Road Finisher Sensor Module for Contactless Control Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Road finishers face increased operational complexity due to numerous function keys, leading to longer activation times for operating functions, and conventional contact-based buttons are prone to wear and inefficient, requiring multiple keystrokes for function invocation.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device detects the operator's distance from the operating module, allowing for contactless activation of operating functions, including engine start and other essential functions, thereby reducing the need for button presses and enhancing operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If contact-based buttons are used for operating functions, then the road finisher can be controlled, but the buttons show signs of wear and require multiple keystrokes, degrading operability and increasing activation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based button system with a sensor device that detects the operator's presence or hand approach. The control device activates operating functions based on detected distance or presence, eliminating mechanical button contact and associated wear problems while maintaining full control functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple function keys are added to operate all functions, then more operating functions become available, but the number of keys increases, requiring increased operational skill and longer activation time
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device is positioned to detect when the operator approaches or intends to activate a function, triggering the operating function before or as the operator would press the button. This preliminary detection eliminates the time required for multiple keystrokes and reduces the learning curve for operating multiple functions
3Ease of operation
If contact-based button pressing is used, then operating functions can be called up, but a certain amount of time is required for button pressing and waiting for function activation
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical button-pressing action is replaced with optical or electromagnetic sensing that detects the operator's presence or hand movement. This substitution eliminates the time delay between operator intent and function activation, as the sensor responds instantaneously to the operator's approach without requiring physical contact
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
This solution enables quicker access to operating functions, improves operator safety by allowing function activation without leaving the seat, and reduces wear on buttons, streamlining the operational process.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor device (9) that is configured to detect a distance from an operator to an operating module (7)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a road paver (1, 1') with at least one control module (7, 7') for inputting operating commands, wherein the control module (7, 7') has a plurality of keys (14) which can each be actuated by means of contact to input the respective operating commands in order to call up corresponding operating functions of the road paver (1, 1').According to the invention, the road paver (1, 1') further comprises a sensor device (9) configured to detect the distance of an operator to the control module (7, 7'), which distance defines a distance from the control module (7, 7') to any part of the operator's body, wherein the sensor device (9) is connected to a control device (10) of the road paver (7, 7') configured to call up at least one of the control functions of the road paver (1, 1') by means of an output signal as soon as the operator falls below a predetermined threshold distance (22) in relation to the control module (7, 7').