Construction Machine Velocity Control for Finish Grade Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern construction machines lack effective velocity control systems that can optimize machine performance for various surface types and designs, leading to unevenness in the finished grade surface.
Innovation Solution
A velocity control loop that adjusts the machine's speed based on real-time sensor data, including inertial and positional information, to minimize deviations from target surfaces, using feedback mechanisms like PID controllers and hysteresis to stabilize the vertical grade control loop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the construction machine operates at high velocity to improve productivity, then the grading efficiency increases, but the finish grade surface quality deteriorates due to increased unevenness
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the machine velocity based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring surface deviations. The velocity is not fixed but varies continuously to optimize both productivity and surface quality, allowing high speed when conditions permit and reducing speed when precision is needed
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control loop continuously monitors the actual surface elevation using sensors and compares it to the target surface. This feedback is used to adjust velocity in real-time, ensuring that productivity gains do not compromise surface quality by automatically reducing speed when deviations occur
2Manufacturing precision
If the machine velocity is reduced to improve finish grade surface quality, then the unevenness decreases, but the productivity deteriorates due to slower grading operations
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than operating at a constantly reduced velocity, the system dynamically adjusts speed based on real-time surface conditions. Velocity is reduced only when and where surface quality issues arise, maintaining high productivity during stable, high-quality grading segments
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback mechanism identifies specific locations where surface deviations occur and triggers velocity reduction only at those moments and positions. This selective approach maintains overall productivity while addressing surface quality issues locally rather than requiring universal speed reduction
3Manufacturing precision
If a velocity control system is implemented to optimize surface quality, then the finish grade unevenness reduces, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the machine's own operational data and sensor feedback to automatically adjust velocity without requiring external intervention or complex manual control systems. The control algorithm processes sensor data and makes velocity adjustments autonomously, reducing the need for additional complex control hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The velocity control system integrates multiple functions into a single control mechanism: it monitors surface quality, determines optimal velocity, and executes speed adjustments through the existing machine control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems for each function
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and other techniques for controlling a velocity of a construction machine operating within a construction site. Sensor data is captured using one or more sensors of the construction machine while the construction machine is moving at the velocity in a forward or a backward direction. An actual surface of the construction site is estimated based on the sensor data. A deviation between a target surface and the actual surface is calculated. An actual performance metric is calculated based on the deviation. The actual performance metric is compared to a target performance metric to determine a velocity adjustment. The velocity of the construction machine is adjusted by the velocity adjustment.