Slipform Paver Pivot Arm Control for Track Interference Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Slipform pavers face interference issues between pivot arms and track sections during transition from paving to transport orientation, which can damage the machine and hinder efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
A control system is implemented in the paving machine to dynamically manage the angles of pivot arms and track sections, using sensors and processors to prevent interference by calculating steering limits and avoiding no-go zones, allowing seamless transitions between paving and transport configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the track section is rotated substantially perpendicular to the pivot arm to assist in changing the pivot arm angle from pave to transport, then the pivot arm can be pivoted to transport orientation, but the track section may interfere with the slipform mold or adjacent track section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the track section angle relative to the pivot arm during reconfiguration. The system continuously adjusts the track section orientation based on real-time pivot arm position and configuration state, transitioning from a fixed perpendicular relationship to a dynamically adapted angle that prevents interference with the slipform mold or adjacent track sections while assisting pivot arm movement to transport orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses feedback from sensors monitoring pivot arm angle, track section position, and proximity to the slipform mold to automatically adjust track section orientation. This closed-loop control prevents interference by detecting potential collisions and modifying the track section angle accordingly, while still providing the mechanical advantage needed for efficient pivot arm reconfiguration
2Productivity
If simultaneous engagement of track section and pivot arm is used to change angle, then reconfiguration time is reduced, but complexity of control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of track section rotation and pivot arm engagement into a single integrated control sequence. The system synchronizes both movements through unified control logic that coordinates the slew drive and pivot mechanism, enabling simultaneous engagement that reduces reconfiguration time while managing complexity through consolidated control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the complex coordination of simultaneous track section and pivot arm engagement without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the timing, speed, and synchronization of both movements based on real-time feedback, reducing operator burden and simplifying the user interface while maintaining high reconfiguration speed
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic pivot arm positioning of a slipform paver is described. The pivot arm is automatically controlled while changing from transport-to-pave or pave-to-transport. By the automatic control, a track section may avoid interference with adjacent track sections. The pivot arm is further automatically controlled to avoid interference between the track section and a paving mold during paving operations. Dynamic calculations may be performed to control the steering limits of the track based on current positions of the machine components. The pivot arm and track may then be controlled according to the dynamic steering limits.