SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POSITION OF ENDGATE

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a paving machine, and more particularly, to a system and a method for controlling a position of an endgate of a screed assembly of the paving machine.

BACKGROUND

A paving machine is often used for laying paving material, such as, bituminous aggregate mixtures or asphalt, onto a ground surface. The paving machine includes a screed assembly that may compress, compact, and manipulate the asphalt to form a paving mat of the paving material. The screed assembly includes one or more endgates that contact the ground surface to prevent the paving material to scatter laterally past the endgates. The endgates may be retracted (e.g., raised) or extended (e.g., lowered) based on a thickness of the paving mat. It is essential to adjust the position of the endgates upon change in the thickness of the paving mat. For example, the endgates may need to be extended upon increase in the thickness of the paving mat.

However, in one example, operators may forget to dispose the endgates at a desired position before starting or resuming a paving operation. In another example, operators may not dispose the endgates at the desired position during an ongoing paving operation. If the endgates are positioned too high, it may lead to flow of the paving material beneath the endgates that may cause wastage of the paving material and potential defects in the paving mat. Further, if the endgates are positioned too low it may reduce an amount of available travel, that may in turn cause defects in the paving mat. Therefore, it is required to position the endgates correctly during paving operations.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,640,933 describes a milling machine that includes a milling assembly having a housing to which left and right end gates are attached, a controller, a right front lifting column, a left front lifting column and a rear lifting column. Elevation sensors are located at the front and rear of each of the end gates. The controller is operatively attached to the elevation sensors and to linear actuators within the lifting columns of the milling machine. The elevation sensor that is located at the front end of the right end gate will provide feedback to control the position of the right front lifting column, and the elevation sensor that is located at the front end of the left end gate will provide feedback to control the position of the left front lifting column. The elevation sensors that are located at the rear ends of the end gates are available, as selected by the operator, to provide feedback to control the positions of one of the right and left front lifting columns, as well as the rear lifting column.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a system for controlling a position of an endgate of a screed assembly of a paving machine is provided. The system includes at least one first sensor configured to generate an input signal indicative of a current position of the endgate relative to a frame of the screed assembly. The at least one first sensor is disposed proximate to the endgate. The system also includes a controller including one or more memories and one or more processors. The one or more processors are communicably coupled with the one or more memories and the at least one first sensor. The one or more processors are configured to receive, from the at least one first sensor, the input signal indicative of the current position of the endgate relative to the frame. The one or more processors are also configured to receive information of a target position of the endgate relative to the frame. The target position of the endgate is based on at least one of a paving parameter associated with a paving operation that is to be performed by the paving machine and a preceding position of the endgate relative to the frame. The one or more processors are further configured to compare the current position of the endgate with the target position of the endgate. The one or more processors are configured to generate an output signal if the current position of the endgate does not correspond to the target position of the endgate. The position of the endgate is adjusted based on the output signal so that the current position corresponds to the target position.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, a paving machine is provided. The paving machine includes a screed assembly. The screed assembly includes a frame. The screed assembly also includes an endgate. The screed assembly further includes an actuation system to adjust a position of the endgate relative to the frame. The paving machine also includes a system for controlling the position of the endgate of the screed assembly. The system includes at least one first sensor configured to generate an input signal indicative of a current position of the endgate relative to the frame of the screed assembly. The at least one first sensor is disposed proximate to the endgate. The system also includes a controller including one or more memories and one or more processors. The one or more processors are communicably coupled with the one or more memories and the at least one first sensor. The one or more processors are configured to receive, from the at least one first sensor, the input signal indicative of the current position of the endgate relative to the frame. The one or more processors are also configured to receive information of a target position of the endgate relative to the frame. The target position of the endgate is based on at least one of a paving parameter associated with a paving operation that is to be performed by the paving machine and a preceding position of the endgate relative to the frame. The one or more processors are further configured to compare the current position of the endgate with the target position of the endgate. The one or more processors are configured to generate an output signal if the current position of the endgate does not correspond to the target position of the endgate. The position of the endgate is adjusted based on the output signal so that the current position corresponds to the target position.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a position of an endgate of a screed assembly of a paving machine is provided. The method includes generating, by at least one first sensor, an input signal indicative of a current position of the endgate relative to a frame of the screed assembly. The method also includes receiving, by one or more processors of a controller, the input signal indicative of the current position of the endgate relative to the frame. The method further includes receiving, by the one or more processors, information of a target position of the endgate relative to the frame. The target position of the endgate is based on at least one of a paving parameter associated with a paving operation that is to be performed by the paving machine and a preceding position of the endgate relative to the frame. The method further includes comparing, by the one or more processors, the current position of the endgate with the target position of the endgate. The method includes generating, by the one or more processors, an output signal if the current position of the endgate does not correspond to the target position of the endgate. The method also includes adjusting the position of the endgate based on the output signal so that the current position of the endgate corresponds to the target position of the endgate.

Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary paving machine including a screed assembly;

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic side view of the screed assembly of FIG. 1 including an endgate;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system for controlling a position of the endgate of FIG. 2, according to an example of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the position of the endgate of FIG. 2, according to an example of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary paving machine 100. The paving machine 100 may be used to construct roads, bridges, and the like by spreading and compacting a layer of paving material. The paving material may include bituminous aggregate mixtures or asphalt. The paving machine 100 will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “machine 100”. The machine 100 includes a chassis 102. The chassis 102 supports various components of the machine 100. The machine 100 includes an enclosure 104 mounted on the chassis 102. The enclosure 104 holds a power source (not shown) therein. The power source may be an engine, such as an internal combustion engine, a battery system, a fuel cell, and so on. The power source provides power to the machine 100 for operational and mobility requirements.

The machine 100 also includes a set of ground engaging members 106. The ground engaging members 106 are operably coupled to the chassis 102. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the ground engaging members 106 include wheels. In other examples, the ground engaging members 106 may include tracks. The ground engaging members 106 support and provide mobility to the machine 100 on a ground surface.

The machine 100 also includes a machine operator station 108 mounted on the chassis 102. An operator present in the machine operator station 108 may control various functions associated with the machine 100 and, in some examples, functions associated with a screed assembly 110 of the machine 100. The machine 100 includes a user interface 113 (schematically shown in FIG. 3). The user interface 113 is disposed in the machine operator station 108. The user interface 113 may allow the operator to provide various inputs associated with the screed assembly 110 and/or the machine 100. In some examples, the user interface 113 may include any Input/Output device. The user interface 113 may include a display unit to display various information, such as, information related to a paving operation being performed by the machine 100, a speed of the machine 100, a movement direction of the machine 100, and the like. The user interface 113 may include a portable or a handheld device, such as, a smart phone, a laptop, a tablet, and the like.

The machine 100 also includes a screed operator station 112. The screed operator station 112 may be used by the operator to control various functions associated with the screed assembly 110 and, in some examples, functions associated with the machine 100. The machine 100 includes a user interface 114. The user interface 114 is disposed in the screed operator station 112. The user interface 114 may allow the operator to provide various inputs associated with the screed assembly 110 and/or the machine 100. In some examples, the user interface 114 may include any Input/Output device. The user interface 114 may include a display unit that may display various information, such as, information related to the paving operation being performed by the machine 100. The user interface 114 may include a portable or a handheld device, such as, a smart phone, a laptop, a tablet, and the like.

The machine 100 also includes a hopper assembly 116 operably coupled to the chassis 102. The hopper assembly 116 holds a volume of paving material (not shown) on the machine 100 received from an external source (not shown), such as a truck or a transfer vehicle. The hopper assembly 116 also transfers the paving material from one portion of the machine 100 to another. As such, the hopper assembly 116 may include one or more components (not shown), such as one or more conveyors, augers, sensors, and so on, based on application requirements.

The machine 100 further includes the screed assembly 110. The screed assembly 110 is mounted to the chassis 102. The screed assembly 110 includes a frame 118. The screed assembly 110 includes a main screed 120. The screed assembly 110 may include one or more screed extensions 121 coupled to the main screed 120.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the screed assembly 110 also includes an endgate 122. Specifically, the endgate 122 includes a left endgate 122 and a right endgate 122 disposed on opposing sides 124, 126 of the screed assembly 110. Particularly, the left endgate 122 is disposed on the side 124 and the right endgate 122 is disposed on the side 126 of the screed assembly 110. It should be noted that only the left endgate 122 is shown in the accompanying figures and the right endgate 122 is obstructed from the views depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. The left endgate 122 and the right endgate 122 will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “endgate 122”. The endgate 122 is movably disposed relative to the frame 118. The endgate 122 may contact the ground surface to prevent the paving material to scatter laterally past the endgate 122 from the sides of the screed assembly 110.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the screed assembly 110 also includes an actuation system 128 to adjust a position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118. The actuation system 128 is operably coupled to each of the frame 118 and the endgate 122. As such, the actuation system 128 may raise or lower the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118, based on an operation thereof. Specifically, the actuation system 128 may cause the endgate 122 to retract (e.g., raise) or extend (e.g., lower) based on a thickness of a paving mat. In the illustrated example of FIG. 2, the screed assembly 110 includes two actuation systems 128 for adjusting the position of the endgate 122. In some examples, the actuation system 128 may include a hydraulic drive system or a pneumatic drive system to adjust the position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118. Further, the actuation system 128 may include one or more actuators to adjust the position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118.

