Ground Processing Machine Reverse Steering From Recorded Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ground processing machines, such as compactors, face challenges in efficiently and precisely maneuvering in opposite directions due to the need for operators to steer and look in different directions, leading to operational inefficiencies and imprecise compaction.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled ground processing machine equipped with a steering system and control arrangement that records and utilizes path information for automated steering during reverse movements, allowing precise maneuvering based on previous forward travel paths, optionally using radio-based position identification and integrating override mechanisms for operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator manually steers the ground processing machine during reverse travel, then the operator can observe the ground in the current direction of travel, but the steering precision and operational efficiency deteriorate due to the cognitive load of operating forward-travel controls while looking backward
Solution Approach 1:
The control arrangement records path information during forward travel before the reverse travel begins. This preliminary recording of the forward path enables the automated steering system to reproduce the same path during reverse travel without requiring the operator to manually steer while looking backward, thus improving steering precision while reducing operator workload.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ground processing machine moves repeatedly back and forth in opposite directions, then uniform compaction can be achieved, but the operator must constantly switch between operating forward-travel controls and observing the ground in the opposite direction, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system performs self-service by automatically controlling the ground processing machine during reverse travel based on previously recorded path information. The control arrangement autonomously executes the reverse path without continuous operator intervention, allowing the operator to focus on monitoring and other tasks, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining compaction uniformity through precise automated steering.
3Productivity
If automated steering is used during reverse travel based on recorded path information, then steering precision and productivity improve, but the system complexity increases due to the control arrangement and path recording requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control arrangement serves multiple functions: it records path information during forward travel, processes the recorded data, and executes automated steering during reverse travel. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control system rather than separate dedicated systems, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the productivity benefits of automated steering.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled ground processing machine includes a steering system with a steering element to be actuated by an operator and at least one steering actuator, as well as a control arrangement for controlling at least one steering actuator on the basis of an actuation of the steering element. The control arrangement is designed to generate path information representing the path covered during the movement of the ground processing machine in the first direction of movement when the ground processing machine moves in a first direction of movement, and to control the at least one steering actuator on the basis of the path information when the ground processing machine moves in a second direction of movement substantially opposite to the first direction of movement.