Road Paver Optical Measuring Device for Subgrade Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current road paver technologies face limitations in accurately registering unevennesses on various subgrades, particularly soft surfaces, and require extensive labor and maintenance for reference wires and rotating lasers, with mechanical sensors being prone to damage and environmental sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A road paver equipped with a measuring device that generates a virtual point cloud representing the surface in three spatial dimensions, using a 3D scanner with optical sensors or laser scanners to create a precise spatial depiction of the surface, allowing for improved levelling signals and reduced maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical sensors are used to register unevennesses, then contactless measurement is achieved, but the sensors cannot respond to unevennesses on soft subgrade and are sensitive to dirt and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact sensors with an optical measuring device that uses light to measure distances to the subgrade surface. This optical system does not require physical contact with the surface, eliminating the problems of mechanical sensors failing on soft subgrade and being sensitive to dirt and moisture. The optical device can accurately measure both hard and soft subgrade surfaces without degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) between the measuring device and the subgrade surface. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the optical system uses reflected light to determine surface elevation and unevenness. This intermediary allows measurement without physical contact, enabling reliable operation on various subgrade types including soft, sandy surfaces.
2Measurement precision
If reference wire is used for distance measurement, then distance registration is achieved, but attachment is extremely laborious and the wire sags due to absorbed moisture causing falsified values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reference wire system with an optical measuring device that actively emits and detects light. This eliminates the need for manual wire attachment and the problems of wire sagging due to moisture absorption. The optical system provides stable, accurate distance measurements without physical reference elements that can deform or require laborious installation.
3Manufacturing precision
If rotating laser is used for levelling, then height adjustment is achieved, but the laser must be repositioned repeatedly requiring additional operating personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a measuring device that can perform multiple functions: measuring subgrade unevenness, determining screed position, and controlling levelling - all in one integrated system. This eliminates the need for separate rotating laser equipment and operators, as the optical measuring device mounted on the towing machine provides comprehensive measurement and control capabilities throughout the paving process.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is mounted on the towing machine itself, making the system self-contained and eliminating the need for external reference systems that require repositioning by additional personnel. The device moves with the machine and automatically measures the subgrade surface ahead, providing continuous guidance without external intervention.
4Measurement precision
If mechanical sensor is slid across the plane, then unevennesses are registered, but the sensor can bang into objects and become damaged requiring periodic maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the sliding mechanical sensor with an optical measuring device that measures distances using light reflection. This eliminates the mechanical contact that causes sensors to bang into objects and become damaged. The optical system has no moving parts that contact the surface, dramatically reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables precise registration of transverse and longitudinal inclinations, reducing maintenance and labor, and providing a reliable, weather-resistant solution for laying a flat road pavement layer without additional measuring equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring device (8) that is configured in such a way that it registers a surface (9) and generates a virtual point cloud (12) that represents the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Road paver having a towing machine that is movable on a plane along a work area, and a screed provided to lay a road pavement, and having at least one measuring device configured to generate a point cloud that depicts a three-dimensional condition of the surface of the plane.