The paving machine 100 includes a spring 130 coupled to the endgate 122. The spring 130 is movable to adjust the position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118. Specifically, the paving machine 100 includes two springs 130 coupled to the endgate 122. Alternatively, the paving machine 100 may include any number of springs 130, based on application attributes. Each spring 130 is coupled to a respective shaft 132 that is extendable and retractable as per requirements. Each shaft 132 is coupled to a respective actuation system 128.

The paving machine 100 also includes a bracket 134 coupled to the spring 130. The bracket 134 may move up and down upon movement of the endgate 122, thereby compressing and extending the spring 130.

Referring to FIG. 3, the present disclosure relates to a system 300 for controlling the position of the endgate 122 of the screed assembly 110 of the paving machine 100 of FIG. 1. Specifically, the screed assembly 110 includes the system 300. The system 300 includes one or more first sensors 302 to generate an input signal S1 indicative of a current position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) of the screed assembly 110. The one or more first sensors 302 are disposed proximate to the endgate 122. The one or more first sensors 302 may include an imaging sensor, a linear position sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a laser sensor, a radio detection and ranging (RADAR) sensor, and/or a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor. In an example, only one first sensor 302 may be disposed proximate to the endgate 122. Alternatively, two first sensors 302 may be disposed proximate to the endgate 122 and may be spaced apart from each other. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited by a type of the first sensor 302 or a location of the first sensor 302.

In an example, the one or more first sensors 302 may include position sensors that provide a distance between the endgate 122 and the frame 118. In another example, the one or more first sensors 302 may include perception sensors, such as cameras, that provide an indication of points of contact between the endgate 122 and the ground surface that may eventually be used to determine a relative distance between the endgate 122 and the frame 118.

The system 300 also includes a controller 304 including one or more memories 306 and one or more processors 308. The system 300 further includes the user interface 113, 114. The user interface 113, 114 is present on the machine 100 herein. Alternatively, the user interface 113, 114 may be present at a back-office or may be present with ground personnel/operators present around the machine 100.

The one or more processors 308 are communicably coupled with the one or more memories 306 and the one or more first sensors 302. The one or more memories 306 of the controller 304 may store a target position P1 of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118. The target position P1 of the endgate 122 is based on a paving parameter associated with the paving operation that is to be performed by the paving machine 100 and/or a preceding position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118. In some examples, the paving parameter includes, at least in part, the thickness of the paving mat. In other examples, the paving parameters may include a paving speed of the paving machine 100, a width of the paving mat, a length of the paving mat, a position of the main screed 120 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), a position of the machine 100, an operating mode of the machine 100, the direction of movement of the machine 100, and the like, without any limitations. For example, the target position P1 of the endgate 122 may be different when the machine 100 is in a paving mode and the target position P1 may be different when the machine 100 is in a travel mode, for example, during roading. Thus, the target position P1 may be different for different operating modes, and it may be required to position the endgate 122 at the target position P1 based on the operating mode of the machine 100. In an example, the term “preceding position of the endgate 122” as mentioned herein may relate to a last noted position of the endgate 122 before termination and/or pause of a preceding paving operation and may be pre-stored in the memories 306.

Further, the one or more memories 306 may also store a target position P2 of the spring 130 (see FIG. 2). The target position P2 of the spring 130 is based on the paving parameter associated with the paving operation that is to be performed by the paving machine 100 or a preceding position of the spring 130. In an example, the term “preceding position of the spring 130” as mentioned herein may relate to a last noted position of the spring 130 before termination and/or pause of the preceding paving operation and may be pre-stored in the memories 306.

The one or more memories 306 may include any means of storing information, including a hard disk, an optical disk, a floppy disk, ROM (read only memory), RAM (random access memory), PROM (programmable ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), or other computer-readable memory media.

It should be noted that the one or more processors 308 may embody a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors for receiving various input signals and generating output signals. Numerous commercially available microprocessors may perform the functions of the one or more processors 308. Each processor 308 may further include a general processor, a central processing unit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital circuit, an analog circuit, a microcontroller, any other type of processor, or any combination thereof. Each processor 308 may include one or more components that may be operable to execute computer executable instructions or computer code that may be stored and retrieved from the one or more memories 306.

