Adaptive Paving Machine Navigation Using Multi-Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems for paving machines are limited in accuracy and adaptability to changing topography and conditions, leading to potential user errors due to mental and physical fatigue, and do not effectively account for site-specific variations.
Innovation Solution
A paving system equipped with a plurality of locational or positional sensor units, including GPS antennae, proximity sensors, LIDAR sensors, stringline sensors, and total station units, coupled with a controller that selects and activates the appropriate sensors for navigation, allowing for adaptive and accurate positioning and steering of the machine based on real-time data and error detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single navigation system (GPS or total station) is used to determine position, then the system is simple to operate, but the accuracy and adaptability to changing topography and conditions are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple navigation systems (GPS, total station, and other positional sensors) into a single integrated navigation system. The controller receives data from multiple sensor units simultaneously and processes them together to determine the paving machine's position, thereby improving positioning accuracy while managing system complexity through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different positioning methods (GPS-based navigation and total station-based navigation). The controller can automatically select between these different navigation modes based on the working conditions and available sensor data, making the system versatile and adaptable to various topography and operational requirements.
2Reliability
If automated navigation is implemented to reduce human error, then navigation accuracy improves, but the system's ability to adapt to changing site conditions and sensor abnormalities is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the data from multiple sensor units and compares it against expected values and cross-references between different sensors. When abnormalities or discrepancies are detected, the system provides feedback by automatically switching to alternative sensor units or navigation modes, thereby maintaining navigation reliability while adapting to changing conditions without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation system dynamically adjusts its operation by automatically selecting between different sensor units and navigation modes based on real-time conditions. The controller can switch from GPS-based navigation to total station-based navigation or vice versa, and can activate different sensor units as needed, making the system dynamic and highly adaptable to varying site conditions while maintaining automated operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor units are used to determine position, then the system can adapt to changing conditions and detect errors, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The navigation system is segmented into multiple independent sensor units (GPS receivers, total station receivers, and other positional sensors), each capable of providing positioning data independently. The controller processes data from these segmented sensor units separately and then integrates them, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions by selecting from available segments while managing complexity through modular architecture.
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
The system achieves high accuracy in navigating the paving machine, maintaining desired positions and widths with reduced human error, adapting to site changes and ensuring precise operation even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sensor units may include global positioning system (GPS) antennae and receivers
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of sensor units may include proximity sensors, LIDAR sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A paving system includes a paving machine, a plurality of locational or positional sensor units coupled to or in communication with the paving machine, and a controller in communication with the plurality of sensor units. The controller is configured to select locational or positional information from one or more active sensor units of the plurality of sensor units and automatically navigate the paving machine.