US20210238812A1 - System and method for adjusting auger assemblies of paving machines - Google Patents
System and method for adjusting auger assemblies of paving machines Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210238812A1 US20210238812A1 US16/778,360 US202016778360A US2021238812A1 US 20210238812 A1 US20210238812 A1 US 20210238812A1 US 202016778360 A US202016778360 A US 202016778360A US 2021238812 A1 US2021238812 A1 US 2021238812A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- assembly
- respect
- screed assembly
- screed
- movement
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C19/00—Machines, tools or auxiliary devices for preparing or distributing paving materials, for working the placed materials, or for forming, consolidating, or finishing the paving
- E01C19/48—Machines, tools or auxiliary devices for preparing or distributing paving materials, for working the placed materials, or for forming, consolidating, or finishing the paving for laying-down the materials and consolidating them, or finishing the surface, e.g. slip forms therefor, forming kerbs or gutters in a continuous operation in situ
- E01C19/4866—Machines, tools or auxiliary devices for preparing or distributing paving materials, for working the placed materials, or for forming, consolidating, or finishing the paving for laying-down the materials and consolidating them, or finishing the surface, e.g. slip forms therefor, forming kerbs or gutters in a continuous operation in situ with solely non-vibratory or non-percussive pressing or smoothing means for consolidating or finishing
- E01C19/4873—Apparatus designed for railless operation
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C19/00—Machines, tools or auxiliary devices for preparing or distributing paving materials, for working the placed materials, or for forming, consolidating, or finishing the paving
- E01C19/48—Machines, tools or auxiliary devices for preparing or distributing paving materials, for working the placed materials, or for forming, consolidating, or finishing the paving for laying-down the materials and consolidating them, or finishing the surface, e.g. slip forms therefor, forming kerbs or gutters in a continuous operation in situ
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C19/00—Machines, tools or auxiliary devices for preparing or distributing paving materials, for working the placed materials, or for forming, consolidating, or finishing the paving
- E01C19/22—Machines, tools or auxiliary devices for preparing or distributing paving materials, for working the placed materials, or for forming, consolidating, or finishing the paving for consolidating or finishing laid-down unset materials
- E01C19/42—Machines for imparting a smooth finish to freshly-laid paving courses other than by rolling, tamping or vibrating
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C2301/00—Machine characteristics, parts or accessories not otherwise provided for
- E01C2301/02—Feeding devices for pavers
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C2301/00—Machine characteristics, parts or accessories not otherwise provided for
- E01C2301/14—Extendable screeds
- E01C2301/16—Laterally slidable screeds
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to a paving machine having an auger assembly and a screed assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for adjusting the auger assembly based on a position or a movement of the screed assembly.
- a paving machine generally includes a tractor and a screed assembly.
- the tractor includes a hopper and a conveying system that facilitates intake, delivery, and distribution of the road forming material onto a region of the ground surface in front of the screed assembly.
- the paving machine includes augers to distribute the road forming material generally transversely across the ground surface in front of the screed assembly.
- the screed assembly includes a screed plate that is pushed or pulled over the distributed road forming material to grade, level, and smoothen the road forming material, over the ground surface.
- the auger assembly is commonly raised or lowered to a suitable height relative to the ground surface or to the screed assembly to sufficiently spread and distribute the paving material. If the auger assembly is adjusted too high relative to the ground surface or to the screed assembly, the paving material may not be appropriately spread and be deposited on the ground surface, and neither would the screed assembly be able to appropriately smoothen out the deposited paving material over the ground surface. On the other hand, if the auger assembly is adjusted too low relative to the ground surface or to the screed assembly, it may disrupt the paving material such that there may not be enough material for the screed assembly to smoothen and provide pre-compaction for.
- European Patent No. 0774542 ('542 reference) relates to a road paver-finisher having a screed unit.
- the road paver finisher includes an auger that operates in front of the screed unit to distribute the material to be laid over a road surface.
- the '542 reference discloses that a sensor is provided on the road paver finisher to measure the relative vertical position between the screed unit and a subframe of the road paver finisher, and, accordingly, transmit appropriate signals to lengthen or shorten the hydraulic pistons coupled with the auger to ensure that the auger always follow all the changes in height made by the screed during the laying work.
- the present disclosure relates to a system for operating an auger assembly for distributing road forming material for a paving operation.
- the system includes a controller configured to receive data detected by one or more sensors. Further, the controller is configured to determine an operational parameter associated with a movement of a screed assembly based on data. Also, the controller is configured to control a position of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter such that the auger assembly aligns with respect to the screed assembly at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly.
- the present disclosure is directed to a method for adjusting an auger assembly for distributing road forming material for a paving operation.
- the method includes receiving, by a controller, data detected by one or more sensors; determining, by the controller, an operational parameter associated with a movement of a screed assembly based on data; and controlling, by the controller, a position of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter such that the auger assembly aligns with respect to the screed assembly at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly.
- the disclosure relates to a paving machine.
- the paving machine includes a tractor, a screed assembly operably coupled to the tractor, first fluid cylinders configured to power a movement of the screed assembly relative to a ground surface, sensors configured to detect data indicative of the movement of the screed assembly relative to the ground surface, an auger assembly disposed between the tractor and the screed assembly and adapted to spread and distribute paving material in front of the screed assembly, and a controller.
- the controller is configured to receive data detected by the sensors and determine an operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly based on data. Further, the controller is configured to control a position of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter such that the auger assembly aligns with respect to the screed assembly at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 are various operational states of an auger assembly with respect to a screed assembly of an exemplary paving machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 is a rear view of the paving machine illustrating an inclination of the screed assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4 is a system for operating the auger assembly for distributing road forming material for a paving operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 5 is a method for adjusting the auger assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the paving machine 100 may include an asphalt paver or any other machine used to distribute layers of road forming material, such as asphalt, concrete, and bitumen, on a ground surface 102 .
- the paving machine 100 includes a tractor 104 having a frame 106 with a set of ground engaging members 108 coupled with the frame 106 . Though the ground engaging members 108 are represented as tracks in FIG. 1 , the ground engaging members 108 may include wheels, either alone or in combination with the tracks.
- the frame 106 of the tractor 104 defines a front portion 110 and a rear portion 112 .
- front and ‘rear’ may be understood by referring to a general operational motion executed by the paving machine 100 in which an underlying quantity of road forming material is paved over the ground surface 102 , and, in which, the front portion 110 of the frame 106 leads the rear portion 112 of the frame 106 (see direction, L).
- the paving machine 100 includes a screed unit 114 and an auger unit 116 .
- the tractor 104 may include a power source (not shown) supported by the frame 106 .
- the power source may include an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, configured to power operations of various systems on the paving machine 100 .
- the power source may also include an electrical power source, either alone or in combination with the engine.
- the tractor 104 may include an operator station 118 supported over the frame 106 , in proximity to the rear portion 112 of the frame 106 .
- the operator station 118 may facilitate stationing of one or more operators therein, enabling operator control over one or more functions of the paving machine 100 .
- the operator station 118 may house one or more operator interfaces (see an input device 120 , FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 ) that may be accessed by operators for controlling the many functions of the paving machine 100 .
- the input device 120 may include, but not limited to, one or more of touch screens, joysticks, switches, etc., and the like.
- the tractor 104 further includes a hopper 122 .
- the hopper 122 may be supported in proximity to the front portion 110 of the frame 106 , as shown, and may be configured to receive and store road forming material 124 therein.
- a dump truck having a dump body may move ahead (i.e., in front) of the hopper 122 and may unload the road forming material 124 into the hopper 122 , during operations.
