Slipform Paver Trajectory Control During GNSS Signal Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

Self-propelled construction machines face challenges in maintaining accurate trajectory control when Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals are disrupted, such as behind buildings or in tunnels, leading to loss of positioning and control capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The machine is equipped with steerable and drivable running gears, a position-determining device that includes a GNSS receiver and a processor for independent coordinate system positioning, and a controller that switches to a kinematic model-based control mode when GNSS signals are inadequate, using steering angle and speed sensors to maintain trajectory accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GNSS receiver is used for position determination, then positioning accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates when satellite signals are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidcontrol continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the control parameter source from GNSS satellite signals to a kinematic model based on steering angle and speed data when signal availability changes. This parameter substitution ensures continuous operation by switching between different measurement sources depending on environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The kinematic model acts as an intermediary between the lost GNSS positioning function and the control system. It uses available sensor data (steering angle, speed) to compute position and orientation, serving as a bridge that maintains control functionality when direct satellite signals are unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Extent of automation

If automatic control based on GNSS is implemented, then driver intervention is reduced, but control capability is lost when satellite signals are blocked

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic control levelVSAvoidcontrol availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on GNSS signal availability. It transitions from fully automatic GNSS-based control to kinematic model-based control when signals are blocked, and can switch back when signals are restored. This dynamic adaptability maintains automation while ensuring continuous control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares alternative control methods (kinematic model) in advance to cushion against potential GNSS signal disruptions. By having a backup control strategy ready, the system prevents complete loss of control capability when satellite signals are blocked by buildings or terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If kinematic model is used instead of GNSS, then reliability is improved during signal disruption, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol continuityVSAvoidposition determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors GNSS signal availability and feedback-controlledly switches between control modes. When signal disruption is detected, it transitions to the kinematic model; when signals are restored, it switches back to GNSS-based control. This feedback mechanism ensures the system uses the most accurate available method at any given time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to perform multiple functions using different methods: GNSS-based positioning when available, and kinematic model-based positioning when GNSS is unavailable. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliability across varying operational conditions while minimizing precision loss by using the appropriate method for each situation.

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

Data Source

PatentUS11774965B2Slipform paver and method for operating a slipform paver
Publication Date: 2023.10.03 WIRTGEN GMBH
  • US11774965B2 patent drawing
  • US11774965B2 patent drawing
  • US11774965B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a self-propelled construction machine and to a method for controlling a self-propelled construction machine. The construction machine according to the invention has a position-determining device 13 for determining the position of a reference point R on the construction machine in a coordinate system (X, Y, Z) independent of the construction machine. The position-determining device has a navigation satellite system receiver 14 for receiving satellite signals from a global navigation satellite system 15 (GNSS) and a computing unit 16 which is configured so that the position of a reference point (R) on the construction machine and the orientation (ψ) of the construction machine can be determined based on the satellite signals in a coordinate system (X, Y, Z) that is independent of the construction machine. Moreover, the construction machine has a controller 18 which cooperates with the position-determining device 13 configured to adjust the steering angles of the steerable running gears 3, 4, 6 so that the reference point R of the construction machine moves along a set trajectory T. The computing unit 16 of the position-determining device 13 is configured so that, in a control mode in which the control of the construction machine is not based on the satellite signals of the global navigation satellite system 15, the position (xn, yn, zn) of the reference point (R) relating to the construction machine and the orientation (ψ) of the construction machine are determined in the coordinate system (X, Y, Z) that is independent of the construction machine while the construction machine is moving on the basis of a kinematic model 16A implemented in the computing unit 16 of the position-determining device 13 which describes the position (P) of the reference point (R) and the orientation (ψ) in the coordinate system (X, Y, Z) that is independent of the construction machine depending on the steering angles and the speeds of the running gears 3, 4, 6.