Road Finisher Ventilation Control via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road finishers' ventilation systems are inefficient due to human operator dependence, leading to unnecessary energy consumption and noise pollution, as well as failure to operate when needed, due to lack of clear information on when vapors and aerosols are present.
Innovation Solution
An automated ventilation system control that uses machine controllers and sensors to determine the need for operation based on mix type, operating mode, and temperature, ensuring the system is only activated when vapors or aerosols are present, and powered at the necessary level to minimize noise and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the ventilation system is always on while the prime mover is running, then operator comfort and environmental protection are improved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation system automatically determines whether operation is necessary based on sensor data from the working environment, eliminating the need for continuous operator intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring conditions and making autonomous decisions about when to operate, thereby reducing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect vapors and aerosols in real-time and feeds this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the ventilation system operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the ventilation runs only when contaminants are detected, optimizing the balance between protection and energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the ventilation system is operated manually by the operator, then energy consumption is reduced when not needed, but operator attention and correct operation cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically monitors working conditions and determines when ventilation is necessary without relying on operator judgment. The control unit independently assesses sensor data and makes operational decisions, ensuring reliable and consistent operation regardless of operator attention or knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual decision-making process is replaced by an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and processing units to determine when ventilation is needed. This substitution of mechanical/operator-based control with an automated intelligent system eliminates human factors while ensuring reliable operation.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the ventilation system is switched on and off manually, then energy consumption can be controlled, but noise pollution occurs when switched on and operator comfort is compromised when switched off
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the working environment for vapors and aerosols, using this feedback to make informed decisions about when to activate the ventilation system. This ensures the system runs only when contaminants are present, minimizing noise pollution while maintaining necessary protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system autonomously determines when operation is necessary based on real-time sensor data, eliminating the need for manual switching. The system serves itself by detecting contaminants and activating only when needed, thereby reducing unnecessary noise while maintaining protection when required.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
Figure 2~5
AI summary
The machine (F) has a ventilation system (12) including a fan (13) switched on and off automatically depending on demand via a machine control (8) or ventilation system control (8'). A measuring device (16) is situated in a region of a material hopper (4), a longitudinal conveyor (10), a screed (2) and a sucking region. The machine control is linked with a construction site management system for providing information on material mixture types, material mixture temperatures, laying temperatures, compaction settings, screed heating temperatures, operating modes and machine functions. The ventilation system is an on-board ventilation system. The measuring device is a temperature sensor. An independent claim is also included for a method for laying a material mixture to be rolled on a foundation by a road finishing machine.