Position-Based Cross Slope Control for Construction Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current construction machines lack efficient systems for accurately controlling cross slopes during construction projects, which can lead to suboptimal grading and increased manual effort due to the limitations of existing sensor technologies and control methods.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and machine control system that utilizes sensors, such as GNSS receivers, to determine the geospatial position and direction of construction machines, generating target cross slopes based on site designs and adjusting the machine's blade position to achieve precise cross slope control through a control unit and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual cross slope control methods are used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but grading precision and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses GNSS receivers for position detection, control units for processing, and actuators for blade adjustment. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated electromechanical systems resolves the contradiction by achieving high grading precision through automated cross slope control while managing system complexity through integrated control architecture.
2Productivity
If automated slope control systems are implemented, then productivity increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives position data from GNSS receivers, determines geospatial position, queries site designs for target cross slopes, controls blade actuators, and coordinates sensor data processing. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into a single integrated control unit, thereby increasing productivity through automation while managing system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines the construction machine's geospatial position, direction of travel, and required cross slopes without manual intervention. The control unit autonomously queries site designs, processes sensor data, and adjusts blade position based on real-time position information. This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous manual operation, significantly improving productivity while the automated nature manages complexity through algorithmic control.
3Manufacturing precision
If position-based cross slope control is implemented, then grading accuracy improves, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces GNSS receivers as intermediary devices that automatically detect the construction machine's geospatial position and direction of travel. These receivers serve as mediators between the physical machine position and the control system, converting physical position into actionable data. This intermediary approach improves cross slope control accuracy by providing precise position data while reducing measurement difficulty through automated satellite-based positioning technology.
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 high-precision grading operations by accurately matching the construction machine's position to defined cross slopes, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency in road maintenance and construction processes.
Implementation Method 1
capturing the sensor data using the at least one sensor mounted to the construction machine includes receiving, using a global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) receiver mounted to the construction machine, at least one wireless signal from at least one GNSS satellite
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for position-based cross slope control of a construction machine are disclosed. A site design that includes a set of target cross slopes for a construction site is obtained, with each of the set of target cross slopes associated with a 2D location within the construction site. Sensor data is captured using at least one sensor mounted to the construction machine. A geospatial position and a direction of travel of the construction machine are determined based on the sensor data. A target cross slope for the construction machine is generated by querying the site design using the geospatial position and the direction of travel.