- the tractor 104 may also include a conveyor system (not shown) to move the road forming material 124 from the hopper 122 towards the rear portion 112 of the frame 106 .
- the screed unit 114 may be operably coupled to the frame 106 at the rear portion 112 of the frame 106 .
- the screed unit 114 may include a screed assembly 126 that may be configured to receive the road forming material 124 delivered by the conveyor system in front of the screed assembly 126 , during operation.
- the road forming material 124 may be forced under the screed assembly 126 , and the screed assembly 126 may, in turn, grade, level, and shape the road forming material 124 into a layer having a desired thickness and width over the ground surface 102 .
- a mat 128 may be formed over the ground surface 102 , as shown.
- the screed assembly 126 may be free-floating or self-levelling (e.g., according to the characteristics acquired by the mat 128 ) and may be movably coupled to the rear portion 112 of the frame 106 by a pair of tow arms 130 , 130 ′—only one of which is visible in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 .
- the one tow arm visible in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 corresponds to a tow arm 130 disposed at a first lateral side 132 (see FIG. 3 ) of the paving machine 100 .
- the other tow arm 130 ′ of the pair of tow arms 130 , 130 ′ may be disposed at a second lateral side 134 (see FIG. 3 ) of the paving machine 100 .
- a position and orientation of the screed assembly 126 relative to the frame 106 and the ground surface 102 may be adjusted by pivotally moving the tow arms 130 , 130 ′.
- the paving machine 100 may include one or more actuators (see example first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′).
- the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ may be connected between the frame 106 and the tow arms 130 , 130 ′.
- the tow arms 130 , 130 ′ When the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ (e.g., in tandem) are actuated, the tow arms 130 , 130 ′ (and, in turn, the screed assembly 126 ) may be displaced (e.g., raised and lowered) relative to the frame 106 and to the ground surface 102 . Effectively, the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ power a movement of the screed assembly 126 relative to the ground surface 102 .
- the actuators may include any suitable actuators, such as hydraulic based actuators and/or pneumatic based actuators.
- the actuators i.e., the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′
- the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ may be actuated synchronously to uniformly move all portions of the screed assembly 126
- the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ may be actuated independently such that one portion (e.g., the second lateral side) of the screed assembly 126 may be raised or lowered with respect to the other portion (e.g., the first lateral side) of the screed assembly 126 , and such that the screed assembly 126 may define an overall angle (or an overall inclination) with respect to the ground surface 102 and/or to the frame 106 of the paving machine 100 —see orientation of the screed assembly 126 in FIG.
- first fluid cylinder 136 may be located at the first lateral side 132 of the screed assembly 126
- first fluid cylinder 136 ′ may be located at the second lateral side 134 of the screed assembly 126 .
- the first fluid cylinders 136 includes a cylinder portion 138 and a rod portion 140 .
- the rod portion 140 may be displaceable with respect to the cylinder portion 138 .
- the rod portion 140 may be fixedly coupled to a piston 142 (shown in FIG. 4 ) accommodated within the cylinder portion 138 , with the piston 142 dividing the cylinder portion 138 into a head end chamber 144 (defining an end 146 ) and a rod end chamber 148 . Both the head end chamber 144 and the rod end chamber 148 may be configured to receive fluid for displacing the rod portion 140 with respect to the cylinder portion 138 .
- an entry of fluid into the head end chamber 144 may cause the rod portion 140 to extend away from the cylinder portion 138 and push fluid out of the rod end chamber 148 , while an entry of fluid into the rod end chamber 148 may cause the rod portion 140 to retract into the cylinder portion 138 and push fluid out of the head end chamber 144 .
- an extension of the rod portion 140 relative to the cylinder portion 138 may cause the screed assembly 126 to be lowered relative to the frame 106 towards the ground surface 102 , while a retraction of the rod portion 140 into the cylinder portion 138 may cause the screed assembly 126 to be raised away from the ground surface 102 .
- the screed assembly 126 may be closest to the ground surface 102 , while when the piston 142 and/or the rod portion 140 is closest to the end 146 , the screed assembly 126 is farthest from the ground surface 102 . Similar discussions may be contemplated for the first fluid cylinder 136 ′.
- the paving machine 100 includes one or more sensors correspondingly disposed within the one or more first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′.
- the one or more sensors corresponds to a sensor 150 disposed within the first fluid cylinder 136 and a sensor 150 ′ disposed within the first fluid cylinder 136 ′.
- the sensors 150 , 150 ′ are configured to detect data associated with actuation of the one or more first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ and the movement of the screed assembly 126 .
- the sensors 150 , 150 ′ detect data indicative of the movement of the screed assembly 126 relative to the ground surface 102 .
- the sensors 150 , 150 ′ are proximity sensors or linear sensors correspondingly accommodated within the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ and are configured to detect corresponding proximities (or distances) by which the pistons 142 , 142 ′ or the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ may be separated from ends 146 , 146 ′ of the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′.
- the sensors 150 , 150 ′ are adapted to generate signals or data which may be indicative of positions of the pistons 142 , 142 ′ and/or rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the associated cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ (i.e., the ends 146 , 146 ′ of the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′).
- sensors 150 , 150 ′ is exemplary noted to include proximity sensors or linear sensors, various other types of sensors, such as mass flow sensors or pressure sensors, may be applied to detect the position of the pistons 142 , 142 ′ and/or the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the corresponding cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′, at any given point. Further, the sensor 150 may be accommodated within the cylinder portion 138 , at the end 146 of the cylinder portion 138 , although other sensor positions may be contemplated. For example, the sensor 150 may be mounted to the piston 142 to perform one or more of the aforementioned tasks. Similar discussions may be contemplated for the sensor 150 ′.
- the auger unit 116 may be disposed between the tractor 104 and the screed assembly 126 and may be adapted to receive the road forming material 124 from the hopper 122 .
- the auger unit 116 may spread and distribute the road forming material 124 in front of the screed assembly 126 .
- the auger unit 116 includes an auger assembly 152 , such as a screw auger, and one or more actuators (see example second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′, in FIG. 4 ) connected between the frame 106 and the auger assembly 152 .
- the second fluid cylinders 154 may be located at the first lateral side 132 of the paving machine 100
- the second fluid cylinder 154 ′ may be located at the second lateral side 134 of the paving machine 100 .
- the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ may be configured to power a movement of the auger assembly 152 so as to raise and/or lower the auger assembly 152 , relative to the mat 128 .
- the second fluid cylinder 154 includes a cylinder portion 156 , and a rod portion 158 displaceable with respect to the cylinder portion 156 .
- the rod portion 158 may be fixedly coupled to a piston 160 (shown in FIG. 4 ) accommodated within the cylinder portion 156 , with the piston 160 dividing the cylinder portion 156 into a head end chamber 162 and a rod end chamber 164 .
- Both the head end chamber 162 and the rod end chamber 164 may be configured to receive fluid for displacing the rod portion 158 with respect to the cylinder portion 156 .
- an entry of fluid into the head end chamber 162 may cause the rod portion 158 to extend away from the cylinder portion 156 and push fluid out of the rod end chamber 164
- an entry of fluid into the rod end chamber 164 may cause the rod portion 158 to retract into the cylinder portion 156 and push fluid out of the head end chamber 162 .
- an extension of the rod portion 158 relative to the cylinder portion 156 may cause the auger assembly 152 to be lowered relative to the frame 106 towards the mat 128 , while a retraction of the rod portion 158 into the cylinder portion 156 may cause the auger assembly 152 to be raised away from the mat 128 .
- the head end chamber 162 and the rod end chamber 164 of the second fluid cylinder 154 may be fluidly connected to a fluid supply unit that may facilitate supply of fluid to one or both of the head end chamber 162 and the rod end chamber 164 .
