Work Machine Transition Region Control via Laser Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for forming new road surfaces require complex setups with multiple reference points and additional personnel, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, especially in large-scale operations where accuracy and precision in material thickness are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A transition region control system that uses sensors to determine the speed of a work machine and a data input system to control surfacing components, allowing for the precise formation of transition regions with varying heights and superelevations without the need for extensive grading stakes or additional operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional methods using string-lines and multiple grading stakes are used as reference points, then the formation of desired surface can be achieved, but the complexity of the operation increases and additional personnel are required to monitor the operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reference system (string-lines and grading stakes) with an optical sensing system (laser plane and sensors) that automatically monitors and controls the surfacing components, eliminating the need for manual measurement and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the surfacing machine to automatically adjust its own operation based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring the laser plane, allowing the machine to self-correct and maintain precision without external monitoring personnel
2Productivity
If the distance between grade stakes is increased to reduce setup time, then the operation becomes more efficient, but the accuracy of surface formation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous optical laser plane reference system replaces the discrete grade stake measurement system, providing uninterrupted real-time guidance that maintains high accuracy regardless of the distance between reference points, thereby enabling both efficiency and precision
3Manufacturing precision
If additional personnel are deployed to monitor the operation and ensure suitable surface quality, then the accuracy of surface formation is maintained, but the operational costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system with sensors and laser plane monitoring enables the surfacing machine to self-regulate and maintain surface quality without requiring external operators to continuously monitor and adjust the operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through sensors that continuously monitor the position of surfacing components relative to the laser plane, automatically adjusting operations to maintain precision and eliminating the need for manual quality control personnel
Data Source
AI summary
A transition region control system has one or more sensors configured to transmit a signal representative of a speed of a work machine moving over a first surface. The transition region control system also has one or more surfacing components configured to form a second surface generally coplanar to the first surface, wherein the second surface may include a transition region generally non-coplanar to the first surface. The transition region control system further has a data input system configured to transmit data representative of the transition region to a controller. The controller may be configured to determine the speed of the work machine based on the signal received from the one or more sensors and control the operation of at least one of the one or more surfacing components to at least partially form the transition region based on the speed of the work machine and the data representative of the transition region.