A contouring device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly that is supported at opposite ends by a pair of fluid cylinders. The fluid cylinders are controlled to raise and lower the ends of the contouring assembly independently of each other, thereby allowing the contouring assembly to create a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of one of the fluid cylinders is based on a comparison of the measured position of a first end of the contouring assembly with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. The measurement of the position of the first end of the contouring assembly is achieved by a tracking device which tracks the position of a target positioned on the first end of the contouring assembly and which determines the three dimensional position of the target. A proximity sensor measures the position of the second end of the contouring assembly from a surface and outputs a control signal that adjusts the height of the second end of the contouring assembly to follow the surface. Alternatively, a second target positioned on the second contouring assembly end is tracked by a second tracking device to determine the three-dimensional position of the second end. The contouring assembly preferably has a plow, rotating auger, and a vibratory screed positioned adjacent and parallel to one another in an orientation transverse to the direction of motion of the contouring assembly. The plow, rotating auger, and vibratory screed are all pivotable about an axis parallel to their longitudinal direction. A pivot or tilting controller controls the tilting of the plow, rotating auger, and vibratory screed to follow the slope of the profile stored in computer memory.
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28. A method for smoothing a surface over a sub-grade to a desired three dimensional shape, comprising:
storing said desired three-dimensional shape in a computer memory;
providing a contouring assembly having a first and second end;
moving said contouring assembly over said three-dimensional surface to be smoothed;
using a first method to determine the position of said first end of said contouring assembly in three dimensions as said contouring assembly moves, said position of said first end of said contouring assembly being determined without respect to the height of the sub-grade;
adjusting the height of said first end of said contouring assembly to correspond to the height of said desired three-dimensional shape;
using a second method different from said first method to determine the height of said second end of said contouring assembly from a surface independently of the determination of the position of the first end of said contouring assembly; and
adjusting the height of said second end of said contouring assembly to maintain a constant height above said surface.
15. A surface contouring device for contouring a surface over a sub-grade comprising:
a base;
a boom movably mounted on said base;
a contouring assembly mounted on said boom, said contouring assembly having a first end and a second end, said contouring assembly mounted on said boom for movement with respect to said base and able to smooth a surface while being moved on said boom while said base remains stationary; and,
a control system able to independently adjust the heights of said first and second ends of said contouring assembly as said contouring assembly moves whereby said contouring assembly is capable of smoothing a three dimensional surface, said control system including a first sensor that senses the height of said first end of said contouring assembly using a first method, and a second sensor that senses the height of said second end of said contouring assembly using a second method, said second method different from said first method, a least one of said first and second methods sensing the height of said first or second end of said contouring assembly without reference to said sub-grade.
1. A surface smoothing device comprising:
a contouring assembly having a first and second end, said contouring assembly able to be moved over an area to be contoured to contour at least one of material positioned on a reference surface and the material of the reference surface to a desired surface shape;
a stored profile of the desired shape of the surface;
a first sensing apparatus that uses a first method to sense the position and height of said first end of said contouring assembly, the height of said first end of said contouring assembly being sensed without respect to the reference surface;
a second sensing apparatus that uses a second method to sense the position and height of said second end of said contouring assembly above one of the material positioned on a reference surface and the material of the reference surface adjacent said contouring assembly, said second method being different from said first method; and
a controller that adjusts the height of said first end of said contouring assembly based on the position and height sensed by said first sensing apparatus and said stored profile and that independently adjusts the height of said second end of said contouring assembly based on the distance between said second end of said contouring assembly and a physical reference height sensed by said second sensing apparatus of said second end of said contouring assembly above one of the material positioned on a reference surface and the material of the reference surface adjacent said contouring assembly, such as the reference surface, a previously placed paved surface, a rail, a board, a string or a wire .
2. The device of
3. The device of
4. The device of
5. The device of
6. The device of
7. The device of
8. The device of
a target positioned on said first end of said contouring assembly;
a tracking device that tracks the movement of said target as said target is moved, said tracking device able to measure the position of said target in three dimensions; and,
a transmitter that transmits the three dimensional position measurement to said controller.
9. The device of
10. The device of
11. A surface smoothing device comprising:
a contouring assembly having a first and second end, said contouring assembly able to be moved over an area to be contoured to contour at least one of material positioned on a reference surface and the material of the reference surface to a desired surface shape;
a stored profile of the desired shape of the surface;
a base able to be positioned adjacent the surface to be smoothed, said contouring assembly mounted for movement with respect to said base while said base remains stationary whereby said surface is contoured by said contouring assembly;
The device of
a second sensing apparatus that uses a second method to sense the height of said second end of said contouring assembly, said second method being different from said first method; and
a controller that adjusts the height of said first end of said contouring assembly based on the position and height sensed by said first sensing apparatus and said stored profile and that adjusts the height of said second end of said contouring assembly based on the distance between said second end of said contouring assembly and a physical reference adjacent said contouring assembly.
