System and Method for Controlling Position of Endgate

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.

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.

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.

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

is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary paving machine. The paving machinemay 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 machinewill be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “machine”. The machineincludes a chassis. The chassissupports various components of the machine. The machineincludes an enclosuremounted on the chassis. The enclosureholds 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 machinefor operational and mobility requirements.

The machinealso includes a set of ground engaging members. The ground engaging membersare operably coupled to the chassis. In the illustrated example of, the ground engaging membersinclude wheels. In other examples, the ground engaging membersmay include tracks. The ground engaging memberssupport and provide mobility to the machineon a ground surface.

The machinealso includes a machine operator stationmounted on the chassis. An operator present in the machine operator stationmay control various functions associated with the machineand, in some examples, functions associated with a screed assemblyof the machine. The machineincludes a user interface(schematically shown in). The user interfaceis disposed in the machine operator station. The user interfacemay allow the operator to provide various inputs associated with the screed assemblyand/or the machine. In some examples, the user interfacemay include any Input/Output device. The user interfacemay include a display unit to display various information, such as, information related to a paving operation being performed by the machine, a speed of the machine, a movement direction of the machine, and the like. The user interfacemay include a portable or a handheld device, such as, a smart phone, a laptop, a tablet, and the like.

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

The machinealso includes a hopper assemblyoperably coupled to the chassis. The hopper assemblyholds a volume of paving material (not shown) on the machinereceived from an external source (not shown), such as a truck or a transfer vehicle. The hopper assemblyalso transfers the paving material from one portion of the machineto another. As such, the hopper assemblymay include one or more components (not shown), such as one or more conveyors, augers, sensors, and so on, based on application requirements.

The machinefurther includes the screed assembly. The screed assemblyis mounted to the chassis. The screed assemblyincludes a frame. The screed assemblyincludes a main screed. The screed assemblymay include one or more screed extensionscoupled to the main screed.

With reference to, the screed assemblyalso includes an endgate. Specifically, the endgateincludes a left endgateand a right endgatedisposed on opposing sides,of the screed assembly. Particularly, the left endgateis disposed on the sideand the right endgateis disposed on the sideof the screed assembly. It should be noted that only the left endgateis shown in the accompanying figures and the right endgateis obstructed from the views depicted in. The left endgateand the right endgatewill be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “endgate”. The endgateis movably disposed relative to the frame. The endgatemay contact the ground surface to prevent the paving material to scatter laterally past the endgatefrom the sides of the screed assembly.

Referring now to, the screed assemblyalso includes an actuation systemto adjust a position of the endgaterelative to the frame. The actuation systemis operably coupled to each of the frameand the endgate. As such, the actuation systemmay raise or lower the endgaterelative to the frame, based on an operation thereof. Specifically, the actuation systemmay cause the endgateto retract (e.g., raise) or extend (e.g., lower) based on a thickness of a paving mat. In the illustrated example of, the screed assemblyincludes two actuation systemsfor adjusting the position of the endgate. In some examples, the actuation systemmay include a hydraulic drive system or a pneumatic drive system to adjust the position of the endgaterelative to the frame. Further, the actuation systemmay include one or more actuators to adjust the position of the endgaterelative to the frame.

The paving machineincludes a springcoupled to the endgate. The springis movable to adjust the position of the endgaterelative to the frame. Specifically, the paving machineincludes two springscoupled to the endgate. Alternatively, the paving machinemay include any number of springs, based on application attributes. Each springis coupled to a respective shaftthat is extendable and retractable as per requirements. Each shaftis coupled to a respective actuation system.

The paving machinealso includes a bracketcoupled to the spring. The bracketmay move up and down upon movement of the endgate, thereby compressing and extending the spring.

Referring to, the present disclosure relates to a systemfor controlling the position of the endgateof the screed assemblyof the paving machineof. Specifically, the screed assemblyincludes the system. The systemincludes one or more first sensorsto generate an input signal Sindicative of a current position of the endgaterelative to the frame(see) of the screed assembly. The one or more first sensorsare disposed proximate to the endgate. The one or more first sensorsmay 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 sensormay be disposed proximate to the endgate. Alternatively, two first sensorsmay be disposed proximate to the endgateand may be spaced apart from each other. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited by a type of the first sensoror a location of the first sensor.

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

The systemalso includes a controllerincluding one or more memoriesand one or more processors. The systemfurther includes the user interface,. The user interface,is present on the machineherein. Alternatively, the user interface,may be present at a back-office or may be present with ground personnel/operators present around the machine.