The one or more processors 308 receive the input signal S1 indicative of the current position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118 from the one or more first sensors 302. Further, the one or more processors 308 receive information of the target position P1 of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118. The one or more processors 308 compare the current position of the endgate 122 with the target position P1 of the endgate 122. Specifically, the processors 308 retrieve the information of the target position P1 of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118 from the one or more memories 306 to compare the current position of the endgate 122 with the target position P1 of the endgate 122.

The one or more processors 308 generate an output signal S2, S4 if the current position of the endgate 122 does not correspond to the target position P1 of the endgate 122. Further, the position of the endgate 122 is adjusted based on the output signal S2, S4 so that the current position corresponds to the target position P1 of the endgate 122. In an example, the one or more processors 308 generate the output signal S2, S4 before starting an upcoming paving operation or before resuming an ongoing paving operation. In another example, the one or more processors 308 generate the output signal S2, S4 during the ongoing paving operation. In other words, the one or more processors 308 may generate the output signal S2, S4 if the endgate 122 moves from its target position P1 during the ongoing paving operation. Further, the target position P1 may change when the operating mode of the machine 100 changes. In such situations, the processors 308 may detect a change in the operating mode and may generate the output signal S2, S4 to move the endgate 122 to the target position P1 as per the operating mode of the machine 100.

In one example, the one or more processors 308 transmit the output signal S2 to the actuation system 128. Further, based on receipt of the output signal S2 from the one or more processors 308, the actuation system 128 disposes the endgate 122 at the target position P1. Thus, in this example, the processors 308 automatically control the position of the endgate 122.

In another example, the one or more processors 308 transmit the output signal S4 to the user interface 113, 114 to notify the operator of the paving machine 100 regarding a variation between the current position of the endgate 122 and the target position P1 of the endgate 122. The output signal S4 could be a text notification, an audio notification, a video notification, and the like. Further, the operator of the paving machine 100 provides an input Il to the actuation system 128 to dispose the endgate 122 at the target position P1. Furthermore, based on receipt of the input Il from the operator, the actuation system 128 disposes the endgate 122 at the target position P1. Thus, in this example, the operators may control the position of the endgate 122 based on the output signal S4 from the processors 308.

The system 300 further includes a second sensor 310. The second sensor 310 generates a signal S3 indicative of an actual position of the spring 130. In an example, the second sensor 310 may be disposed proximate to the spring 130 to measure the actual position of the spring 130. The second sensor 310 may include a linear variable differential transducer, a pressure sensor, a load cell, or a sonic sensor. The second sensor 310 is communicably coupled to the one or more processors 308 and may measure an amount of extension and/or an amount of compression of the spring 130.

The one or more processors 308 receive the signal S3 indicative of the actual position of the spring 130 from the second sensor 310. The one or more processors 308 compare the actual position of the spring 130 with the target position P2 of the spring 130. Particularly, the one or more processors 308 retrieve the target position P2 of the spring 130 from the one or more memories 306 to compare the actual position of the spring 130 with the target position P2 of the spring 130.

The one or more processors 308 confirm that the current position of the endgate 122 does not correspond to the target position P1 of the endgate 122 based on a variation between the actual position of the spring 130 and the target position P2 of the spring 130. Thus, the comparison between the actual position of the spring 130 and the target position P2 of the spring 130 may provide feedback to the processors 308 regarding the variation between the current position of the endgate 122 and the target position P1 of the endgate 122.

It is to be understood that individual features shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with individual features shown or described for another embodiment. The above described implementation does not in any way limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of the present disclosure in the context of functional segments, such features may be omitted from the scope of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure describes the system 300 for controlling the position of the endgate 122 of the screed assembly 110 of the paving machine 100. The system 300 includes the first sensors 302 that determine the current position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118 of the screed assembly 110.

The system 300 also includes the controller 304 including the one or more processors 308. The processors 308 determine if the current position of the endgate 122 is same as the target position P1 of the endgate 122. In one example, if the processors 308 determine that the current position of the endgate 122 is different from the target position P1 of the endgate 122, the processors 308 may transmit the output signal S2 to the actuation system 128 to automatically adjust the position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118. In another example, if the processors 308 determine that the current position of the endgate 122 is different from the target position P1 of the endgate 122, the processors 308 may transmit the output signal S4 to the user interface 113, 114. In such an example, the operator may send the input Il to the actuation system 128 to adjust the position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118.