13. The device of
14. The device of
16. The device of
17. The device of
18. The device of
a target positioned at one of said first end of said contouring assembly and a location remote from said first of said contouring assembly,
a tracking device positioned at the other of said first end of said contouring assembly and the position remote from said contouring assembly, said tracking device measuring the position of said target in three dimensions; and
a distance measuring sensor attached at said second end of said contouring assembly.
19. The device of
20. The device of
21. The device of
22. The device of
23. The device of
24. The device of
25. The device of
a base;
a boom movably mounted on said base;
a contouring assembly mounted on said boom, said contouring assembly having a first end and a second end, said contouring assembly mounted on said boom for movement with respect to said base and able to smooth a surface while being moved on said boom while said base remains stationary; and
a control system able to independently adjust the heights of said first and second ends of said contouring assembly as said contouring assembly moves whereby said contouring assembly is capable of smoothing a three dimensional surface, said control system including a first sensor that senses the height of said first end of said contouring assembly using a first method, and a second sensor that senses the height of said second end of said contouring assembly using a second method, said second method different from said first method, at least one of said first and second methods sensing the height of said first or second end of said contouring assembly without reference to said sub-grade, said control system further including a position sensor that measures the position of said contouring assembly in three dimensions, said position sensor comprising:
a plurality of reference points positioned at known locations;
a first wire extendably connected to said contouring assembly and a first one of said plurality of reference points;
and a second wire having first and second ends; extendably connected to said contouring assembly and a second one of said plurality of reference points; and
a pair of reference points to which the first end of said first and second wires is affixed;
a pair of rollers attached to said contouring assembly, said first and second wires attached to and wound on said rollers at said second end, said rollers able to wind and unwind as said contouring assembly is moved;
a pair of plurality of distance measuring encoders that measure the number of rotations of said rollers extension of said first and second wires as said contouring assembly moves; and
a pair of angle encoders that measure the angles formed between each of said first and second wires and said contouring assembly .
26. The device of
a laser beam that rotates and thereby defines a plane at a specific height; and
a laser sensor disposed on said contouring assembly that detects the height of said laser sensor with respect to said plane.
27. The device of
a tracking device that tracks the movement of said contouring assembly and measures the position of said contouring assembly in two dimensions;
a laser beam that rotates and thereby defines a plane at a specific height;
a laser sensor disposed on said contouring assembly that detects the height of said laser sensor with respect to said plane; and
a gyroscope mounted on said contouring assembly that measures the orientation of said contouring assembly.
29. The method of
positioning a tracking device in a stationary location at a position remote from said contouring assembly;
tracking the location of said first end of said contouring assembly with said tracking device; and
transmitting the location of said first end of said contouring assembly from said tracking device to a controller that controls said first end of said contouring assembly.
30. The method of
31. The method of
32. The method of
33. The method of
measuring the distance of said contouring assembly away from two known reference points;
measuring the height of said first end of said contouring assembly with respect to a known height reference;
measuring the angles formed between each of said reference points and said contouring assembly; and
calculating the position of said first end of said contouring assembly based on the measurements of height and distance and the angular measurements.
34. A method for smoothing a surface over a sub-grade to a desired three dimensional shape, comprising:
storing said desired three-dimensional shape in a computer memory;
providing a contouring assembly having a first and second end;
moving said contouring assembly over said three-dimensional surface to be smoothed;
using a first method to determine the position of said first end of said contouring assembly in three dimensions as said contouring assembly moves, said position of said first end of said contouring assembly being determined without respect to the height of the sub-grade, said first method to determine position comprising:
The method of
(b) measuring the height of said first end of said contouring assembly with respect to a known height reference;
(c) measuring the angles formed between each of said reference points and said contouring assembly; and
(d) calculating the position of said first end of said contouring assembly based on the measurements of height and distance and the angular measurements;
adjusting the height of said first end of said contouring assembly to correspond to the height of said desired three-dimensional shape;
using a second method different from said first method to determine the height of said second end of said contouring assembly from a surface independently of the determination of the position of the first end of said contouring assembly; and
adjusting the height of said second end of said contouring assembly to maintain a constant height above said surface.
