Slipform Paver Frame Distortion Control via Laser Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wide and flexible construction machine frames, such as those used in slipform paving machines, experience distortion due to heavy loads and inherent flexibility, leading to challenges in maintaining precise height control.

Innovation Solution

A construction machine apparatus with a machine frame supported by self-propelling ground engaging units and multiple height adjustable supports, equipped with a laser plane source and sensors to detect frame distortion and control height adjustments, ensuring accurate orientation and cross-slope management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wide and flexible machine frame is used to accommodate different paving widths and lengths, then adaptability is improved, but frame distortion occurs due to inherent flexibility and heavy loads

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidframe distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the actual positions of frame members using sensors and compares them with desired positions, then automatically adjusts hydraulic cylinders to eliminate deviations. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for frame distortion caused by flexibility and heavy loads, maintaining stability while preserving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical reference systems (string lines, cross-slope sensors) with an automated control system using electronic sensors and hydraulic actuators. This substitution enables real-time detection and correction of frame distortion, providing more stable and precise control compared to passive mechanical systems.

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

2Device complexity

If traditional height control systems using string lines and cross-slope sensors are used, then simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to frame distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidheight control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical measurement systems (string lines, cross-slope sensors) with electronic sensors and an automated control system. This substitution significantly improves measurement precision by eliminating errors caused by frame distortion, while the control system automatically processes measurements without requiring complex manual adjustments.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control system creates a digital representation of the desired frame geometry and compares it with actual sensor readings. This virtual model allows the system to detect and correct deviations with high precision, maintaining accurate height control even when the physical frame distorts under load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors and control systems are added to detect and control frame distortion, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheight detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting frame distortion, calculating deviations, controlling hydraulic cylinders, and maintaining both height and cross-slope accuracy. By integrating these functions into a single automated system, the patent improves measurement precision and control accuracy while managing complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate independent systems.

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

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

The system effectively controls frame distortion and maintains precise height and cross-slope adjustments, even in wide and flexible machine frames, enhancing the accuracy and stability of surface preparation and structure formation.

Implementation Method 1

A laser plane source mounted on the machine frame at a first location and arranged to generate a laser plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

first and second laser sensors mounted on the construction machine at at least two other locations and arranged to intersect the laser planes to detect a height of the at least two other locations relative to the laser plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLIDAR: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP3034697B1A construction machine apparatus and a method of operating a construction machine
Publication Date: 2018.01.31 WIRTGEN GMBH
  • EP3034697B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3034697B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3034697B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A slipform paving machine includes a laser source S for generating a laser reference plane. At least two laser receivers R1, R2 are mounted on the machine and intersect the laser reference plane. Inputs from the laser receivers R1, R2 are utilized to control distortion of the frame 12 of the slipform paver machine.