVSAvoidair quality improvement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fresh air system is merged with the control console to eliminate separate modules that could create tripping hazards. The integrated design ensures that all fresh air generation and distribution components are contained within or as part of the control console structure, clearing the workspace of potential hazards while maintaining air quality improvement functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Improves air quality for operators, reduces noise and costs, and enhances the reliability and cleanliness of the control console by integrating the fresh air system, allowing for standardized use across different machine types without increasing space or complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a fan (43) which is configured to move air through the housing (41) to generate fresh air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForced Convection: Forced Convection

Implementation Method 2

a filter unit (45) with filter elements (46a, 46b) arranged in front of the fan (43), wherein the filter elements (46a, 46b) are configured to remove particles from the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4438811A1Road finisher or feeder vehicle with a fresh air system
Publication Date: 2024.10.02 JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
  • EP4438811A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4438811A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4438811A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

The invention relates to a road construction machine (1, 20) in the form of a road paver (2) or a feeder vehicle (21) for a road paver (2), comprising at least one operator station (9, 17) with at least one open side (S), wherein the operator station (9, 17) includes an operating console (K, K', K") for controlling and monitoring processes that can be carried out by means of the road construction machine (1, 20) and a fresh air system (35) with at least one fresh air opening (36, 54, 61), wherein the fresh air system (35) is fully integrated into the operating console (K, K', K"). Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of an operating console (K, K', K") for generating and supplying fresh air to a road construction machine (1, 20).