Ground Milling Machine Startup Sequence Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ground milling machines require a lengthy transition from the sleep state to the operational state, causing inconvenience for operators, especially in poor lighting conditions, as they need to activate the primary drive unit and wait for components to be ready, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A method that allows the ground milling machine to transition from an off state to a sleep state, then to a wake-up state, and finally to an operational state, where the primary drive unit is activated, enabling immediate readiness for operation by pre-loading computer programs and activating essential components like lighting and heaters, using a triggering mechanism that can be activated manually or remotely, such as sensors or switches, to prepare the machine before entering the control station.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the ground milling machine transitions directly from sleep state to operational state by activating the primary drive unit, then the machine becomes operational, but components like display screens and computer equipment require lengthy boot-up times causing operator inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator convenienceVSAvoidboot-up time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a wake-up state that is activated before the operator enters the control station. In this state, computer programs are pre-loaded into memory and essential systems are prepared in advance, so that when the operator arrives and activates the ignition, the display screens and control systems are already ready for immediate use, eliminating the lengthy boot-up wait time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the startup process into three distinct states: sleep state (energy-saving mode), wake-up state (preparation phase with pre-loaded programs and activated essentials), and operational state (full functionality). This segmentation allows the machine to prepare essential components in advance without requiring the operator to wait during the entire boot-up process, improving operator convenience while managing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If the on-board power supply disconnect switch is activated to save energy during downtime, then energy consumption is reduced, but the machine cannot be started up and electrical components remain inaccessible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy savingVSAvoidmachine startability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by activating a wake-up state before the operator needs to start the machine. In this state, essential electrical components are activated and computer programs are pre-loaded, preparing the system in advance so that when the operator activates the ignition, the machine is ready for immediate operation without requiring the operator to manually prepare systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic state transitions between sleep, wake-up, and operational modes. The system can dynamically switch between energy-saving mode (disconnect switch activated) and preparation mode (wake-up state) based on operational needs, allowing flexible energy management while ensuring the machine can be quickly brought to operational state when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4389982A1Method for operating a ground milling machine and ground milling machine
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 BOMAG GMBH
  • EP4389982A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4389982A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4389982A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for operating a soil milling machine and to a soil milling machine.