Paving Machine Speed Control via Real-Time Delivery Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paving systems lack the ability to dynamically control paving machine speeds based on real-time delivery rates and compaction rates, leading to inconsistencies and stoppages in the deposition of paving material.

Innovation Solution

A control system that determines optimal paving machine speeds by analyzing delivery rates, compaction rates, and production rates, using location sensors and network communication to adjust the speed of paving machines in real-time, ensuring continuous operation and maximizing material quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the paving machine operates at a constant high speed to maximize productivity, then the paving output increases, but the quality of paving material deposition deteriorates due to stoppages caused by inadequate material delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaving outputVSAvoidcontinuity of paving operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the delivery rate of paving material from the plant and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the paving machine speed. The controller receives real-time data on material delivery rates and modifies the paving machine speed accordingly to prevent stoppages while maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The paving machine speed is transformed from a static constant value to a dynamic parameter that continuously adjusts based on real-time delivery conditions. The system determines optimal speed ranges based on current delivery rates, enabling the machine to adapt its speed to match material availability without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the paving machine speed is reduced to ensure continuous material supply, then stoppages are avoided, but the productivity and paving efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuity of paving operationVSAvoidpaving output

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously receives feedback on the delivery rate of paving material and uses this information to optimize the paving machine speed in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures the machine operates at the highest possible speed that maintains continuous operation, preventing both stoppages and unnecessary speed reductions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the speed parameter of the paving machine based on delivery rate conditions. By continuously adjusting this critical parameter according to real-time material delivery rates, the system maximizes productivity while ensuring uninterrupted operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the paving machine operates without dynamic speed control, then the system complexity remains low, but the quality and consistency of paving material deposition deteriorate due to stoppages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidconsistency of paving material deposition

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback loop that monitors delivery rates and automatically adjusts paving machine speed. This automated feedback-based control eliminates the need for complex manual coordination while ensuring consistent, high-quality deposition by preventing stoppages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The paving machine control system performs self-adjustment based on real-time delivery rate data. The controller automatically determines optimal speed settings without requiring external intervention, enabling the system to maintain high deposition quality while keeping the control architecture relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the paving machine speed is manually controlled to avoid stoppages, then the operation continuity improves, but the response time to changing delivery conditions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuity of paving operationVSAvoidresponse time to delivery rate changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated feedback system continuously monitors delivery rate changes and immediately responds by adjusting the paving machine speed. This real-time feedback mechanism eliminates the time delay inherent in manual control, as the system automatically detects and reacts to changing delivery conditions without human intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical speed control with an automated electronic control system. This substitution enables instantaneous response to delivery rate changes, as the electronic controller can process and react to data much faster than human operators could manually adjust controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10480131B1System and method for controlling paving machine speed

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC

AI summary

A method includes determining a delivery rate of paving material being delivered from a paving material plant to a worksite, and determining a plurality of paving machine speeds, wherein at least one speed of the plurality of paving machine speeds is determined based on the delivery rate. The method also includes determining a desired paving machine speed based on a lowest speed of the plurality of paving machine speeds, and causing a paving machine to travel at the desired paving machine speed while depositing paving material on a work surface of the worksite.