Asphalt Paver Tow Point Index Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Asphalt paver operators face challenges in controlling the tow point position of a free-floating screed, as existing systems often counteract adjustments made by the operator without providing visibility into the tow point changes, leading to fluctuations in pavement thickness and smoothness.

Innovation Solution

An asphalt paver system that includes a monitoring system with sensors to track and display the tow point position, allowing operators to adjust parameters like paver speed and conveyor delivery rate to minimize tow point movement and maintain consistent pavement thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If an automated tow point control system is used to maintain pavement thickness, then the system can automatically compensate for speed changes, but the operator loses visibility and control over tow point adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepavement thickness consistencyVSAvoidoperator visibility of tow point position

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring tow point position through sensors and displaying the tow point index to the operator. This allows the operator to see the actual tow point position and make informed decisions about whether to adjust operating parameters, resolving the contradiction between automated control and operator visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The tow point index serves as an intermediary between the automated control system and the operator. Instead of directly controlling the tow point without operator knowledge, the system provides the index as intermediate information that bridges the gap between automated sensing and operator decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the automated system continuously adjusts the tow point to compensate for speed changes, then pavement thickness is maintained, but the operator cannot witness the effect of parameter adjustments on tow point position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepavement thicknessVSAvoidoperator ability to observe adjustment effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system provides continuous feedback on tow point position through the displayed index, allowing the operator to observe how their parameter adjustments affect the tow point position. This resolves the contradiction by making the system's compensatory actions visible and understandable to the operator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the operator adjusts paver speed or conveyor delivery rate, then productivity or pavement quality can be optimized, but the tow point position fluctuates causing pavement thickness variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaver speedVSAvoidpavement thickness consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the operator to adjust speed or delivery rate while continuously monitoring the tow point index to see the resulting position changes. This feedback loop allows the operator to make informed decisions about parameter adjustments, balancing productivity gains against pavement thickness consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If a free-floating screed with pivoting tow connection is used, then the screed can adapt to terrain variations, but the tow point position becomes difficult to control and monitor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreed adaptation to terrainVSAvoidtow point control and monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical control of the pivoting connection with electronic sensing and display. Sensors automatically detect the tow point position and the computing system displays the index, eliminating the need for complex mechanical control mechanisms while maintaining the adaptability benefits of the free-floating screed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11572662B2Tow point index

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC

AI summary

An asphalt paver may include a tractor and a screed configured for towing behind the tractor. The screed may include a tow arm secured to the tractor at an adjustable tow point. The paver may also include a monitoring system configured for monitoring and displaying the position of the adjustable tow point. The monitoring system may include a sensor arranged at or near the tow point for sensing the position of the tow point and a computing system in communication with the sensor for displaying the position of the adjustable tow point. A method of paving involving adjusting paving parameters to avoid or compensate for movement in the tow point is also provided.