Position determination system and method for determining position of reference point on self-propelled construction machine, and method for initializing reference station placed around self-propelled construction machine

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing position determination systems for self-propelled construction machines require manual and time-consuming initialization of reference stations, which is prone to errors, especially when the machines move off-road, as the accuracy of position determination decreases with distance from the reference station.

Innovation Solution

A position determination system that initializes the reference station by comparing predetermined positions stored in a storage unit with the actual position determined by the reference station, allowing for automated and accurate assignment of coordinate values without additional input, using a DGPS rover unit and reference station that communicate via bidirectional data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual initialization of reference station is used, then position determination accuracy can be maintained, but time consumption and error risk increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidinitialization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reference station automatically determines its own position using GPS/GNSS reception and compares it with predetermined positions from storage, eliminating the need for manual position input by operators. The system self-initializes by autonomously selecting the matching predetermined position that corresponds to the actual reference station location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Position data for multiple potential reference station locations is pre-stored in the storage unit before the actual initialization process. This preliminary preparation of position information allows the reference station to quickly initialize by simply comparing and selecting the appropriate pre-stored position data, rather than requiring manual input during initialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual position data entry is required, then position determination can be initialized, but error risk and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitialization simplicityVSAvoiddata entry accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reference station automatically receives position data and performs the selection of the correct predetermined position without any manual data entry by operators. This eliminates human error in position input while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system compares the actually determined reference station position with multiple predetermined positions and selects the best match based on this feedback comparison. This automated verification process ensures high reliability by objectively determining the correct position rather than relying on manual entry accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If reference station is placed far from construction machine, then operational flexibility increases, but position determination accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidposition determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reference station can be dynamically repositioned to different locations on the construction site, and the system automatically adapts by selecting the appropriate predetermined position data from storage that corresponds to the new reference station location. This dynamic adaptability maintains accuracy regardless of the reference station's position relative to the construction machine.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4343386A1Position determination system and method for determining position of reference point on self-propelled construction machine, and method for initializing reference station placed around self-propelled construction machine
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 WIRTGEN GMBH
  • EP4343386A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4343386A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4343386A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a positioning system II and a method for determining the position of a reference point R on a self-propelled construction machine I in a coordinate system X, Y, Z independent of the construction machine, and a method for initializing a reference station 15 located in the vicinity of a self-propelled construction machine I for sending correction signals. The positioning system II according to the invention for determining the position of a reference point R on a self-propelled construction machine I in a coordinate system independent of the construction machine comprises a DGPS rover unit 14 for receiving satellite signals from a global navigation satellite system S and correction signals from a reference station 15.The position determination system according to the invention is characterized in that, for the initialization of the reference station 15, a position data set PD describing the predetermined positions of a reference station is read from a storage unit 23, 24, 27, wherein the actual reference station position is determined on the basis of a comparison of the predetermined positions P1(X1, Y1, Z1), P2(X2, Y2, Z2), P3(X3, Y3, Z3), P4(X4, Y4, Z4) of the reference station 15 with the reference station position P1'(X1', Y1', Z1'), P2'(X2', Y2`, Z2'), P3'(X3', Y3`, Z3'), P4'(X4', Y4`, Z4') determined by the reference station 15.