Laser Scanner Reference Detection for Road Finisher Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current road finishing machines rely on manual steering corrections, which are inaccurate and labor-intensive, requiring precise adjustments to maintain parallelism and distance from a reference during asphalt paving.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system incorporating a laser scanner and evaluation unit that detects and differentiates various reference objects (rope, milling edge, curb) by analyzing distance and intensity values across a specified angular range, allowing for precise determination of distance and angle relative to the reference, enabling automated steering and height control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual steering corrections are used, then the operator can adjust the machine position, but the accuracy and precision of steering are insufficient and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering operations with an automated sensor-based system. A laser scanner automatically detects reference objects (curbs, ropes, markings) and calculates positioning data, substituting the operator's manual visual estimation and mechanical steering adjustments with optical measurement and automated control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the machine to automatically detect its own position relative to the reference and perform self-correction. The evaluation unit continuously processes laser scanner data to determine distance and angle deviations, and the steering system automatically adjusts the machine's position without requiring constant manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise manual adjustments are made to maintain parallelism and distance from reference, then steering accuracy can be improved, but the process becomes highly labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner operates continuously to provide uninterrupted measurement of the machine's position relative to the reference. The evaluation unit continuously processes this data to calculate distance and angle deviations, enabling continuous automated steering adjustments that maintain paving precision without the intermittent manual corrections that reduce productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously measuring the actual position using the laser scanner, comparing it with the desired position (parallel and at specified distance from reference), calculating deviations, and automatically adjusting the steering to eliminate these deviations, ensuring consistent paving accuracy.
3Extent of automation
If automated steering is implemented using sensor systems, then operator workload is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser scanner is designed as a multi-functional device that performs multiple tasks: detecting various reference objects (curbs, ropes, markings), measuring distance, calculating angle deviations, and providing positioning data for both steering and height control. This universality reduces the need for multiple specialized sensors, thereby limiting system complexity while achieving high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of reference object detection, distance measurement, and angle calculation into a single integrated evaluation unit that processes data from one laser scanner. This merging of functions into a unified processing system reduces the complexity that would arise from having separate systems for each function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the laser scanner searches a specified angular range for objects, then the system can detect various reference types, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation unit analyzes intensity values from the laser scanner, which vary based on the reflective properties of different reference objects. By detecting characteristic intensity patterns and variations across the angular range, the system can differentiate between various reference object types (curbs, ropes, markings) based on their optical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects reference objects by analyzing changes in measurement parameters (distance and intensity) across different angles. The evaluation unit identifies characteristic patterns in these parameter variations that correspond to different reference object types, enabling versatile detection through parameter analysis rather than complex image processing.
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
The sensor system significantly reduces operator workload by providing precise steering and height control, ensuring accurate asphalt paving by automatically adjusting the road finishing machine's position relative to the reference.
Implementation Method 1
determine corresponding distance values, which describe the distance to the one or several objects, together with corresponding intensity values, which describe an intensity of a reflection resulting at the one or several objects
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system for a construction machine, in particular a road finishing machine, includes a laser scanner and an evaluation unit. The laser scanner can be arranged on the construction machine or the road finishing machine itself and is configured to search a specified angular range for objects and to determine angles of the specified angular range according to distance values describing the distance to the one or several objects together with corresponding intensity values describing an intensity of a reflection resulting at the one or several objects. The evaluation unit is configured to detect an object as a reference together with corresponding angles based on a known pattern including the distance values and the intensity values across the angles. Further, the evaluation unit is configured to determine a distance to the reference and/or an angle with respect to the reference.