Slip Form Paving Thickness Measurement With Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing slip form paving machines lack accurate measurement of concrete thickness, leading to potential structural weakness or excessive material usage due to deviations from the desired thickness.

Innovation Solution

A slip form paving machine equipped with front and rear height sensors, such as ultrasonic or scanning laser sensors, and a controller to determine concrete slab thickness and adjust the machine frame height to maintain desired thickness, using a three-dimensional grade control system for precise paving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If slip form paving machines are used for concrete placement, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision (concrete thickness control) deteriorates due to lack of measurement capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaving speedVSAvoidconcrete thickness control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring concrete thickness using sensors (ultrasonic, laser, or stringline) and adjusting the lifting column height based on the measured deviations. The controller receives thickness measurements and automatically adjusts the lifting columns to maintain desired thickness, creating a closed-loop control system that resolves the contradiction between high productivity and precise thickness control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with automated sensing systems. Instead of relying on physical stringlines or manual inspection, the system uses ultrasonic sensors, laser sensors, or electronic stringline systems to continuously monitor thickness, enabling precise control without sacrificing the high productivity of slip form paving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If concrete thickness is not measured, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates leading to structural weakness or material waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system complexityVSAvoidconcrete thickness control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs multi-functional sensor systems that can measure thickness using different principles (ultrasonic, laser, or stringline) depending on the specific application requirements. These sensors serve multiple purposes: thickness measurement, quality control, and feedback for automatic adjustment, providing comprehensive monitoring without requiring multiple separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-measurement and self-correction by incorporating sensors that automatically monitor thickness and trigger adjustments through the lifting columns. The paving machine essentially monitors and corrects its own thickness deviations without external intervention, maintaining precision while managing complexity through integrated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures consistent concrete slab thickness, preventing structural weakness and optimizing material usage by continuously adjusting the machine frame height based on real-time thickness measurements.

Implementation Method 1

the front and rear height sensors may be ultrasonic sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

the front height sensor may include at least one front scanning laser sensor configured to scan the ground surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 3

LIDAR

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12553196B2Measuring paving thickness during slip form paving

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 WIRTGEN GMBH

AI summary

A slip form paving machine includes a machine frame, a plurality of ground engaging wheels or tracks, and front and rear height adjustable lifting columns, the lifting columns being adjustable to adjust a height of the machine frame relative to a ground surface. A slip form mold is supported from the machine frame. A front height sensor configured to detect a distance of the machine frame from the ground surface ahead of the concrete slab and generate a front height signal. A rear height sensor is configured to detect a distance of the machine frame from an upper surface of the concrete slab and generate a rear height signal. A controller is configured to receive the front and rear height signals and to determine a thickness of the concrete slab based at least in part on the front and rear height signals.