Road Roller Height Profile Comparison for Layer Thickness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the thickness of paving layers during road construction are complex, time-consuming, and costly, making it difficult to accurately measure the layer thickness after compaction, which can lead to unnecessary material usage and non-compliance with minimum thickness requirements.

Innovation Solution

A method using a self-propelled road roller equipped with a height reference sensor and a distance sensor to create and compare height profiles of the undeveloped and developed areas, allowing for precise determination of layer thickness by accounting for vibrations and inclinations, and enabling real-time feedback for adjusting the paving material application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual methods are used to determine layer thickness after compaction, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the process becomes complex, time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer thickness measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The height profile of the ground is measured and stored before the paving layer is installed. This preliminary measurement allows the actual layer thickness to be calculated later by comparing it with the height profile after compaction, eliminating the need for complex manual measurements after the fact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual measurement methods are replaced with an automated system using height reference sensors and distance sensors mounted on the road roller. The system automatically captures height profiles before and after compaction and calculates layer thickness through electronic processing, eliminating time-consuming manual interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If layer thickness is measured before compaction, then measurement process is simpler, but the measured thickness does not reflect the actual installed thickness after compaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidactual layer thickness accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The height measurement process continues throughout the entire paving and compaction operation. The system measures the ground height before paving, then measures the surface height after compaction, maintaining continuous monitoring to ensure the final measurement reflects the actual installed thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by comparing the preliminary ground height profile with the final surface height profile after compaction. This feedback mechanism ensures that the calculated layer thickness accurately reflects the actual installed thickness, allowing for real-time adjustments if necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If more paving material is applied to ensure minimum thickness requirements, then compliance is guaranteed, but material costs increase unnecessarily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveminimum thickness requirement complianceVSAvoidpaving material waste
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures and calculates the actual layer thickness after compaction and provides feedback on whether minimum requirements are met. This feedback allows for precise control of material application, ensuring compliance without unnecessary excess material application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables dynamic adjustment of paving parameters based on real-time measurements. By monitoring the actual layer thickness and comparing it with minimum requirements, the system can optimize material application rates to achieve compliance while minimizing waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3480362B1Road roller and method for determining the mounting layer thickness
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 BOMAG GMBH
  • EP3480362B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3480362B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3480362B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Method (20) for determining the thickness of the paving layer laid by a paver (14) using a self-propelled road roller (1), comprising the steps of: establishing (21) a height reference, creating (22) a height profile of the area to be paved, laying (23) the paving layer, measuring (24) the height position of a height reference sensor (10) of a self-propelled road roller (1) relative to the height reference, measuring (25) the position of the height reference sensor (10) relative to the ground (8), determining (26) a height profile of the paved area, and determining (27) the thickness (D) of the paving layer from the two height profiles. Furthermore, there is also a self-propelled road roller (1) for carrying out the method (20).