The one or more processorsare communicably coupled with the one or more memoriesand the one or more first sensors. The one or more memoriesof the controllermay store a target position Pof the endgaterelative to the frame. The target position Pof the endgateis based on a paving parameter associated with the paving operation that is to be performed by the paving machineand/or a preceding position of the endgaterelative to the frame. 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, a width of the paving mat, a length of the paving mat, a position of the main screed(see), a position of the machine, an operating mode of the machine, the direction of movement of the machine, and the like, without any limitations. For example, the target position Pof the endgatemay be different when the machineis in a paving mode and the target position Pmay be different when the machineis in a travel mode, for example, during roading. Thus, the target position Pmay be different for different operating modes, and it may be required to position the endgateat the target position Pbased on the operating mode of the machine. In an example, the term “preceding position of the endgate” as mentioned herein may relate to a last noted position of the endgatebefore termination and/or pause of a preceding paving operation and may be pre-stored in the memories.

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

The one or more memoriesmay 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 processorsmay 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. Each processormay 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 processormay 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.

The one or more processorsreceive the input signal Sindicative of the current position of the endgaterelative to the framefrom the one or more first sensors. Further, the one or more processorsreceive information of the target position Pof the endgaterelative to the frame. The one or more processorscompare the current position of the endgatewith the target position Pof the endgate. Specifically, the processorsretrieve the information of the target position Pof the endgaterelative to the framefrom the one or more memoriesto compare the current position of the endgatewith the target position Pof the endgate.

The one or more processorsgenerate an output signal S, Sif the current position of the endgatedoes not correspond to the target position Pof the endgate. Further, the position of the endgateis adjusted based on the output signal S, Sso that the current position corresponds to the target position Pof the endgate. In an example, the one or more processorsgenerate the output signal S, Sbefore starting an upcoming paving operation or before resuming an ongoing paving operation. In another example, the one or more processorsgenerate the output signal S, Sduring the ongoing paving operation. In other words, the one or more processorsmay generate the output signal S, Sif the endgatemoves from its target position Pduring the ongoing paving operation. Further, the target position Pmay change when the operating mode of the machinechanges. In such situations, the processorsmay detect a change in the operating mode and may generate the output signal S, Sto move the endgateto the target position Pas per the operating mode of the machine.

In one example, the one or more processorstransmit the output signal Sto the actuation system. Further, based on receipt of the output signal Sfrom the one or more processors, the actuation systemdisposes the endgateat the target position P. Thus, in this example, the processorsautomatically control the position of the endgate.

In another example, the one or more processorstransmit the output signal Sto the user interface,to notify the operator of the paving machineregarding a variation between the current position of the endgateand the target position Pof the endgate. The output signal Scould be a text notification, an audio notification, a video notification, and the like. Further, the operator of the paving machineprovides an input Il to the actuation systemto dispose the endgateat the target position P. Furthermore, based on receipt of the input Il from the operator, the actuation systemdisposes the endgateat the target position P. Thus, in this example, the operators may control the position of the endgatebased on the output signal Sfrom the processors.

The systemfurther includes a second sensor. The second sensorgenerates a signal Sindicative of an actual position of the spring. In an example, the second sensormay be disposed proximate to the springto measure the actual position of the spring. The second sensormay include a linear variable differential transducer, a pressure sensor, a load cell, or a sonic sensor. The second sensoris communicably coupled to the one or more processorsand may measure an amount of extension and/or an amount of compression of the spring.

The one or more processorsreceive the signal Sindicative of the actual position of the springfrom the second sensor. The one or more processorscompare the actual position of the springwith the target position Pof the spring. Particularly, the one or more processorsretrieve the target position Pof the springfrom the one or more memoriesto compare the actual position of the springwith the target position Pof the spring.

The one or more processorsconfirm that the current position of the endgatedoes not correspond to the target position Pof the endgatebased on a variation between the actual position of the springand the target position Pof the spring. Thus, the comparison between the actual position of the springand the target position Pof the springmay provide feedback to the processorsregarding the variation between the current position of the endgateand the target position Pof the endgate.

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.

The present disclosure describes the systemfor controlling the position of the endgateof the screed assemblyof the paving machine. The systemincludes the first sensorsthat determine the current position of the endgaterelative to the frameof the screed assembly.

