Road Paver Energy Interface for Continuous Low-Emission Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional road construction machines using diesel fuel face emissions issues and limited operating time due to the reliance on fossil fuels, while electrified machines require larger energy storage units, leading to reduced range and frequent interruptions, which negatively impact paving quality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A road construction machine equipped with an interface for connecting to a mobile supply unit for alternative energy sources like fuel, natural gas, or hydrogen, allowing continuous operation and extended range without interruptions, using a mobile supply vehicle to transfer energy and materials during joint travel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If diesel fuel is used as energy source, then operating range and duration are sufficient (10 hours), but exhaust emissions are generated and fossil fuels are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust emissionsVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two functional parts: the road construction machine with its own energy storage device for continuous operation, and the mobile supply machine that periodically replenishes energy. This segmentation allows the construction machine to operate without interruption while using clean energy sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile supply machine acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the construction site and external energy sources. It transfers energy media (hydrogen, natural gas, or electricity) from external sources to the construction machine's energy storage device, enabling continuous clean operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If battery energy storage is used for electric paver, then exhaust emissions are reduced, but operating time is significantly reduced due to lower energy density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexhaust emissionsVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile supply machine performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring the energy level of the construction machine and proactively approaching to replenish the energy storage device before complete depletion occurs. This ensures uninterrupted operation and prevents construction interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous useful action by implementing a refill mechanism where the mobile supply machine transfers energy media during or between construction operations. This continuity eliminates downtime and maintains constant construction productivity while using clean energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of moving object

If larger energy storage units are installed to extend range, then operating duration increases, but machine size and weight increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating timeVSAvoidmachine size
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the construction machine with a mobile supply machine that serves as an external energy reservoir. Instead of incorporating all necessary energy storage into the construction machine itself, the supply machine acts as an auxiliary energy source that periodically connects to replenish the construction machine's smaller energy storage device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution moves the energy storage problem from the one-dimensional constraint of the construction machine's internal capacity to a two-dimensional system where the mobile supply machine provides external energy supplementation. This dimensional expansion allows the construction machine to maintain compact size while achieving extended operational duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If construction site is interrupted for battery replacement or recharging, then energy efficiency decreases and paving quality deteriorates due to temperature drops and hardening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepaving qualityVSAvoidinterruption time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile supply machine implements a self-service mechanism by autonomously monitoring the energy status of the construction machine, navigating to it, and performing energy transfers without human intervention or construction interruptions. This automated service ensures continuous operation and maintains paving quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system recovers energy efficiency by implementing continuous energy supplementation rather than allowing complete depletion and interruption. The mobile supply machine periodically transfers energy media to maintain optimal energy levels, preventing the temperature drops and material hardening that would occur during interruptions, thus preserving paving quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP4379141B1Road construction machine and paving system with road construction machine and mobile supply machine
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 JOSEPH VOEGELE AG
  • EP4379141B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4379141B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4379141B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a road construction machine (1) in the form of a road paver (2) or a feeder vehicle (18) for conveying paving material to a road paver (2), wherein the road construction machine (1) is self-propelled and has a primary drive, a material bunker, at least one electrical consumer and at least one energy storage device, characterized by at least one interface (15) which can be connected to a mobile supply machine (19) for energy transmission and/or energy medium transmission.