Road Construction Machine Material Deflector Automatic Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual folding of material deflectors on road construction machines is tedious and time-consuming, and there is a risk of damage or failure to properly position them during transport or when encountering obstacles, leading to potential interference with loading and unwanted tracks on the road surface.
Innovation Solution
A control system that allows operators to select between 'paving' and 'transport' modes, automatically adjusting the material deflector to optimal positions, including fully pivoting it up during transport, using a hydraulic system for automatic alignment and clearance, and securing it in place to prevent unintentional movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the material deflector is manually folded up during transport, then the machine can drive at a greater angle and prevent damage, but the operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The material deflector is designed with a movable, pivotable structure that can dynamically change its position between working mode (extended) and transport mode (folded up). This dynamic capability allows the deflector to adapt to different operational requirements without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss by enabling automatic positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the material deflector positioning based on the selected operating mode. When transport mode is selected, the system self-activates to fold up the material deflector without operator intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the tedious manual folding operation and recovers the time previously spent on this task.
2Reliability
If the material deflector is manually folded up before transport, then damage to the machine or other vehicles is prevented, but the risk of operator error remains
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the material deflector position and the selected operating mode. The system continuously compares the actual position with the required position for the current mode and automatically adjusts accordingly. This feedback loop ensures reliable positioning and eliminates operator error, while the automated process maintains ease of operation through simple mode selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-checks and self-adjustment of the material deflector position based on the selected operating mode. This self-service capability ensures that the material deflector is always in the correct position without requiring manual verification or adjustment, thereby improving reliability while keeping the operation simple through automatic mode-based control.
3Productivity
If the material deflector is kept in working position during transport, then quick deployment is possible, but the material deflector may snag on obstacles or interfere with loading
Solution Approach 1:
The material deflector employs a dynamic positioning system that automatically adjusts its position based on the operational context. During transport mode, it dynamically folds up to avoid obstacles and interference. When paving mode is selected, it quickly deploys to the working position. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by enabling both quick deployment when needed and obstacle avoidance during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary action by automatically positioning the material deflector in the folded-up state before transport begins. This preliminary positioning prevents potential snagging on obstacles or interference with loading operations. The system maintains this protective position throughout transport and only deploys when paving operations are initiated, ensuring both safety and readiness.
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
Significantly simplifies operator handling, prevents damage to the machine or other vehicles, and ensures the material deflector is always in the correct position, reducing the risk of snagging on obstacles and ensuring smooth operation during transport and loading.
Implementation Method 1
using a hydraulic system for automatic alignment and clearance
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a road construction machine (F) with a chassis (R) and at least one pivotable and lowerable material deflector (M) arranged in front of the chassis (R) in the direction of travel. The invention is characterized in that the road construction machine (F) has a control system (S) by means of which an operator can select at least between the operating modes "installation" and "transport", wherein the control system (S) is configured to automatically pivot the material deflector (M) fully upwards in the operating mode "transport" and to allow the operator to manually set a pivot position of the material deflector (M) in the operating mode "installation".