Slipform Paving Machine Width Adjustment via 3D Stringless Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slipform paving machines face challenges in efficiently transitioning between different paving widths during operations, relying on manual adjustments or multiple stringlines, which can be cumbersome and less accurate.
Innovation Solution
A slipform paving machine equipped with a carrier frame and 3D stringless reference objects fixedly attached, allowing for adjustable side frame members that can extend laterally and longitudinally, enabling precise control of frame width and steering, and utilizing a 3D stringless guidance system for accurate positioning and width adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustments or multiple stringlines are used to transition between different paving widths, then the machine can change width, but the operation becomes cumbersome and less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustments and physical stringlines with an automated electronic control system. The controller receives input from a guidance system (such as GPS or laser guidance) and automatically actuates the telescopic side frame members to adjust the mold width, eliminating the need for manual operations and multiple stringlines while improving both ease of operation and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the machine to self-adjust its width automatically based on guidance system input. The controller continuously monitors the desired path and mold position, then autonomously controls the telescopic mechanisms to maintain the correct width without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient in width transitions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the side frame members are made telescopic to enable width adjustment, then width adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic side frame members serve multiple functions: they enable width adjustment for different paving requirements, maintain structural integrity during operation, and work in conjunction with the mold support system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile width adaptability without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The side frame members are designed as telescopic (dynamic) structures that can continuously adjust their length to change the overall frame width. This dynamic capability allows the machine to adapt to various paving widths on-the-fly, transforming a static structure into a flexible, adaptable system that responds to changing operational requirements.
3Productivity
If automated control systems are implemented for width adjustment, then productivity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical width adjustment with an automated electronic control system that receives guidance from external reference systems (such as GPS or laser guidance). The controller automatically calculates and executes width adjustments by actuating the telescopic side frame members, significantly improving productivity by eliminating manual operations and enabling continuous, precise width transitions during paving operations.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system is provided for varying the width of a molded concrete slab on the fly as the slab is being molded. Position and height of the paving machine relative to an external reference system are determined and controlled using at least two 3D stringless reference objects S1, S2. An additional sensor S3 provides a signal corresponding to a frame width and thus a concrete slab width, and an actuator 24, 26, 28, 30 controls the frame width actively as the paving machine advances.