- the fluid supply unit may include a hydraulic pump 166 that may provide (selective/alternative) fluid supply to each of the head end chamber 162 and the rod end chamber 164 .
- the hydraulic pump 166 may be a bi-rotational pump configured to supply fluid into the head end chamber 162 and simultaneously draw fluid from the rod end chamber 164 in one instance, while supply fluid into the rod end chamber 164 and draw fluid from the head end chamber 162 in another instance. In that manner, the second fluid cylinder 154 may be actuated. Similar discussions may be contemplated for the second fluid cylinder 154 ′, as well.
- head end chambers 162 , 162 ′ of each of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ may be fluidly coupled to each other, and, similarly, the rod end chambers 164 , 164 ′ of each of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ may be fluidly coupled to each other.
- fluid when fluid is supplied to the head end chamber 162 of one second fluid cylinder 154 , fluid may also enter the head end chamber 162 ′ of the other second fluid cylinder 154 ′, causing the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ to be actuated in tandem—e.g., the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ are extended at the same time and to the same extent.
- fluid when fluid is supplied to the rod end chamber 164 of one second fluid cylinder 154 , fluid may also enter the rod end chamber 164 ′ of the other second fluid cylinder 154 ′, causing the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ to be actuated in tandem—e.g., the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ are retracted at the same time and to the same extent.
- Such a functionality allows the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ to cause synchronous and uniform movement of the auger assembly 152 relative to the mat 128 .
- actuators types may be applied to actuate the auger assembly 152 .
- fluid actuators may be omitted and, rather, electrical actuators may be incorporated, either alone or in combination with the fluid cylinders, to raise and lower the auger assembly 152 . Therefore, the application of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′, as noted above, applied for the actuation of the auger assembly 152 , need to be seen as exemplary.
- the paving machine 100 includes a system 168 for operating the auger assembly 152 for distributing the road forming material 124 for a paving operation.
- the system 168 is applied to control a position of the auger assembly 152 based on a position of the screed assembly 126 .
- the system 168 facilitates the auger assembly 152 to be brought in alignment with the screed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126 , thereby facilitating an effective spread and distribution of the road forming material 124 in front of the screed assembly 126 .
- the system 168 includes a controller 170 —details of which will be discussed further below.
- the sensors 150 , 150 ′ may form part of the system 168 , as well.
- the controller 170 may be communicably coupled (e.g., wirelessly) to the sensors 150 , 150 ′ so as to receive data detected or signals generated by the sensors 150 , 150 ′. As an example, based on data received (e.g., proximity and/or the distance) detected by the sensors 150 , 150 ′ and/or the generated signals, the controller 170 may be configured to process the signals. In this regard, the controller 170 may be configured to retrieve a set of instructions from a memory 172 and run the set of instructions to process the signals received from the sensors 150 , 150 ′.
- the controller 170 may determine an operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly 126 and may enable operations of the auger assembly 152 —i.e., to align the auger assembly 152 with the screed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126 .
- the operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly 126 may correspond to the ‘position’ of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ attained at an end of the movement of the screed assembly 126 .
- the operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly 126 may correspond to a ‘change in the position’ of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ during the movement of the screed assembly 126 relative to the ground surface 102 .
- the controller 170 may be configured to retrieve a map table stored within a memory 172 .
- the map table may include one or more tabulations or charts where multiple values associated with the processed signals are tabulated and corresponded against multiple positions of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ of the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′.
- the multiple positions of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ of the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ may be expressed in the map table by way of percentages—for example, a maximum extension of the piston 142 or the rod portion 140 out of the cylinder portion 138 may correspond to 95% actuation of the first fluid cylinder 136 , while a maximum retraction of the piston 142 or the rod portion 140 into the cylinder portion 138 may correspond to 5% actuation of the first fluid cylinder 136 . Similar discussions may be contemplated for the rod portion 140 ′ and the cylinder portion 138 ′, as well.
- the screed assembly 126 may be closest with respect to the ground surface 102 , while at the 5% actuation of the first fluid cylinder 136 , the screed assembly 126 may be farthest with respect to the ground surface 102 .
- the multiple positions of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ of the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ is corresponded against multiple locations of the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′.
- the map table may include tabulated data in which multiple positions of the screed assembly 126 is corresponded against multiple locations of the auger assembly 152 .
- first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ and the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ each move in tandem.
- data detected by the sensors 150 , 150 ′ may be equal to each other.
- the sensors 150 , 150 ′ may correspondingly generate the same signals (e.g., signals with equivalent unit measure) at the end of the movement.
- the controller 170 may receive such signals, process them, and tally them against corresponding positions of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ as provided on the map table, and, may accordingly determine said corresponding positions (which may be the same/equal for each first fluid cylinder 136 , 136 ′) to be the operational parameter—‘position’ associated with the movement of the screed assembly 126 . It may be noted that such an operational parameter may be indicative of a position of the screed assembly 126 relative to the ground surface 102 and/or relative to the frame 106 .
- the sensors 150 , 150 ′ may correspondingly generate the same signals (e.g., signals with equivalent unit measure) during the movement.
- the controller 170 may receive such signals and tally them against corresponding positions of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ as provided on the map table.
- the controller 170 may determine a change in respective positions of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ (which may be the same/equal for each first fluid cylinder 136 , 136 ′) during the movement, and, may accordingly determine said change in respective positions to be the operational parameter—‘change in position’ associated with the movement of the screed assembly 126 . It may be noted that such an operational parameter may be indicative of a change in a position of the screed assembly 126 relative to the ground surface 102 and/or relative to the frame 106 of the paving machine 100 .
- the controller 170 may control a position of the auger assembly 152 relative to the mat 128 based on the operational parameter such that the auger assembly 152 aligns with respect to the screed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126 .
- the controller 170 tallies the positions of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ of the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ to corresponding locations of the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ as may be found in the map table.
- the predetermined distance may depend upon the type of the road forming material, design and size specification of the screed assembly 126 and the auger assembly 152 , etc., and, in one or more cases, may be set manually by an operator of the paving machine 100 .
- the controller 170 is configured to move the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ such that the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ may attain the (corresponding) identified locations with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′, effectively controlling a position of the auger assembly 152 relative to the mat 128 such that the auger assembly 152 aligns with respect to the screed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126 .
- the screed assembly 126 may be moved (e.g., lowered) from a position ‘A’ to a position B′. Once the movement of the screed assembly 126 stops at the position the controller 170 may identify the position as the final position and may accordingly consider the corresponding position attained by the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the ends 146 , 146 ′ (or the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′) as the operational parameter.
- the controller 170 may actuate the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ such that the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ may move, causing the auger assembly 152 to align with respect to the screed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126 .
- the controller 170 may start monitoring the corresponding locations of the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ (through the map table), and as soon as a new location for the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ is determined (through the map table), the controller 170 may compare the new location to an initial location of the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′.
- the controller 170 may initiate movement of the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ relative to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ and control a position of the auger assembly 152 such that the auger assembly 152 aligns with respect to the screed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126 , along a movement of the screed assembly 126 .
- Such controller functionality may be applicable when a paving operation is in process.
- the controller 170 may consider a change in the position of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ during the movement of the screed assembly 126 from position ‘A’ to position as the operational parameters, and as soon as corresponding change in the locations of the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ relative to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ exceeds a change threshold, the controller 170 may actuate the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ such that the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ may cause the auger assembly 152 to move along with the movement of the screed assembly 126 and cause the auger assembly 152 to align with respect to the screed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126 .
