Excavator Compactor Contact Pressure Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing soil compaction methods using add-on compactors are inefficient due to the need for prolonged contact times, which lead to reduced compaction effectiveness and increased operational costs, especially when the excavator does not maintain adequate pressure, causing the soil to settle and compaction intervals to become less efficient.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines the required compaction time based on the contact pressure force exerted by the add-on compactor, using a signaling device to indicate when sufficient compaction has been achieved, allowing for optimized operation without continuous monitoring, by measuring the contact pressure force and correlating it with a predetermined compaction duration using empirical data and reference values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the add-on compactor is pressed onto the ground for a longer duration to achieve sufficient soil compaction, then the compaction effectiveness decreases over time, but the total compaction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil compaction qualityVSAvoidcompaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by measuring the contact pressure force during compaction and using this information to determine the required compression time. The system continuously monitors the compaction process through pressure sensors and adjusts the operation accordingly, allowing the operator to know when sufficient compaction has been achieved without unnecessary prolonged operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of estimating compaction time based on operator experience with an automated measurement and calculation system. The contact pressure force is measured electronically, and the required compression time is determined through correlation with predetermined values, substituting mechanical judgment with precise electronic sensing and data processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If continuous monitoring of soil compaction is implemented using sensors throughout the compaction process, then compaction precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompaction monitoring accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential measurement parameter (contact pressure force) needed to determine compaction adequacy, rather than implementing comprehensive continuous monitoring of all soil compaction parameters. By focusing on the single critical parameter of contact pressure, the system achieves sufficient compaction control with minimal sensing and processing requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs simple, cost-effective pressure sensors rather than complex continuous monitoring systems. The measurement approach uses basic force sensors that correlate contact pressure with required compression time, providing adequate compaction control through simple, inexpensive components rather than elaborate continuous monitoring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If the excavator maintains high contact pressure during compaction, then the required compression time decreases, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompaction efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of compression time based on the actual contact pressure force measured during operation. Rather than using a fixed compression time or maintaining constant high pressure, the system adapts the required compression time to the actual pressing force applied, allowing optimization of the energy-time tradeoff based on real-time operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter of compression time based on the measured contact pressure force. By correlating the measured force with predetermined compression time values, the system dynamically adjusts the compaction duration to match the actual pressing conditions, optimizing energy utilization while achieving sufficient compaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enables efficient soil compaction by ensuring that compaction intervals are neither too short nor too long, optimizing the operation of the add-on compactor and reducing unnecessary energy expenditure, while providing a clear guideline for operators to achieve satisfactory compaction results.

Implementation Method 1

the vibration exciter is put into operation. As a result, the vibratory movements generated are transferred to the subsoil, as a result of which the subsoil is compacted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

measuring the contact pressure force exerted on the add-on compactor by the bearing device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce measurement: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3219855B1Method for compacting soil comprising a mounted compressor, mounted compressor and excavator provided with a mounted compressor
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 BOMAG GMBH
  • EP3219855B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3219855B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3219855B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an attachment compactor, an attachment compactor, and an excavator with an attachment compactor. For efficient operation of an attachment compactor, the invention provides for an indication of the end of a period of time (required compaction time) determined as a function of a measured contact pressure or a parameter correlated with the contact pressure.