Road Milling Machine Predictive Object Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current road milling machines face challenges in safely navigating around underground objects like manhole covers due to the difficulty in accurately detecting their positions, leading to potential damage and increased operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that generates predictive object signals using image recording units and signal processing means to provide the operator with real-time information about the position of underground objects, allowing for automatic or manual intervention in machine control, such as raising or lowering the milling drum, to maintain a safety distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lateral lines are used to mark objects in the ground, then objects can be recognised by the operator, but the marking process is complex and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual marking system with an optical detection system (camera) and electronic processing system. The camera captures images of the ground, and a processing unit automatically identifies objects and calculates their positions, eliminating the need for manual line marking and providing more accurate position data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the ground surface through camera imaging. Instead of physically marking the ground with lines, the system captures an optical copy (image) of the area, processes it to identify objects, and uses this digital representation to determine precise object locations and guide the milling drum positioning.
2Reliability
If a large safety distance is selected, then damage to objects and machine is reduced, but the amount of subsequent work increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the camera continuously monitors the ground, the processing unit identifies objects and calculates their positions relative to the milling drum, and this information is fed back to automatically adjust the drum position. This closed-loop control enables precise positioning that maintains safety distances while minimizing unnecessary idle travel and rework.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the safety distance parameter based on real-time object detection. Instead of using a fixed large safety distance, the system calculates the precise distance to detected objects and adjusts the drum positioning accordingly, maintaining adequate safety margins while optimizing the working path to reduce idle travel and improve productivity.
3Ease of operation
If the milling drum position is adjusted manually, then control flexibility is maintained, but the response time to objects is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting objects, calculating their positions, and controlling the milling drum positioning without requiring manual intervention from the operator. The camera and processing unit work autonomously to identify objects and the control system automatically adjusts the drum position, eliminating the time delay associated with manual detection and response while maintaining operational flexibility.
4Loss of information
If manual marking of objects is performed, then object positions can be identified, but additional working steps and inaccuracy are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual marking operations with automated optical detection and image processing. The camera captures the ground surface, the processing unit automatically identifies objects and extracts position information, eliminating the manual marking step entirely while providing more accurate and reliable position data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and position calculation before the milling drum reaches the objects. By using the camera to advance detection and the processing unit to pre-calculate object positions and safe drum positions, the system prepares the control information in advance, eliminating the need for last-minute manual marking and enabling smoother, more efficient 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 simplifies the control of road milling machines by enabling precise detection and avoidance of underground objects, reducing the risk of damage and subsequent work, even in adverse conditions like darkness or rain, by providing the operator with timely and accurate information through a display unit.
Implementation Method 1
a means (13) for generating predictive object signals which are characteristic of a position of objects lying in a portion of the ground to be worked
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine, which possesses an undercarriage which has front and rear—in the working direction—wheels or travelling gears, a machine frame which is borne by the undercarriage, and a working means. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a road milling machine. The invention is based on the detection of objects O situated in the ground at a time at which the objects O can be readily detected. The construction machine according to the invention possesses a means for generating predictive object signals which are characteristic of the position of objects which lie in a portion of the ground which lies in the working direction A in front of the working region of the working means. Furthermore, the construction machine has a signal processing means which receives the object signals, which means is configured such that during the advance of the construction machine object signals relating to the working means are obtained from the predictive object signals, these signals being characteristic of the position of the objects in a portion of the ground which relates to the working region of the working means.