- the controller 170 may be communicably coupled to the input device 120 , as well.
- the input device 120 (or any similar such device) may be applied to actuate (e.g., manually actuate) the auger assembly 152 relative to the mat 128 .
- the controller 170 may be able to detect such an actuation of the input device 120 . Based on such actuation, in some embodiments, the controller 170 may be configured to override the control of the auger assembly 152 (that may be based on the operational parameter) with the actuation of the input device 120 so as to allow manual control of the auger assembly 152 , when required.
- the controller 170 may include a processor 174 to process the generated signals or data detected by the sensors 150 , 150 ′.
- the processor 174 may include, but are not limited to, an X86 processor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) processor, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processor, an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processor, or any other processor.
- RISC Reduced Instruction Set Computing
- ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
- CISC Complex Instruction Set Computing
- ARM Advanced RISC Machine
- the controller 170 may include a transceiver 176 .
- the transceiver 176 may enable the controller 170 to communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with the one or more sensors 150 and/or other components of the paving machine 100 over one or more of wireless radio links, infrared communication links, short wavelength Ultra-high frequency radio waves, short-range high frequency waves, or the like.
- Example transceivers may include, but not limited to, wireless personal area network (WPAN) radios compliant with various IEEE 802.15 (BluetoothTM) standards, wireless local area network (WLAN) radios compliant with any of the various IEEE 802.11 (WiFiTM) standards, wireless wide area network (WWAN) radios for cellular phone communication, wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) radios compliant with various IEEE 802.15 (WiMAXTM) standards, and wired local area network (LAN) Ethernet transceivers for network data communication.
- WPAN wireless personal area network
- WLAN wireless local area network
- WiFiTM wireless wide area network
- WWAN wireless wide area network
- WMAN wireless metropolitan area network
- WiMAXTM wireless metropolitan area network
- Ethernet transceivers for network data communication.
- Examples of the memory 172 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), and a secure digital (SD) card. Further, the memory 172 may include non-volatile/volatile memory units such as a random-access memory (RAM)/a read only memory (ROM), which include associated input and output buses.
- HDD hard disk drive
- SD secure digital
- RAM random-access memory
- ROM read only memory
- FIG. 5 an exemplary method for adjusting the auger assembly 152 for distributing the road forming material 124 for the paving operation is discussed.
- the method is discussed by way of a flowchart 500 , as provided in FIG. 5 , that illustrates exemplary stages (i.e., from 502 to 506 ) associated with the method.
- the method is also discussed in conjunction with FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 .
- two different operational states of the paving machine 100 may be contemplated and visualized—one operational state in which the auger assembly 152 defines a first height relative to the screed assembly 126 ( FIG. 1 ), and the other operational state in which the auger assembly 152 defines a second height relative to the screed assembly 126 so as to align with the screed assembly 126 ( FIG. 2 )—the second height being different from the first height ‘H 1 ’.
- an operator of the paving machine 100 may desire to move (i.e., higher or lower) the screed assembly 126 —a movement of the screed assembly 126 be attained by the use of an actuation device (not shown).
- a movement of the screed assembly 126 may correspond to a lowering of the screed assembly 126 or a displacement of the screed assembly 126 towards the ground surface 102 .
- the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ may be forced out of the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′.
- the sensors 150 , 150 ′ may detect data—e.g., data may be related to the proximity/distance attained by the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ and may then generate corresponding signals.
- the controller 170 may receive said data/signals (stage 502 of flowchart 500 ).
- the controller 170 may process said signals, and may accordingly determine the operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly 126 (stage 504 ). As noted above, the controller 170 may fetch the map table to determine the position of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′, so as to in turn determine the operational parameter (position′ or the ‘change in position’) of the screed assembly 126 .
- the controller 170 may tally the position attained by the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ of the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ to the locations of the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′, as provided in the map table.
- the controller 170 may identify the locations of the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ corresponding to the position of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′, as attained at the end of the movement of the screed assembly 126 , and may move and control the position of the auger assembly 152 (by actuation of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′) relative to the mat 128 based on said operational parameter such that the auger assembly 152 aligns with respect to the screed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126 .
- the controller 170 may monitor the change in locations of the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ (of the auger assembly 152 ) in correspondence to the change in positions of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′ of the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ (of the screed assembly 126 ) (through the map table), and, as soon as the change in the locations of the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ exceeds a change threshold, the controller 170 may actuate the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ such that the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ may cause the auger assembly 152 to move along with the movement of the screed assembly
- an actuation of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ to adjust the auger assembly 152 such that auger assembly 152 aligns with respect to the screed assembly 126 at the predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126 may be facilitated by the controller 170 .
- the controller 170 may control the hydraulic pump 166 (or any related fluid supply unit) to selectively pass the fluid to the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ to actuate the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ thereby enabling the auger assembly 152 to attain a desired position (i.e., a position which is at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126 ).
- position detecting sensors such as sensors 180 , 180 ′, similar to the sensors 150 , 150 ′, may be disposed within the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ and may communicate with the controller 170 such that the controller 170 may track the actuation of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ as the auger assembly 152 attains the desired position.
- the screed assembly 126 may be inclined to obtain a desired slope ‘S’ (transverse to the direction of the paving machine 100 , as shown in FIG. 3 ) of the mat 128 .
- the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′ may not move in tandem, and, rather, may move different distances with respect to each other, allowing the screed assembly 126 to be moved with respect to the ground surface 102 to define an inclination with respect to the ground surface 102 such that the first lateral side 132 of the screed assembly 126 is disposed higher than the second lateral side 134 of the screed assembly 126 .
- the controller 170 may receive different/unequal signals indicative of the positions of the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ of the first fluid cylinders 136 , 136 ′, and, may accordingly control the position of the rod portions 158 , 158 ′ with respect to the cylinder portions 156 , 156 ′ of the second fluid cylinders 154 , 154 ′ such that the auger assembly 152 aligns above the screed assembly 126 and defines the predetermined distance with respect to the first lateral side 132 of the screed assembly 126 .
- the controller 170 uses the sensors 150 , 150 ′ (that detect the position of the pistons 142 , 142 ′ and/or the rod portions 140 , 140 ′ with respect to the corresponding cylinder portions 138 , 138 ′), a more precise data related to the position of the screed assembly 126 is obtained, and based on which a correspondingly more precise positioning of the auger assembly 152 is attained, enabling the auger assembly 152 to perform the aforementioned tasks of sufficiently spreading and distributing the road forming material in front of the screed assembly 126 .
- the system 168 thus mitigates operational disruptions, increases work efficiency, and reduces the overall machine and/or operational downtime.
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Abstract
A system for operating an auger assembly includes a controller configured to receive data detected by one or more sensors. Further, the controller is configured to determine an operational parameter associated with a movement of a screed assembly based on data. Also, the controller is configured to control a position of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter such that the auger assembly aligns with respect to the screed assembly at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly.
Description
- The present disclosure relates to a paving machine having an auger assembly and a screed assembly. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for adjusting the auger assembly based on a position or a movement of the screed assembly.
- Paving machines are used to deposit layers of a road forming material, such as asphalt, concrete, and bitumen, on a ground surface to form roadways, parking lots, etc. A paving machine generally includes a tractor and a screed assembly. The tractor includes a hopper and a conveying system that facilitates intake, delivery, and distribution of the road forming material onto a region of the ground surface in front of the screed assembly. The paving machine includes augers to distribute the road forming material generally transversely across the ground surface in front of the screed assembly. The screed assembly includes a screed plate that is pushed or pulled over the distributed road forming material to grade, level, and smoothen the road forming material, over the ground surface.
