Soil Compaction Device Phase Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing soil compaction devices with vibrating plates face limitations in steering capabilities and mechanical complexity, with hydraulic systems being expensive and prone to high mechanical stress.

Innovation Solution

A soil compaction device with an upper carriage and undercarriage featuring individually drivable exciter units, each equipped with a measuring device for phase position detection, connected via an elastic element to an electrically controllable drive, allowing precise control of phase positions and directional movement through a control/regulation unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a large number of exciter units are used to improve steering capabilities, then directional control is enhanced, but mechanical complexity increases considerably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering capabilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical coupling of exciter units with an elastic element that allows independent rotation of each exciter. This substitution enables individual phase control of each exciter unit through electric drives, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages while maintaining the ability to generate force vectors in multiple directions. The elastic coupling decouples the mechanical systems while preserving rotational synchronization capability.

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

2Ease of operation

If hydraulic motors are used to drive individual exciters, then precise control is achieved, but cost increases and exposure to mechanical stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidresistance to mechanical stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes hydraulic motors with electric drives (such as electric motors or electromagnetic actuators) to rotate the exciters. This replacement reduces cost and eliminates the complexity of hydraulic systems while providing precise control through electronic regulation. The electric drives are positioned outside the high-stress vibration zone and connected through elastic elements, reducing their exposure to mechanical stress.

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

3Device complexity

If rigid coupling is used between exciters, then mechanical simplicity is maintained, but steering flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical simplicityVSAvoidsteering flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an elastic element (such as a rubber element or spring) to couple the exciters together. This flexible coupling allows each exciter to rotate independently while maintaining a degree of mechanical connection. The elastic element accommodates phase differences and rotational variations, enabling steering flexibility without requiring rigid mechanical linkages. This flexible coupling transmits rotational motion while allowing phase adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Measurement precision

If electric drives are directly connected to vibration exciters, then precise phase control is achieved, but the drives are exposed to high mechanical stresses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase position controlVSAvoiddrive lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastic element as an intermediary between the electric drive and the vibration exciter. This elastic coupling transmits the rotational force from the electric drive to the exciter while isolating the drive from the high-frequency vibrations and mechanical stresses. The elastic element acts as a buffer that protects the drive mechanism while still allowing precise phase control through electronic regulation of the drive's rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables flexible and precise directional control, reduces mechanical complexity, and extends the lifespan of electric drives by using elastic elements for damping and reducing vibration effects, allowing for cost-effective and reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

using elastic elements for damping and reducing vibration effects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the vibration exciters are each connected to the respective electric drive via an elastic element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

each having at least one vibration exciter, which is equipped with a measuring device for detection of its phase position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase position detection:

Implementation Method 4

the centrifugal forces generated by the unbalanced masses to reinforce or compensate each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3399105B1Soil compaction device
Publication Date: 2019.05.22 AMMANN SCHWEIZ AG
  • EP3399105B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3399105B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3399105B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a soil compaction machine 1 with a superstructure 2 and a substructure 3, wherein the substructure 2 comprises a vibratory plate 4 and a plurality of exciter units 5, wherein at least some of the exciter units 5 can be individually driven by a drive 6 and each has at least one vibrator connected to a measuring device 8 for detecting its phase angle, and the phase angle can be supplied to a control device 14. According to the invention, it is provided that individual vibrators are each coupled to one another via an elastic element 9, a respective electrically controllable drive 6, and the control device 14, and the relative phase angle of the individual vibrators to one another is adjustable and controllable via the control device 14.