Slipform Paver Route Modeling for Kink-Free Path Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing self-propelled construction machines, such as slipform pavers and road milling machines, face challenges in achieving smooth and accurate movement along predetermined paths without the use of guide wires, particularly when controlled using GNSS or total station systems, which can lead to uneven movement and difficulties in visualizing and correcting kinks in the path.

Innovation Solution

A self-propelled construction machine equipped with a route modeling device that includes an input unit, display unit, and computing unit, allowing for the identification, visualization, and correction of kinks in the target route, and the generation of an interpolation curve to ensure smooth movement, using methods like biarc interpolation to create a kink-free path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a construction machine is controlled using GNSS or total station systems with digital route data, then automation and productivity are improved, but the ability to detect and correct kinks in the path deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of construction machine controlVSAvoiddetection of kinks in digital route data
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the digital route data in the form of a graphical user interface display. This allows operators to see the route path and identify kinks visually, converting abstract numerical data into a form that can be easily inspected and corrected while maintaining the benefits of automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Ease of operation

If guide wires are used to control the construction machine, then ease of operation and path accuracy are improved, but device complexity and loss of time for setup deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath following accuracyVSAvoidguide wire tensioning system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical guide wire system with an electronic/digital control system using GNSS or total station. The physical guide wires and tensioning brackets are substituted with digital route data and electronic control algorithms, eliminating the mechanical complexity while maintaining path following accuracy through software-based positioning and control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the target route contains kinks, then adaptability to terrain features is improved, but manufacturing precision and movement smoothness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroute adjustment to terrainVSAvoidmovement smoothness of construction machine
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection and correction of kinks in the route data before executing the construction machine control. By analyzing the digital route data in advance and smoothing out kinks through software processing, the system ensures smooth machine movement while still allowing necessary route adjustments for terrain features, preventing precision issues before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3489414B1Self-propelled construction machine and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2020.12.30 WIRTGEN GMBH
  • EP3489414B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3489414B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3489414B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The application relates to a self-propelled construction machine, in particular a slipform paver, and a method for controlling a self-propelled construction machine. The construction machine has a machine frame 2 and a drive unit for performing translational and/or rotational movements of the construction machine on the terrain, as well as a working unit for erecting structures on a site or for modifying the terrain. The construction machine has an interface 8 for reading in data that describes a target path. A control unit 7 is provided, which is configured such that a reference point R on the construction machine moves along a path. The construction machine is characterized by a path modeling device 10, which comprises an input unit 11, a display unit 12, and a computing unit 13.The path modeling device 10 is configured such that, based on the input data, the position of at least one kink K on the target path W is determined, at least a portion of the target path W is displayed, and a substantially kink-free interpolation curve I is calculated for the section of the target path where the kink occurs. To determine a modeled path WM, the relevant section C of the target path W is replaced by the interpolation curve I. The control of the drive device is then based not on the specified target path W, but on the modeled target path WM.