- Over the course of a paving operation, the auger assembly is commonly raised or lowered to a suitable height relative to the ground surface or to the screed assembly to sufficiently spread and distribute the paving material. If the auger assembly is adjusted too high relative to the ground surface or to the screed assembly, the paving material may not be appropriately spread and be deposited on the ground surface, and neither would the screed assembly be able to appropriately smoothen out the deposited paving material over the ground surface. On the other hand, if the auger assembly is adjusted too low relative to the ground surface or to the screed assembly, it may disrupt the paving material such that there may not be enough material for the screed assembly to smoothen and provide pre-compaction for.
- European Patent No. 0774542 ('542 reference) relates to a road paver-finisher having a screed unit. The road paver finisher includes an auger that operates in front of the screed unit to distribute the material to be laid over a road surface. The '542 reference discloses that a sensor is provided on the road paver finisher to measure the relative vertical position between the screed unit and a subframe of the road paver finisher, and, accordingly, transmit appropriate signals to lengthen or shorten the hydraulic pistons coupled with the auger to ensure that the auger always follow all the changes in height made by the screed during the laying work.
- In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system for operating an auger assembly for distributing road forming material for a paving operation. The system includes a controller configured to receive data detected by one or more sensors. Further, the controller is configured to determine an operational parameter associated with a movement of a screed assembly based on data. Also, the controller is configured to control a position of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter such that the auger assembly aligns with respect to the screed assembly at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly.
- In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for adjusting an auger assembly for distributing road forming material for a paving operation. The method includes receiving, by a controller, data detected by one or more sensors; determining, by the controller, an operational parameter associated with a movement of a screed assembly based on data; and controlling, by the controller, a position of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter such that the auger assembly aligns with respect to the screed assembly at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly.
- In yet another aspect, the disclosure relates to a paving machine. The paving machine includes a tractor, a screed assembly operably coupled to the tractor, first fluid cylinders configured to power a movement of the screed assembly relative to a ground surface, sensors configured to detect data indicative of the movement of the screed assembly relative to the ground surface, an auger assembly disposed between the tractor and the screed assembly and adapted to spread and distribute paving material in front of the screed assembly, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive data detected by the sensors and determine an operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly based on data. Further, the controller is configured to control a position of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter such that the auger assembly aligns with respect to the screed assembly at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly.
-
FIGS. 1 and 2 are various operational states of an auger assembly with respect to a screed assembly of an exemplary paving machine, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the paving machine illustrating an inclination of the screed assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 is a system for operating the auger assembly for distributing road forming material for a paving operation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and -
FIG. 5 is a method for adjusting the auger assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. - Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 , anexemplary paving machine 100 is discussed. Thepaving machine 100 may include an asphalt paver or any other machine used to distribute layers of road forming material, such as asphalt, concrete, and bitumen, on aground surface 102. Thepaving machine 100 includes atractor 104 having aframe 106 with a set of groundengaging members 108 coupled with theframe 106. Though the groundengaging members 108 are represented as tracks inFIG. 1 , the groundengaging members 108 may include wheels, either alone or in combination with the tracks. Theframe 106 of thetractor 104 defines afront portion 110 and arear portion 112. The terms ‘front’ and ‘rear’, as used herein, may be understood by referring to a general operational motion executed by thepaving machine 100 in which an underlying quantity of road forming material is paved over theground surface 102, and, in which, thefront portion 110 of theframe 106 leads therear portion 112 of the frame 106 (see direction, L). Apart from thetractor 104, thepaving machine 100 includes ascreed unit 114 and anauger unit 116. - The
tractor 104 may include a power source (not shown) supported by theframe 106. The power source may include an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, configured to power operations of various systems on thepaving machine 100. Optionally, the power source may also include an electrical power source, either alone or in combination with the engine. Further, thetractor 104 may include anoperator station 118 supported over theframe 106, in proximity to therear portion 112 of theframe 106. Theoperator station 118 may facilitate stationing of one or more operators therein, enabling operator control over one or more functions of thepaving machine 100. For example, theoperator station 118 may house one or more operator interfaces (see aninput device 120,FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 ) that may be accessed by operators for controlling the many functions of thepaving machine 100. Theinput device 120 may include, but not limited to, one or more of touch screens, joysticks, switches, etc., and the like. - The
tractor 104 further includes ahopper 122. Thehopper 122 may be supported in proximity to thefront portion 110 of theframe 106, as shown, and may be configured to receive and storeroad forming material 124 therein. As an example, a dump truck having a dump body may move ahead (i.e., in front) of thehopper 122 and may unload theroad forming material 124 into thehopper 122, during operations. Thetractor 104 may also include a conveyor system (not shown) to move theroad forming material 124 from thehopper 122 towards therear portion 112 of theframe 106. - The
screed unit 114 may be operably coupled to theframe 106 at therear portion 112 of theframe 106. The screedunit 114 may include ascreed assembly 126 that may be configured to receive theroad forming material 124 delivered by the conveyor system in front of thescreed assembly 126, during operation. Exemplarily, as thepaving machine 100 may move along direction, L, theroad forming material 124 may be forced under thescreed assembly 126, and thescreed assembly 126 may, in turn, grade, level, and shape theroad forming material 124 into a layer having a desired thickness and width over theground surface 102. As a result, amat 128 may be formed over theground surface 102, as shown. - The
screed assembly 126 may be free-floating or self-levelling (e.g., according to the characteristics acquired by the mat 128) and may be movably coupled to therear portion 112 of theframe 106 by a pair oftow arms FIG. 1 andFIG. 2 . As shown, the one tow arm visible inFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 corresponds to atow arm 130 disposed at a first lateral side 132 (seeFIG. 3 ) of thepaving machine 100. Theother tow arm 130′ of the pair oftow arms FIG. 3 ) of thepaving machine 100. - In cases where the thickness of the
mat 128 need to be controlled, a position and orientation of thescreed assembly 126 relative to theframe 106 and theground surface 102 may be adjusted by pivotally moving thetow arms tow arms paving machine 100 may include one or more actuators (see examplefirst fluid cylinders first fluid cylinders frame 106 and thetow arms first fluid cylinders tow arms frame 106 and to theground surface 102. Effectively, thefirst fluid cylinders screed assembly 126 relative to theground surface 102. - The actuators (i.e., the
first fluid cylinders fluid cylinders screed assembly 126, while, in other cases, the firstfluid cylinders screed assembly 126 may be raised or lowered with respect to the other portion (e.g., the first lateral side) of thescreed assembly 126, and such that thescreed assembly 126 may define an overall angle (or an overall inclination) with respect to theground surface 102 and/or to theframe 106 of the pavingmachine 100—see orientation of thescreed assembly 126 inFIG. 3 . In this regard, thefirst fluid cylinder 136 may be located at the firstlateral side 132 of thescreed assembly 126, while thefirst fluid cylinder 136′ may be located at the secondlateral side 134 of thescreed assembly 126. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , the firstfluid cylinders 136 includes acylinder portion 138 and arod portion 140. Therod portion 140 may be displaceable with respect to thecylinder portion 138. Therod portion 140 may be fixedly coupled to a piston 142 (shown inFIG. 4 ) accommodated within thecylinder portion 138, with thepiston 142 dividing thecylinder portion 138 into a head end chamber 144 (defining an end 146) and arod end chamber 148. Both thehead end chamber 144 and therod end chamber 148 may be configured to receive fluid for displacing therod portion 140 with respect to thecylinder portion 138. As an example, an entry of fluid into thehead end chamber 144 may cause therod portion 140 to extend away from thecylinder portion 138 and push fluid out of therod end chamber 148, while an entry of fluid into therod end chamber 148 may cause therod portion 140 to retract into thecylinder portion 138 and push fluid out of thehead end chamber 144. According to one embodiment, an extension of therod portion 140 relative to thecylinder portion 138 may cause thescreed assembly 126 to be lowered relative to theframe 106 towards theground surface 102, while a retraction of therod portion 140 into thecylinder portion 138 may cause thescreed assembly 126 to be raised away from theground surface 102. It may be noted that when thepiston 142 and/or therod portion 140 is farthest from theend 146, thescreed assembly 126 may be closest to theground surface 102, while when thepiston 142 and/or therod portion 140 is closest to theend 146, thescreed assembly 126 is farthest from theground surface 102. Similar discussions may be contemplated for thefirst fluid cylinder 136′. - According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the paving
