Laser Surveying Instrument for Construction Machine Posture Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional construction machine control systems for slip-form paving machines require complex system configurations and frequent re-positioning of position measuring devices, leading to increased operational time and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A construction machine control method and system that uses a laser surveying instrument to project a rotary laser beam, detected by multiple beam detectors with photodetectors, to calculate the machine's direction and posture, eliminating the need for multiple position measuring devices and simplifying system configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple position measuring devices are used to detect machine posture, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposture detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple position measuring devices into a single laser surveying instrument that projects a laser beam. Instead of using multiple separate position measuring devices, the system merges their functions into one device that emits a laser beam which is detected by multiple beam detectors on the machine, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical position measuring devices with an optical system using a laser surveying instrument. The laser beam serves as a reference for detecting machine position and posture, substituting mechanical measurement mechanisms with optical detection, which simplifies the overall system configuration

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple position measuring devices are re-positioned for each construction range, then measurement precision is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurement accuracyVSAvoidre-positioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The laser surveying instrument serves multiple functions: it provides a reference for position measurement, establishes a coordinate system, and enables posture detection. This universal device can be used across different construction ranges without re-positioning, as the system calculates machine position relative to the fixed laser source, eliminating the need for repeated setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser surveying instrument is set up in advance at a fixed location before construction begins. This preliminary positioning establishes a stable reference frame that remains valid throughout the construction process, eliminating the need for repeated re-positioning operations and saving time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple communication systems are installed for data transmission, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition and posture detection accuracyVSAvoidcommunication system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple communication functions into a single communication system. The beam detectors directly detect the laser beam and generate electrical signals that are processed by a control unit, eliminating the need for multiple separate communication systems while maintaining the ability to transmit position and posture data accurately

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces facility costs, decreases re-installation burdens, and allows for real-time position detection and posture control, enabling operation over a wider range with improved accuracy and reduced complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a laser surveying instrument 1 having a laser rotary projecting device 5 which projects a laser beam 8 in rotary irradiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

at least three beam detectors 17 which have a photodetector for detecting the laser beam 8

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotodetection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2708969B1Construction machine control method and construction machine control system
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • EP2708969B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2708969B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2708969B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A construction machine control system comprises a laser surveying instrument (1) for projecting a laser beam (8) in rotary irradiation at constant speed and a construction machine (2) for operating in a photodetection range of the laser beam. The construction machine (2) comprises a working mechanical unit (12, 15) for carrying out construction operations, a machine control device (13) for controlling the working mechanical unit, and at least three beam detectors (17), which are disposed at known positions with respect to a device reference position of the construction machine and have a photodetector (14) for receiving the laser beam. The direction of the construction machine is calculated based on the photodetection timing of each of the beam detectors (17) and the machine control device (13) controls the working mechanical unit (12, 15) so that the direction of the construction machine is set to a condition as required based on the result the of calculation.