Laser Scanner Edge Detection for Road Compaction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current road construction machines, particularly compaction rollers, face challenges in maintaining precise control and automation, especially in edge areas during multi-layer compaction, leading to potential damage and uneven compaction quality due to the lack of continuous monitoring and manual operation limitations.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system equipped with a laser scanner and evaluation unit for detecting edges and intensity patterns, allowing for autonomous or semi-autonomous control of the construction machine's lateral and longitudinal dynamics, including the ability to adjust the pressure roller's position and vibration, to maintain precise alignment with the edge of the road surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operation is used to control the roller position and compaction parameters, then the operator can monitor and adjust settings, but the control precision and consistency deteriorate due to human error and inability to maintain continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors (laser scanner, GPS) to detect edge positions and machine location, then automatically adjusts the roller's lateral position and compaction parameters. This substitution eliminates human error and maintains consistent control precision throughout the compaction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system enables the compaction machine to autonomously determine its own position relative to the layer edge using sensor data, calculate required position adjustments, and execute steering corrections without continuous human intervention. The system serves itself by automatically monitoring and correcting its position to maintain the desired relationship with the layer edge.
2Reliability
If automation is increased to improve control precision, then the consistency of compaction quality improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a single automated platform: GPS reception for location determination, laser scanning for edge detection, pattern recognition for reference identification, and automatic steering control. This multi-functional system achieves high reliability while managing complexity through integration rather than separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the sensors (GPS, laser scanner) and the roller's actuation systems (steering, vibration). This intermediary processes sensor data, determines the relationship to the layer edge, and generates appropriate control commands, thereby managing system complexity through a structured control architecture.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the roller operator constantly monitors the edge area to prevent damage, then the quality and safety improve, but the operator's ability to perform other control tasks deteriorates due to divided attention
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system and control unit enable the machine to autonomously monitor its own position relative to the layer edge and automatically adjust to prevent edge damage. This self-service capability removes the burden of constant monitoring from the operator, allowing them to focus on other control tasks while the system handles edge protection automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from sensors about the roller's position relative to the layer edge and automatically adjusts steering and compaction parameters in response. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures edge protection without requiring the operator to maintain constant visual monitoring, thereby improving both edge safety and overall operational ease.
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
Enhances the automation level of road construction machines by enabling precise control and reducing human error, ensuring consistent and high-quality compaction across the road surface, including edge areas, thereby preventing damage and improving overall road quality.
Implementation Method 1
determine corresponding distance values, which describe the distance to the one or more objects, together with corresponding intensity values, which describe the intensity of a reflection occurring at the one or more objects
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a sensor system for a construction machine (10), in particular a road compaction machine or roller, which may, for example, have two drums (roller bodies) (50) and (60). The construction machine (10) stands on the surface (20) of an applied layer (30). The sensor system comprises a laser scanner (92), an evaluation unit, and a controller. The laser scanner (90) can be arranged on the construction machine (10), preferably laterally, and is configured to scan a predetermined angular range for one or more objects and to determine corresponding distance values, which describe the distance to the one or more objects, together with corresponding intensity values, which describe the intensity of a reflection occurring at the one or more objects, over angles of the predetermined angular range. The object is preferably an edge (32), such as, for example, aA milled edge or the edge of another layer, in particular an underlying or adjacent layer. An example would also be the edge of the road surface that needs to be compacted (and whose edge needs to be shaped). The evaluation unit is designed to recognize an object as a reference based on a known pattern comprising distance values and intensity values via distance angles, and to determine the relationship between the construction machine or a component of the construction machine and the reference. The control system is designed to control the construction machine and/or a component of the construction machine depending on the relationship to the reference. Alternatively, the control system can also output information regarding the relationship, e.g., visualize it (target-actual representation).