machine 100 includes one or more sensors correspondingly disposed within the one or more firstfluid cylinders sensor 150 disposed within thefirst fluid cylinder 136 and asensor 150′ disposed within thefirst fluid cylinder 136′. Thesensors fluid cylinders screed assembly 126. For example, thesensors screed assembly 126 relative to theground surface 102. In some embodiments, thesensors cylinder portions pistons rod portions cylinder portions sensors pistons rod portions cylinder portions ends cylinder portions - While the
sensors pistons rod portions corresponding cylinder portions sensor 150 may be accommodated within thecylinder portion 138, at theend 146 of thecylinder portion 138, although other sensor positions may be contemplated. For example, thesensor 150 may be mounted to thepiston 142 to perform one or more of the aforementioned tasks. Similar discussions may be contemplated for thesensor 150′. - The
auger unit 116 may be disposed between thetractor 104 and thescreed assembly 126 and may be adapted to receive theroad forming material 124 from thehopper 122. Theauger unit 116 may spread and distribute theroad forming material 124 in front of thescreed assembly 126. In an embodiment, theauger unit 116 includes anauger assembly 152, such as a screw auger, and one or more actuators (see example secondfluid cylinders FIG. 4 ) connected between theframe 106 and theauger assembly 152. In an embodiment, the secondfluid cylinders 154 may be located at the firstlateral side 132 of the pavingmachine 100, while thesecond fluid cylinder 154′ may be located at the secondlateral side 134 of the pavingmachine 100. - The second
fluid cylinders auger assembly 152 so as to raise and/or lower theauger assembly 152, relative to themat 128. Similar to the structure of the firstfluid cylinders second fluid cylinder 154 includes acylinder portion 156, and arod portion 158 displaceable with respect to thecylinder portion 156. Therod portion 158 may be fixedly coupled to a piston 160 (shown inFIG. 4 ) accommodated within thecylinder portion 156, with thepiston 160 dividing thecylinder portion 156 into ahead end chamber 162 and arod end chamber 164. - Both the
head end chamber 162 and therod end chamber 164 may be configured to receive fluid for displacing therod portion 158 with respect to thecylinder portion 156. As an example, an entry of fluid into thehead end chamber 162 may cause therod portion 158 to extend away from thecylinder portion 156 and push fluid out of therod end chamber 164, while an entry of fluid into therod end chamber 164 may cause therod portion 158 to retract into thecylinder portion 156 and push fluid out of thehead end chamber 162. According to one embodiment, an extension of therod portion 158 relative to thecylinder portion 156 may cause theauger assembly 152 to be lowered relative to theframe 106 towards themat 128, while a retraction of therod portion 158 into thecylinder portion 156 may cause theauger assembly 152 to be raised away from themat 128. - In some embodiments, the
head end chamber 162 and therod end chamber 164 of thesecond fluid cylinder 154 may be fluidly connected to a fluid supply unit that may facilitate supply of fluid to one or both of thehead end chamber 162 and therod end chamber 164. According to one example, the fluid supply unit may include ahydraulic pump 166 that may provide (selective/alternative) fluid supply to each of thehead end chamber 162 and therod end chamber 164. In this regard, thehydraulic pump 166 may be a bi-rotational pump configured to supply fluid into thehead end chamber 162 and simultaneously draw fluid from therod end chamber 164 in one instance, while supply fluid into therod end chamber 164 and draw fluid from thehead end chamber 162 in another instance. In that manner, thesecond fluid cylinder 154 may be actuated. Similar discussions may be contemplated for thesecond fluid cylinder 154′, as well. - In some cases,
head end chambers fluid cylinders rod end chambers fluid cylinders head end chamber 162 of onesecond fluid cylinder 154, fluid may also enter thehead end chamber 162′ of the other secondfluid cylinder 154′, causing the secondfluid cylinders rod portions rod end chamber 164 of onesecond fluid cylinder 154, fluid may also enter therod end chamber 164′ of the other secondfluid cylinder 154′, causing the secondfluid cylinders rod portions fluid cylinders auger assembly 152 relative to themat 128. - In some embodiments, other actuators types may be applied to actuate the
auger assembly 152. For example, fluid actuators may be omitted and, rather, electrical actuators may be incorporated, either alone or in combination with the fluid cylinders, to raise and lower theauger assembly 152. Therefore, the application of the secondfluid cylinders auger assembly 152, need to be seen as exemplary. - According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the paving
machine 100 includes asystem 168 for operating theauger assembly 152 for distributing theroad forming material 124 for a paving operation. In one example, thesystem 168 is applied to control a position of theauger assembly 152 based on a position of thescreed assembly 126. In that manner, thesystem 168 facilitates theauger assembly 152 to be brought in alignment with thescreed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to thescreed assembly 126, thereby facilitating an effective spread and distribution of theroad forming material 124 in front of thescreed assembly 126. In this regard, thesystem 168 includes acontroller 170—details of which will be discussed further below. In one or more embodiments, thesensors system 168, as well. - The
controller 170 may be communicably coupled (e.g., wirelessly) to thesensors sensors sensors controller 170 may be configured to process the signals. In this regard, thecontroller 170 may be configured to retrieve a set of instructions from amemory 172 and run the set of instructions to process the signals received from thesensors controller 170 may determine an operational parameter associated with the movement of thescreed assembly 126 and may enable operations of theauger assembly 152—i.e., to align theauger assembly 152 with thescreed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to thescreed assembly 126. - In an embodiment, the operational parameter associated with the movement of the
screed assembly 126 may correspond to the ‘position’ of therod portions cylinder portions screed assembly 126. In another embodiment, the operational parameter associated with the movement of thescreed assembly 126 may correspond to a ‘change in the position’ of therod portions cylinder portions screed assembly 126 relative to theground surface 102. - To determine the operational parameter associated with the movement of the
screed assembly 126, thecontroller 170 may be configured to retrieve a map table stored within amemory 172. The map table may include one or more tabulations or charts where multiple values associated with the processed signals are tabulated and corresponded against multiple positions of therod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders - In some embodiments, the multiple positions of the
rod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders piston 142 or therod portion 140 out of thecylinder portion 138 may correspond to 95% actuation of thefirst fluid cylinder 136, while a maximum retraction of thepiston 142 or therod portion 140 into thecylinder portion 138 may correspond to 5% actuation of thefirst fluid cylinder 136. Similar discussions may be contemplated for therod portion 140′ and thecylinder portion 138′, as well. In some embodiments, at the 95% actuation of thefirst fluid cylinder 136, thescreed assembly 126 may be closest with respect to theground surface 102, while at the 5% actuation of thefirst fluid cylinder 136, thescreed assembly 126 may be farthest with respect to theground surface 102. - Further, in the map table, the multiple positions of the
rod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders rod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders screed assembly 126 is corresponded against multiple locations of theauger assembly 152. Said correspondence of the locations of theauger assembly 152 with respect to the positions ofscreed assembly 126 enables theauger assembly 152 to be aptly placed with respect to various positions of thescreed assembly 126, disallowing disruptions in the paving operation and facilitating the appropriate spread of theroad forming material 124 in front of thescreed assembly 126. - An exemplary determination of the aforesaid operational parameters—‘position’ and ‘change in position’ will now be discussed. For such discussion, it will be assumed that the first
fluid cylinders fluid cylinders fluid cylinders sensors - With regard to the operational parameter—‘position’, during a movement of the
screed assembly 126, if therod portions fluid cylinders cylinder portions sensors controller 170 may receive such signals, process them, and tally them against corresponding positions of therod portions cylinder portions first fluid cylinder screed assembly 126. It may be noted that such an operational parameter may be indicative of a position of thescreed assembly 126 relative to theground surface 102 and/or relative to theframe 106. - With regard to the operational parameter—‘change in position’, during a movement of the
screed assembly 126, if therod portions fluid cylinders cylinder portions sensors controller 170 may receive such signals and tally them against corresponding positions of therod portions cylinder portions controller 170 may determine a change in respective positions of therod portions cylinder portions first fluid cylinder screed assembly 126. It may be noted that such an operational parameter may be indicative of a change in a position of thescreed assembly 126 relative to theground surface 102 and/or relative to theframe 106 of the pavingmachine 100. - Once the
controller 170 determines the operational parameter, thecontroller 170 may control a position of theauger assembly 152 relative to themat 128 based on the operational parameter such that theauger assembly 152 aligns with respect to thescreed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to thescreed assembly 126. To this end, thecontroller 170 tallies the positions of therod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders rod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders screed assembly 126 and theauger assembly 152, etc., and, in one or more cases, may be set manually by an operator of the pavingmachine 100. - In the case of the operational parameter—‘position’, once the (corresponding) locations of the
