Automated Road Paver Following Feeder Position
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling a work train comprising a self-propelled road paver and a self-propelled feeder are labor-intensive and require coordination between two drivers, leading to potential disruptions in the paving process due to the need for manual adjustment of the distance and speed between the two vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A method that automates the control of the road paver based on movement and position data of the feeder, allowing the road paver to follow the feeder without a separate driver, using travel commands generated from sensor data and processed by a data processing device, enabling continuous and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coordination between two drivers is used to control the feeder and road paver, then the distance and speed between vehicles can be adjusted, but the operation becomes labor-intensive and prone to disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The road paver is equipped with automatic travel control that enables it to autonomously follow the feeder by processing movement data and position data from the feeder. The system automatically generates travel commands and executes them without requiring manual intervention from a driver on the road paver, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for continuous human coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical coordination system (two drivers communicating and manually adjusting vehicles) with an automated electronic control system. Sensors on the feeder detect movement and position data, which is then processed by a control system that generates electronic travel commands for the road paver's automatic execution, substituting human mechanical operation with automated electronic control.
2Reliability
If a driver on the road paver manually monitors and adjusts distance to the feeder, then coordination is possible, but the paving process may be disrupted due to frequent manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives feedback in the form of movement data and position data from the feeder through sensors. This feedback loop allows the automatic travel control on the road paver to constantly monitor the feeder's position and adjust its own position and speed accordingly, maintaining a stable distance without manual intervention and ensuring continuous reliable operation.
3Productivity
If automatic travel control is implemented on the road paver, then only one driver is needed and operational efficiency improves, but the system requires automated control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic travel control system on the road paver serves multiple functions: it processes movement data from the feeder, determines position data, generates appropriate travel commands, and executes them automatically. This multi-functional integrated system consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single comprehensive control solution, improving efficiency while managing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling a work train including a self-propelled road paver and a self-propelled feeder travelling ahead of the road paver, to a work train comprising a self-propelled road paver and a self-propelled feeder, as well as to a feeder and to a road paver for such a work train. According to one aspect of the present invention, the control of the road paver is effected automatically, to which end particularly the position of the feeder is determined and travel commands for the road paver are generated based on this information.