Road Machine Height Control via Total Station Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for precisely positioning the vertically adjustable working part of road processing machines are hindered by inaccuracies due to vibrations, temperature variations, and complex setups, leading to errors in height determination and travel path monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A position element, such as a GPS device or prism, is arranged a horizontal distance away from the working part, allowing for improved steering and precise height determination by converting reference values into working part heights, with optional use of laser signals and tilt sensors to maintain accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If laser telemeters are directed obliquely forwards to determine height, then height control can be achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to mounting accuracy and angle changes from vibrations and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a total station to create a precise digital model (copy) of the reference surface by measuring multiple points. This virtual reference surface serves as a stable reference that is not affected by physical mounting errors or environmental vibrations, thereby maintaining measurement precision while enabling height control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical laser telemeter system with an optical measurement system (total station) that uses electronic angle measurement and distance calculation. This substitution eliminates the mechanical mounting accuracy problems and angle drift issues inherent in laser telemeters, providing more stable and precise measurements.
2Measurement precision
If GPS system and rotational laser system are used together for three-dimensional control, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary system components by using only a total station and prism combination. The GPS receiver and complex rotational laser system from prior art are removed, simplifying the device while maintaining positioning accuracy through the total station's optical measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The total station serves multiple functions: it measures horizontal angles, vertical angles, and distances to determine three-dimensional positions. This single device replaces the need for separate GPS receivers and rotational laser systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive positioning capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If position element is arranged at working part for height determination, then height control is accurate, but travel path monitoring precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement functions by using the total station to measure multiple separate points: some points on the working part for height determination and other points for travel path monitoring. This segmentation allows each measurement function to be optimized independently while using the same measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends measurements into multiple spatial dimensions by having the total station measure not only vertical heights but also horizontal positions of the position element at different locations on the machine. This multi-dimensional approach enables simultaneous accurate height control and travel path monitoring.
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 precise vertical positioning and improved steering of road processing machines, ensuring accurate travel path monitoring and surface profiling without the need for complex setups, even under varying conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The position of the position element (11) is determined by means of a total station (12)
Implementation Method 2
The actual orientation of the fixed link (13) is determined by means of at least one tilt determination, in particular by means of a tilt sensor (14)
Implementation Method 3
at least one first distance measurement to the base surface (1) is carried out at the prism (11) by means of a first distance-measuring device (15)
Data Source
AI summary
The aim of the invention is to monitor the travel way of a road processing machine that drives on a basic surface as well as the working height of a working part which is disposed thereon in a vertically adjustable manner. Said aim is achieved by detecting the three-dimensional position of a positional element, determining a direction of travel from at least two three-dimensional positions, and determining the working height of the working part. The determined direction of travel is compared to a setpoint direction while the working height is compared to a setpoint height. The positional element is placed in a position that is at a horizontal distance from the working part.