Field Rover Curve Control for Civil Engineering Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled civil engineering machines face challenges in accurately and cost-effectively controlling movements along complex curves with tight radii and short distances, particularly for small structures, due to the complexity and cost of plotting reference points using traditional methods like guiding wires or satellite-based GPS systems.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled civil engineering machine with a control unit that allows for precise movement along desired curves by determining the position and orientation of a reference point in an independent reference system, enabling the machine to move along a preset curve without the need for extensive plotting of reference points, using satellite-based or non-satellite measurement systems, and allowing for the selection and modification of geometrical shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If satellite-based GPS or master measurement systems are used to control the civil engineering machine, then the machine can move automatically along a desired curve, but the plotting of position data becomes complex and costly, especially for small structures with tight radii and short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential control function from complex satellite-based GPS systems by using a simplified reference point system. Instead of relying on elaborate measurement systems with multiple reference points, the invention uses a single reference point on the machine that is automatically tracked, removing the need for complex plotting of multiple reference points while maintaining automatic control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the desired curve geometry through data processing. Rather than physically plotting reference points on the ground, the system uses a control unit to generate and process curve data that represents the desired path, allowing the machine to follow the curve through automated control without physical reference markers
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional guiding wires or lines are used to control the machine, then the machine can follow a desired path, but it cannot accurately produce small structures with tight radii and short distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing the machine to automatically adjust its position and orientation based on real-time curve data processing. The control unit continuously calculates the desired position along the curve and dynamically steers the machine, enabling accurate production of both small structures with tight radii and larger structures with varying geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from fixed physical guiding wires to flexible digital curve data. By representing the desired path as mathematical curve data that can be processed and adjusted by the control unit, the system can accommodate various structure types and sizes, including small structures with tight radii that cannot be effectively guided by physical wires
3Measurement precision
If project data is amended off-site due to discrepancies with actual local facts, then the data accuracy is improved, but the cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary data verification and adjustment directly on-site using the control unit. Instead of discovering discrepancies and amending data off-site after the fact, the system allows for real-time data validation and correction during field operations, preventing time loss associated with returning to the office for data amendments
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 accurate and cost-effective automatic control of the machine along complex curves with tight radii and short distances, reducing the complexity and cost associated with traditional methods, and allowing for flexible adjustment of geometrical shapes based on actual site requirements.
Implementation Method 1
use of a satellite-based global positioning system (GPS) to determine the position and/or orientation of a reference point on the civil engineering machine
Data Source
AI summary
A civil engineering machine has a machine control unit configured to determine data which defines the position and/or orientation of a reference point on the civil engineering machine in relation to a reference system independent of the position and orientation of the civil engineering machine. A geometrical shape to be produced on the ground is preset in either a machine control unit or a field rover control unit. The field rover is used to determine a position of at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system. Curve data defining a desired curve in the independent reference system, corresponding to the preset shape, is determined at least partially on the basis of the position of the at least one identifiable point of the preset geometrical shape in the independent reference system.