Road Milling Machine Depth Control via Optical Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road milling machines face challenges in accurately controlling milling depth, leading to deviations from the predetermined depth due to tool wear, especially when milling hard surfaces like concrete, resulting in time-consuming reworking.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of measuring means, including sensors and position sensing systems, to detect the milling depth by monitoring the position of side plates and stripping means relative to the machine frame, allowing for precise adjustment and minimizing wear-related errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement of milling depth is performed repeatedly, then milling depth accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical measurement system. The measuring device uses optical sensors and evaluation units to automatically detect and evaluate milling depth, eliminating the need for repeated manual measurements while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to automatically perform measurements and evaluations without requiring operator intervention. The device autonomously detects milling depth parameters and processes the data, allowing the system to self-monitor and self-adjust during operation.
2Productivity
If tool wear is allowed to progress, then productivity is maintained, but milling depth accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the measuring device continuously monitors milling depth and tool condition during operation. The evaluation unit analyzes measurement data to detect tool wear trends and provides feedback for adjusting milling parameters or replacing tools before accuracy deteriorates significantly, thus maintaining both productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and evaluation of tool wear conditions before they significantly impact milling depth accuracy. By continuously monitoring and evaluating measurements in advance, the system can take preventive actions such as adjusting parameters or scheduling tool replacement before precision is compromised.
3Measurement precision
If automated measurement system is implemented, then measurement accuracy and productivity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is designed with multi-functionality, combining optical sensing, automated measurement, and evaluation capabilities in a single integrated system. This universal approach allows the device to perform multiple functions (measurement, evaluation, monitoring) without proportionally increasing complexity, as shared components and processing units serve multiple purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for measuring the milling depth of a road milling machine, the machine being operative to mill a ground surface with a milling roller lowered to a milling depth to create a milling track, the machine including at least one side plate located to at least one side of the milling roller to engage an untreated ground surface, and the machine including a stripping plate operative to be lowered onto the milling track generated by the milling roller. The method includes measuring the milling depth of the milling track, the measuring including detecting a measurement value of a ground engaging sensor engaging the milling track.