Construction Machine Control System Using Laser Surveying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for slip-form paving machines are complex and time-consuming due to the need for multiple position measuring instruments and communication systems, requiring frequent re-installation and complicating the operation.

Innovation Solution

A control system that includes a laser surveying instrument projecting fan-shaped laser beams, two beam detectors with photodetection sensors, GPS devices, and a tilt sensor, which simplifies the configuration by using geocentric coordinates and distance measurements to detect the direction and posture of the machine, reducing the number of beam detectors needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple position measuring instruments and communication systems are used to detect the posture of the slip-form paving machine, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation deteriorates

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

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple measurement functions (position detection, posture detection, distance measurement) into a single laser surveying instrument. This single instrument integrates the capabilities of multiple position measuring instruments and communication systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through unified data acquisition and processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser surveying instrument is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a position measuring instrument and a posture detection device. It simultaneously performs distance measurement, angle measurement, and coordinate detection, eliminating the need for separate specialized instruments and simplifying the overall system configuration.

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

2Measurement precision

If multiple position measuring instruments are re-installed each time a predetermined construction range is completed, then the measurement precision is maintained, but the loss of time increases and productivity decreases

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

Solution Approach 1:

The laser surveying instrument is initially set up at a predetermined location before construction begins. The system performs preliminary calibration and establishes the measurement baseline in advance, allowing continuous measurement throughout the construction process without requiring re-installation when construction ranges are completed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a single laser surveying instrument that exceeds the minimum requirement by providing comprehensive coverage for the entire construction area. This excessive capability ensures that measurement precision is maintained across all construction ranges without the need for additional instruments or re-installation activities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If three or more beam detectors are used to detect the posture of the construction machine, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposture detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of beam detectors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the posture detection function from the beam detector system and transfers it to the laser surveying instrument. By removing the need for multiple beam detectors and concentrating the detection capability in the single laser surveying instrument, the system achieves improved measurement precision with reduced device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 configuration simplifies the control system operation, reduces the complexity of instrument setup, and enhances the accuracy of direction and posture detection, allowing for more efficient construction processes.

Implementation Method 1

a laser surveying instrument for projecting a laser beam in rotary irradiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

each of the beam detectors has at least one photodetection sensor in spot-like shape and transmits a photodetection result of the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotodetection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

an electronic distance measuring instrument having a function of tracking the target and for performing a distance measurement of the target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDistance measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS10372137B2Control system for construction machine
Publication Date: 2019.08.06 TOPCON CORPORATION
  • US10372137B2 patent drawing
  • US10372137B2 patent drawing
  • US10372137B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides a control system for a construction machine comprising: a laser surveying instrument, a construction machine and a direction detecting unit, wherein the construction machine has a working mechanical unit, a machine control device, a machine communication unit, two beam detectors and at least one target and a tilt sensor, wherein the laser surveying instrument has a laser rotary projecting device for projecting a laser beam in rotary irradiation, an electronic distance measuring instrument and a surveying communication unit, wherein each of the beam detectors transmits a photodetection result to the laser surveying instrument or the machine control device, wherein the laser surveying instrument or the machine control device calculates a left-right tilting of the construction machine based on the photodetection result and a distance measurement result of the target, and the machine control device controls an operation of the construction machine based on a detection result of the direction detecting unit, a front-rear tilting by the tilt sensor, a distance measurement result of the target and the left-right tilting.