Lifting Column Position Feedback for Road Machine Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machines lack the ability to adjust lifting columns to flexible operating positions without remounting sensors, leading to issues with different load distributions and ground interactions, causing machine frame displacement and potential piston cylinder unit damage during steering.
Innovation Solution
Each lifting column is equipped with a measuring device that continuously detects its lifting state, allowing for automatic regulation of the lifting position based on measured path signals, enabling the vehicle driver to select any desired position without relying on limit switches or sensors, and incorporating features like wire-rope sensors and controllers for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment via switchover valves with pre-determined sensor positions is used, then the machine frame maintains a pre-determined distance from the ground surface in operating position, but the system lacks flexibility to adjust other operating positions without remounting sensors and cannot adapt to different load distributions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed, pre-determined sensor positions with continuously variable measuring devices (optical or magnetic sensors) that can detect any position of the piston within the cylinder. This dynamic measurement capability allows the control system to adapt to any desired lifting position without physical remounting, directly resolving the contradiction between adjustment flexibility and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from discrete sensor trigger points to continuous position feedback. The measuring devices provide real-time information about the piston's exact position, enabling the controller to regulate lifting columns to any desired height, thereby achieving flexible adaptation to different load distributions and operating conditions without modifying the physical sensor installation
2Measurement precision
If the machine frame distance to ground surface varies due to different loads or load distributions, then the system must remount sensors to maintain accurate position detection, but this increases operational complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring devices are designed to automatically adapt to changing operating conditions. When the piston reaches any position within the cylinder, the optical or magnetic sensor continuously detects the exact position without requiring manual intervention. The control system uses this feedback to maintain accurate position detection regardless of load variations, eliminating the need for time-consuming sensor remounting while preserving measurement precision
3Reliability
If the piston is allowed to reach mechanical limit stops during steering movements, then the piston may turn loose and cause damage, but restricting movement reduces operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring devices provide continuous feedback about the piston's position to the control system. The controller uses this information to regulate the lifting columns and prevent the piston from reaching the mechanical limit stops during steering movements. By maintaining the piston within a safe operational range while preserving normal steering functionality, the system ensures reliability without compromising ease of operation
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 solution allows for flexible adjustment of lifting positions, equalizing load situations and ground interactions, reducing machine frame displacement and preventing piston cylinder unit damage, while enabling precise control of the machine frame's position and working depth.
Implementation Method 1
each individual height-adjustable lifting column is provided with a measuring device for measuring the current lifting state of the lifting column, in such a manner that a path signal pertaining to the lifting position of each lifting column is continuously detectable by the measuring device
Implementation Method 2
a controller receiving the measured path signals from the measuring devices of all the lifting columns regulates the lifting state of the lifting columns in accordance with the measured path signals of the measuring devices and/or their alteration over time
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an automotive road construction machine, particularly a recycler or a cold stripping machine, comprising an engine frame that is supported by a chassis, a working roller which is stationarily or pivotally mounted on the engine frame and is used for machining a ground surface or road surface. The chassis is provided with wheels or tracked running gears which are connected to the engine frame via lifting column and are vertically adjustable relative to the engine frame. Each individually vertically adjustable lifting column is equipped with a device for measuring the actual vertical state of the lifting column.