Slipform Paver Conveyor Collision Zone Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operation of slipform pavers and their conveyor devices is complex, requiring operators to control both the paver and the conveyor, which increases the need for simplification to enhance efficiency and safety.

Innovation Solution

A control device is implemented to define a collision area within the movement space of the conveyor device, using actuators and sensors to position and control the conveyor device, outputting control signals for warnings or stops to prevent collisions, and allowing for manual or automatic adjustment of the collision area based on changing machine configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the conveyor device is made movable and adjustable within a movement space, then the adaptability and versatility of the slipform paver is improved, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of conveyor deviceVSAvoidcomplexity of conveyor system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveyor device is designed to be dynamically movable within a defined movement space relative to the machine frame, allowing it to adapt to different material sources and work positions. This dynamic capability enables the conveyor to pivot about horizontal and vertical axes, transforming the system from static to adaptive configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable conveyor device serves multiple functions: it can receive material from different locations, transport it to various work positions, and adjust its configuration based on operational requirements. This multi-functionality allows a single conveyor system to handle diverse paving scenarios without requiring multiple specialized conveyors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the conveyor device is made movable and adjustable, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability of conveyor deviceVSAvoidease of operating conveyor device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A control device continuously monitors the position of the movable conveyor device within the movement space and provides feedback control. This ensures that the conveyor remains positioned safely within defined boundaries while automatically adjusting for minor position variations, reducing the operational burden on the operator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex movable conveyor system. It manages the coordination of multiple actuators and position adjustments, translating simple operator commands into coordinated movements of the conveyor device while maintaining safety constraints

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a control device with collision detection is implemented, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of slipform paverVSAvoidcomplexity of control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device pre-defines collision-free zones within the movement space before operation begins. By establishing these protected areas in advance, the system proactively prevents collisions rather than merely reacting to them, reducing the need for complex real-time collision detection and response mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device performs preliminary positioning and boundary setting of the conveyor device within the movement space. By pre-establishing safe operating parameters and collision-free zones, the system prepares the operational framework before material handling begins, simplifying ongoing safety management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4471213A1Slipform paver
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 WIRTGEN GMBH
  • EP4471213A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4471213A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4471213A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a slipform paver (1) comprising: - at least one machine frame (2), - at least three travel devices (4) connected to the machine frame (2), - at least one conveying device (6) connected to the machine frame (2) such that the conveying device (6) is pivotable relative to the machine frame (2) at least about a horizontal axis and at least about a vertical axis, - at least one first actuator (22) arranged and designed such that the conveying device (6) is pivotable at least about the horizontal axis, and - at least one second actuator (24, 34) arranged and designed such that the conveying device (6) is pivotable at least about the vertical axis, - wherein the conveying device (6) is movable by means of at least the first and second actuators (22, 24, 34, 18) in a movement space (40) defined in relation to the machine frame (2), it is provided thatthat at least one control device (62) is provided which is configured to define at least one first collision area (60) in the movement space (40), wherein the control device (62) is further configured to determine the position of the conveying device (6) in relation to the collision area (60).