The systemalso includes the controllerincluding the one or more processors. The processorsdetermine if the current position of the endgateis same as the target position Pof the endgate. In one example, if the processorsdetermine that the current position of the endgateis different from the target position Pof the endgate, the processorsmay transmit the output signal Sto the actuation systemto automatically adjust the position of the endgaterelative to the frame. In another example, if the processorsdetermine that the current position of the endgateis different from the target position Pof the endgate, the processorsmay transmit the output signal Sto the user interface,. In such an example, the operator may send the input Il to the actuation systemto adjust the position of the endgaterelative to the frame.

The systemfurther includes the second sensorthat determines the actual position of the springand generates the signal S. Based on receipt of the signal S, the processorscompare the actual position of the springwith the target position Pof the spring. Further, if the actual position and the target position Pof the springis different, the processorsmay confirm that the current position of the endgatedoes not correspond to the target position Pof the endgate. Therefore, inclusion of the second sensormay provide feedback to the processorsabout the deviation between the current position and the target position Pof the endgate.

Further, the one or more processorsgenerate the output signal S, Sto dispose the endgateat the target position Pbefore starting the upcoming paving operation, before resuming the ongoing paving operation, and/or during the ongoing paving operation. Thus, the systemmay ensure that the endgateis positioned at the target position Peven if the operators inadvertently forgot to adjust the position of the endgatebefore beginning or resuming paving operations. The systemdescribed herein may prevent a risk of spillage of the paving material and/or paving defects in the paving mat as the systemensures that the endgateis positioned at the target position P.

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

Moreover, the systemmay prevent damage to the machinedue to incorrect positioning of the endgates. Thus, the systemmay reduce servicing and maintenance costs associated with the paving machineand may improve performance or operational efficiency of the paving machineand/or the screed assembly. The systemdescribed herein may be cost-effective to implement, may be retrofitted in existing paving machines, and may improve operating time of the paving machine.

is a flowchart of a methodfor controlling the position of the endgateof the screed assemblyof the paving machine. With reference to, the paving machineincludes the user interface,. The screed assemblyincludes the actuation systemto adjust the position of the endgaterelative to the frame. Further, the paving machineincludes the springcoupled to the endgate. The springis movable to adjust the position of the endgaterelative to the frame. At step, the one or more first sensorsgenerate the input signal Sindicative of the current position of the endgaterelative to the frameof the screed assembly.

At step, the one or more processorsof the controllerreceive the input signal Sindicative of the current position of the endgaterelative to the frame.

At step, the one or more processorsreceive the information of the target position Pof the endgaterelative to the frame. The target position Pof the endgatemay be stored within the one or more memoriesof the controller. The target position Pof the endgateis based on the paving parameter associated with the paving operation that is to be performed by the paving machineand/or the preceding position of the endgaterelative to the frame.

At step, the one or more processorscompare the current position of the endgatewith the target position Pof the endgate.

At step, the one or more processorsgenerate the output signal S, Sif the current position of the endgatedoes not correspond to the target position Pof the endgate.

At step, the position of the endgateis adjusted based on the output signal S, Sso that the current position of the endgatecorresponds to the target position Pof the endgate.

The methodalso includes a step at which the one or more processorstransmit the output signal Sto the actuation system. The methodfurther includes a step at which the actuation systemdisposes the endgateat the target position Pbased on receipt of the output signal Sfrom the one or more processors.

The methodincludes a step at which the one or more processorstransmit the output signal Sto the user interface,to notify the operator of the paving machineregarding the variation between the current position of the endgateand the target position Pof the endgate. The methodalso includes a step at which the operator provides the input Il to the actuation systemto dispose the endgateat the target position P. The methodfurther includes a step at which the actuation systemdisposes the endgateat the target position Pbased on receipt of the input Il from the operator.

The methodfurther includes a step at which the second sensorgenerates the signal Sindicative of the actual position of the spring. The methodfurther includes a step at which the one or more processorsreceive the signal Sindicative of the actual position of the springfrom the second sensor. The methodfurther includes a step at which the one or more processorscompare the actual position of the springwith the target position Pof the spring. The target position Pof the springmay be stored within the one or more memories. The target position Pof the springis based on the paving parameter associated with the paving operation that is to be performed by the paving machineand/or the preceding position of the spring. The methodfurther includes a step at which the one or more processorsconfirm that the current position of the endgatedoes not correspond to the target position Pof the endgatebased on the variation between the actual position of the springand the target position Pof the spring.

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.