rod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders controller 170 is configured to move therod portions cylinder portions rod portions cylinder portions auger assembly 152 relative to themat 128 such that theauger assembly 152 aligns with respect to thescreed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to thescreed assembly 126. - Considering an example—to lay a mat (e.g., mat 128) having a thickness, T, inches over the
ground surface 102, thescreed assembly 126 may be moved (e.g., lowered) from a position ‘A’ to a position B′. Once the movement of thescreed assembly 126 stops at the position thecontroller 170 may identify the position as the final position and may accordingly consider the corresponding position attained by therod portions ends cylinder portions controller 170 may actuate the secondfluid cylinders fluid cylinders auger assembly 152 to align with respect to thescreed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to thescreed assembly 126. - In the case of the operational parameter—‘change in position’, as soon as the
controller 170 determines a changing position of thescreed assembly 126, thecontroller 170 may start monitoring the corresponding locations of therod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders rod portions cylinder portions controller 170 may compare the new location to an initial location of therod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders controller 170 may initiate movement of therod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders auger assembly 152 such that theauger assembly 152 aligns with respect to thescreed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to thescreed assembly 126, along a movement of thescreed assembly 126. Such controller functionality may be applicable when a paving operation is in process. - Considering the aforesaid example—the
controller 170 may consider a change in the position of therod portions cylinder portions screed assembly 126 from position ‘A’ to position as the operational parameters, and as soon as corresponding change in the locations of therod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders controller 170 may actuate the secondfluid cylinders fluid cylinders auger assembly 152 to move along with the movement of thescreed assembly 126 and cause theauger assembly 152 to align with respect to thescreed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to thescreed assembly 126. - Further, the
controller 170 may be communicably coupled to theinput device 120, as well. In one or more instances, the input device 120 (or any similar such device) may be applied to actuate (e.g., manually actuate) theauger assembly 152 relative to themat 128. Thecontroller 170 may be able to detect such an actuation of theinput device 120. Based on such actuation, in some embodiments, thecontroller 170 may be configured to override the control of the auger assembly 152 (that may be based on the operational parameter) with the actuation of theinput device 120 so as to allow manual control of theauger assembly 152, when required. - The
controller 170 may include aprocessor 174 to process the generated signals or data detected by thesensors processor 174 may include, but are not limited to, an X86 processor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) processor, a Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processor, an Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) processor, or any other processor. - Further, the
controller 170 may include atransceiver 176. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, thetransceiver 176 may enable thecontroller 170 to communicate (e.g., wirelessly) with the one ormore sensors 150 and/or other components of the pavingmachine 100 over one or more of wireless radio links, infrared communication links, short wavelength Ultra-high frequency radio waves, short-range high frequency waves, or the like. Example transceivers may include, but not limited to, wireless personal area network (WPAN) radios compliant with various IEEE 802.15 (Bluetooth™) standards, wireless local area network (WLAN) radios compliant with any of the various IEEE 802.11 (WiFi™) standards, wireless wide area network (WWAN) radios for cellular phone communication, wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) radios compliant with various IEEE 802.15 (WiMAX™) standards, and wired local area network (LAN) Ethernet transceivers for network data communication. - Examples of the
memory 172 may include a hard disk drive (HDD), and a secure digital (SD) card. Further, thememory 172 may include non-volatile/volatile memory units such as a random-access memory (RAM)/a read only memory (ROM), which include associated input and output buses. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , an exemplary method for adjusting theauger assembly 152 for distributing theroad forming material 124 for the paving operation is discussed. The method is discussed by way of aflowchart 500, as provided inFIG. 5 , that illustrates exemplary stages (i.e., from 502 to 506) associated with the method. The method is also discussed in conjunction withFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 . By viewingFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 together, two different operational states of the pavingmachine 100 may be contemplated and visualized—one operational state in which theauger assembly 152 defines a first height relative to the screed assembly 126 (FIG. 1 ), and the other operational state in which theauger assembly 152 defines a second height relative to thescreed assembly 126 so as to align with the screed assembly 126 (FIG. 2 )—the second height being different from the first height ‘H1’. - During operation, either at the start of a work cycle or during a work cycle, an operator of the paving
machine 100 may desire to move (i.e., higher or lower) thescreed assembly 126—a movement of thescreed assembly 126 be attained by the use of an actuation device (not shown). As an example, a movement of thescreed assembly 126 may correspond to a lowering of thescreed assembly 126 or a displacement of thescreed assembly 126 towards theground surface 102. As thescreed assembly 126 may need to be lowered, therod portions cylinder portions sensors rod portions cylinder portions controller 170 may receive said data/signals (stage 502 of flowchart 500). - Once data detected by the
sensors sensors controller 170, thecontroller 170 may process said signals, and may accordingly determine the operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly 126 (stage 504). As noted above, thecontroller 170 may fetch the map table to determine the position of therod portions cylinder portions screed assembly 126. Once the operational parameter is determined, thecontroller 170 may tally the position attained by therod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders rod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders - In case the operational parameter is—‘position’, the
controller 170 may identify the locations of therod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders rod portions cylinder portions screed assembly 126, and may move and control the position of the auger assembly 152 (by actuation of the secondfluid cylinders mat 128 based on said operational parameter such that theauger assembly 152 aligns with respect to thescreed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to thescreed assembly 126. - In case the operational parameter is—‘change in position’, the
controller 170 may monitor the change in locations of therod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders rod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders rod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders controller 170 may actuate the secondfluid cylinders fluid cylinders auger assembly 152 to move along with the movement of thescreed assembly 126, and may cause theauger assembly 152 to align with respect to thescreed assembly 126 at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126 (stage 506). - According to an embodiment, an actuation of the second
fluid cylinders auger assembly 152 such thatauger assembly 152 aligns with respect to thescreed assembly 126 at the predetermined distance with respect to thescreed assembly 126 may be facilitated by thecontroller 170. For example, thecontroller 170 may control the hydraulic pump 166 (or any related fluid supply unit) to selectively pass the fluid to the secondfluid cylinders fluid cylinders auger assembly 152 to attain a desired position (i.e., a position which is at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly 126). In some examples, position detecting sensors, such assensors sensors fluid cylinders controller 170 such that thecontroller 170 may track the actuation of the secondfluid cylinders auger assembly 152 attains the desired position. - In another exemplary scenario, the
screed assembly 126 may be inclined to obtain a desired slope ‘S’ (transverse to the direction of the pavingmachine 100, as shown inFIG. 3 ) of themat 128. In such a case, the firstfluid cylinders screed assembly 126 to be moved with respect to theground surface 102 to define an inclination with respect to theground surface 102 such that the firstlateral side 132 of thescreed assembly 126 is disposed higher than the secondlateral side 134 of thescreed assembly 126. In such a case, thecontroller 170 may receive different/unequal signals indicative of the positions of therod portions fluid cylinders rod portions cylinder portions fluid cylinders auger assembly 152 aligns above thescreed assembly 126 and defines the predetermined distance with respect to the firstlateral side 132 of thescreed assembly 126. - With the application of the
system 168, paving operations undertaken by the pavingmachine 100 are more efficient. Also, there is no disruption in the associated paving operation that may otherwise cause a shortage/reduced supply of the road forming material 124 (or paving material) to be forced under thescreed assembly 126. Moreover, with thecontroller 170 using thesensors pistons rod portions corresponding cylinder portions screed assembly 126 is obtained, and based on which a correspondingly more precise positioning of theauger assembly 152 is attained, enabling theauger assembly 152 to perform the aforementioned tasks of sufficiently spreading and distributing the road forming material in front of thescreed assembly 126. Thesystem 168 thus mitigates operational disruptions, increases work efficiency, and reduces the overall machine and/or operational downtime. - It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method/process of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the method/process disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalent.