The system 300 further includes the second sensor 310 that determines the actual position of the spring 130 and generates the signal S3. Based on receipt of the signal S3, the processors 308 compare the actual position of the spring 130 with the target position P2 of the spring 130. Further, if the actual position and the target position P2 of the spring 130 is different, the processors 308 may confirm that the current position of the endgate 122 does not correspond to the target position P1 of the endgate 122. Therefore, inclusion of the second sensor 310 may provide feedback to the processors 308 about the deviation between the current position and the target position P1 of the endgate 122.

Further, the one or more processors 308 generate the output signal S2, S4 to dispose the endgate 122 at the target position P1 before starting the upcoming paving operation, before resuming the ongoing paving operation, and/or during the ongoing paving operation. Thus, the system 300 may ensure that the endgate 122 is positioned at the target position P1 even if the operators inadvertently forgot to adjust the position of the endgate 122 before beginning or resuming paving operations. The system 300 described herein may prevent a risk of spillage of the paving material and/or paving defects in the paving mat as the system 300 ensures that the endgate 122 is positioned at the target position P1.

Furthermore, the system 300 is simple in construction, does not incorporate complex components, and may prevent wastage of the paving material as compared to conventional paving machines.

Moreover, the system 300 may prevent damage to the machine 100 due to incorrect positioning of the endgates 122. Thus, the system 300 may reduce servicing and maintenance costs associated with the paving machine 100 and may improve performance or operational efficiency of the paving machine 100 and/or the screed assembly 110. The system 300 described herein may be cost-effective to implement, may be retrofitted in existing paving machines, and may improve operating time of the paving machine 100.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method 400 for controlling the position of the endgate 122 of the screed assembly 110 of the paving machine 100. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the paving machine 100 includes the user interface 113, 114. The screed assembly 110 includes the actuation system 128 to adjust the position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118. Further, the paving machine 100 includes the spring 130 coupled to the endgate 122. The spring 130 is movable to adjust the position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118. At step 402, the one or more first sensors 302 generate the input signal S1 indicative of the current position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118 of the screed assembly 110.

At step 404, the one or more processors 308 of the controller 304 receive the input signal S1 indicative of the current position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118.

At step 406, the one or more processors 308 receive the information of the target position P1 of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118. The target position P1 of the endgate 122 may be stored within the one or more memories 306 of the controller 304. The target position P1 of the endgate 122 is based on the paving parameter associated with the paving operation that is to be performed by the paving machine 100 and/or the preceding position of the endgate 122 relative to the frame 118.

At step 408, the one or more processors 308 compare the current position of the endgate 122 with the target position P1 of the endgate 122.

At step 410, the one or more processors 308 generate the output signal S2, S4 if the current position of the endgate 122 does not correspond to the target position P1 of the endgate 122.

At step 412, the position of the endgate 122 is adjusted based on the output signal S2, S4 so that the current position of the endgate 122 corresponds to the target position P1 of the endgate 122.

The method 400 also includes a step at which the one or more processors 308 transmit the output signal S2 to the actuation system 128. The method 400 further includes a step at which the actuation system 128 disposes the endgate 122 at the target position P1 based on receipt of the output signal S2 from the one or more processors 308.

The method 400 includes a step at which the one or more processors 308 transmit the output signal S4 to the user interface 113, 114 to notify the operator of the paving machine 100 regarding the variation between the current position of the endgate 122 and the target position P1 of the endgate 122. The method 400 also includes a step at which the operator provides the input Il to the actuation system 128 to dispose the endgate 122 at the target position P1. The method 400 further includes a step at which the actuation system 128 disposes the endgate 122 at the target position P1 based on receipt of the input Il from the operator.

The method 400 further includes a step at which the second sensor 310 generates the signal S3 indicative of the actual position of the spring 130. The method 400 further includes a step at which the one or more processors 308 receive the signal S3 indicative of the actual position of the spring 130 from the second sensor 310. The method 400 further includes a step at which the one or more processors 308 compare the actual position of the spring 130 with the target position P2 of the spring 130. The target position P2 of the spring 130 may be stored within the one or more memories 306. The target position P2 of the spring 130 is based on the paving parameter associated with the paving operation that is to be performed by the paving machine 100 and/or the preceding position of the spring 130. The method 400 further includes a step at which the one or more processors 308 confirm that the current position of the endgate 122 does not correspond to the target position P1 of the endgate 122 based on the variation between the actual position of the spring 130 and the target position P2 of the spring 130.

While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed work machine, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.