Claims (20)
1. A system for operating an auger assembly for distributing road forming material for a paving operation, the system comprising:
a controller configured to:
receive data detected by one or more sensors;
determine an operational parameter associated with a movement of a screed assembly based on data; and
control a position of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter such that the auger assembly aligns with respect to the screed assembly at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more sensors are correspondingly disposed within one or more first fluid cylinders configured to power the movement of the screed assembly relative to the ground surface.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein each first fluid cylinder of the one or more first fluid cylinders includes a cylinder portion and a rod portion displaceable with respect to the cylinder portion, wherein data detected by the one or more sensors includes a position of the rod portion with respect to the cylinder portion.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly includes the position of the rod portion with respect to the cylinder portion attained at an end of the movement of the screed assembly.
5. The system of claim 3 , wherein the operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly includes a change in the position of the rod portion with respect to the cylinder portion during the movement of the screed assembly relative to the ground surface.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the screed assembly is moved with respect to the ground surface to define an inclination with respect to the ground surface such that a first lateral side of the screed assembly is disposed higher than a second lateral side of the screed assembly, wherein the controller is configured to:
control the position of the auger assembly such that the auger assembly aligns above the screed assembly and defines the predetermined distance with respect to the first lateral side of the screed assembly.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to:
detect an actuation of an input device to move the auger assembly; and
override the control of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter with the actuation of the input device to allow the control of the position of the auger assembly to be based on the actuation of the input device.
8. A method for adjusting an auger assembly for distributing road forming material for a paving operation, the method comprising:
receiving, by a controller, data detected by one or more sensors;
determining, by the controller, an operational parameter associated with a movement of a screed assembly based on data; and
controlling, by the controller, a position of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter such that the auger assembly aligns with respect to the screed assembly at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the one or more sensors are correspondingly disposed within one or more first fluid cylinders configured to power the movement of the screed assembly relative to the ground surface.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein each first fluid cylinder of the one or more first fluid cylinders includes a cylinder portion and a rod portion displaceable with respect to the cylinder portion, and data detected by the one or more sensors includes a position of the rod portion with respect to the cylinder portion.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly includes the position of the rod portion with respect to the cylinder portion attained at an end of the movement of the screed assembly.
12. The method of claim 10 , wherein the operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly includes a change in the position of the rod portion with respect to the cylinder portion during the movement of the screed assembly relative to the ground surface.
13. The method of claim 8 , wherein the screed assembly is moved with respect to the ground surface to define an inclination with respect to the ground surface such that a first lateral side of the screed assembly is disposed higher than a second lateral side of the screed assembly, the method further including:
controlling, by the controller, the position of the auger assembly such that the auger assembly aligns above the screed assembly and defines the predetermined distance with respect to the first lateral side of the screed assembly.
14. The method of claim 8 further including:
detecting, by the controller, an actuation of an input device to move the auger assembly; and
overriding, by the controller, the control of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter with the actuation of the input device to allow the control of the position of the auger assembly to be based on the actuation of the input device.
15. A paving machine, comprising:
a tractor;
a screed assembly operably coupled to the tractor;
one or more first fluid cylinders configured to power a movement of the screed assembly relative to a ground surface;
one or more sensors configured to detect data indicative of the movement of the screed assembly relative to the ground surface;
an auger assembly disposed between the tractor and the screed assembly and adapted to spread and distribute paving material in front of the screed assembly; and
a controller configured to:
receive data detected by the one or more sensors;
determine an operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly based on data; and
control a position of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter such that the auger assembly aligns with respect to the screed assembly at a predetermined distance with respect to the screed assembly.
16. The paving machine of claim 15 , wherein the one or more sensors are correspondingly disposed within the one or more first fluid cylinders, wherein each first fluid cylinder of the one or more first fluid cylinders includes a cylinder portion and a rod portion displaceable with respect to the cylinder portion, and data detected by the one or more sensors includes a position of the rod portion with respect to the cylinder portion.
17. The paving machine of claim 16 , wherein the operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly includes the position of the rod portion with respect to the cylinder portion attained at an end of the movement of the screed assembly.
18. The paving machine of claim 16 , wherein the operational parameter associated with the movement of the screed assembly includes a change in the position of the rod portion with respect to the cylinder portion during the movement of the screed assembly relative to the ground surface.
19. The paving machine of claim 15 , wherein the screed assembly is moved with respect to the ground surface to define an inclination with respect to the ground surface such that a first lateral side of the screed assembly is disposed higher than a second lateral side of the screed assembly, wherein the controller is configured to:
control the position of the auger assembly such that the auger assembly aligns above the screed assembly and defines the predetermined distance with respect to the first lateral side of the screed assembly.
20. The paving machine of claim 15 wherein the controller is configured to:
detect an actuation of an input device to move the auger assembly; and
override the control of the auger assembly based on the operational parameter with the actuation of the input device to allow the control of the position of the auger assembly to be based on the actuation of the input device.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/778,360 US20210238812A1 (en) | 2020-01-31 | 2020-01-31 | System and method for adjusting auger assemblies of paving machines |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/778,360 US20210238812A1 (en) | 2020-01-31 | 2020-01-31 | System and method for adjusting auger assemblies of paving machines |
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US20210238812A1 true US20210238812A1 (en) | 2021-08-05 |
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US16/778,360 Abandoned US20210238812A1 (en) | 2020-01-31 | 2020-01-31 | System and method for adjusting auger assemblies of paving machines |
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US (1) | US20210238812A1 (en) |
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2020
- 2020-01-31 US US16/778,360 patent/US20210238812A1/en not_active Abandoned
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