35. The method of
storing said desired three-dimensional shape in a computer memory;
providing a contouring assembly having a first and a second end;
moving said contouring assembly over said three-dimensional surface to be smoothed;
using a first method to determine the position of said first end of said contouring assembly in three dimensions as said contouring assembly moves, said position of said first end of said contouring assembly being determined without respect to the height of the sub-grade, said first method to determine the position of said first end of said contouring assembly in three dimensions comprises comprising:
(a) determining the location of said first end of said contouring assembly in two dimensions with respect to a first reference; and
(b) determining the location of said first end of said contouring assembly in a third dimension with respect to a second reference;
adjusting the height of said first end of said contouring assembly to correspond to the height of said desired three-dimensional shape;
using a second method different from said first method to determine the height of said second end of said contouring assembly from a surface independently of the determination of the position of the first end of said contouring assembly; and
adjusting the height of said second end of said contouring assembly to maintain a constant height above said surface.
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This invention relates generally to methods and devices for contouring or smoothing freshly poured concrete, sand, gravel, dirt, or other like loose, spreadable materials, and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for contouring and placement of such materials with a vehicle either positioned adjacent the materials to be contoured or driven through the materials to be contoured.
In the past, the screeding or smoothing of uncured concrete by screeding machines has been primarily limited to flat, one or two dimensional surfaces. In order to screed a three dimensional concrete surface, the screeding apparatus was required to follow predetermined or preset forms, such as wires, boards, or rails, stationed along both sides of the surface to be screeded. Each end of the screed would follow the predetermined physical form. By using preset physical forms of different shapes or slopes on either side of the surface to be screeded, it is possible to create a smooth surface having a three dimensional curvature. The use of present physical forms, however, presents several disadvantages.
The creation of the physical forms is a labor intensive process that increases the time and expense necessary to establish a contoured surface. The preset physical forms also typically only approximate the desired shape of the surface to be contoured, thereby decreasing the quality of the contoured surface. For example, if the physical form consists of a wire, it is virtually impossible to accurately define a desired curvature. Rather, the wire approximates the curvature by a series of successive straight segments. These and other disadvantages of prior screeding techniques have led to the desire to reduce reliance on preset physical forms.
In the past, non-concrete contouring machines have been developed for contouring three dimensional surfaces without the use of preset physical forms. These devices, however, require contact sensors for creating a profile of the subbase over which a material is placed and contoured. These devices have also been limited to earth grading, asphalt laying, or other non-concrete leveling tasks. An example of such a prior device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,412 issued to Malone. This patent discloses a device for profiling and paving asphalt surfaces in three dimensions. The paving device includes a data storage device for storing the profile of the subbase to be contoured. The accuracy of the profile is dependent upon the frictional and physical characteristics of the contact sensor with respect to the subbase. The contact nature of the sensor may introduce errors into the profile creation that are undesirable.
Some prior art grading machines have also been dependent upon the profile of the subbase. Such machines can only be effectively used after the subbase has been contoured to the desired shape. This increases the amount of work required to screed a concrete surface. Some prior art grading devices have also required the generation of the profile by running the sensors over the subgrade prior to the contouring step. This profile generation step may result in additional inaccuracies due to alignment errors of the contact sensor during the contouring step when compared with the profiling step. This further increases the inaccuracies in the system. Another disadvantage of the prior art is the required use of multiple sensors to determine the position of the contouring structure in three dimensions. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,807,131 issued to Clegg, a grading system is disclosed that uses a laser reference beam in combination with a pair of wheel encoders. The laser reference beam is used to establish the vertical height of the grading blade while the encoders measure the horizontal position of the grading blade. The use of multiple sensors increases the complexity and associated cost of the grading system, and is therefore undesirable for many applications.
The present invention is an improved device and method for contouring poured uncured concrete, sand, gravel, dirt, or like loose, spreadable viscous fluid or plastic materials on the ground or on suspended decks, parking structures, or other surfaces. The present invention provides a device and method for contouring three dimensional curved surfaces without the necessity of preset physical forms on both sides of the surface to be contoured. The present invention also provides a simple and effective way for contouring surfaces that overcomes the measurement inaccuracies of various prior art machines.
In one aspect, the invention is an improved control system for controlling a contouring machine while a contouring assembly on the machine is moved over an area to be contoured. The system includes a controller for controlling the height of a first end of the contouring assembly. One of a tracking device and a target are positioned on the first end of the contouring assembly and the other of the tracking device and the target is positioned remotely from the contouring assembly. The tracking device tracks the position of the target and measures the position of the target in three dimensions as the assembly is moved over the area to be contoured. The measurement of the target is used by a controller which adjusts the height of the first end of the contouring assembly to correspond to a stored profile of the desired shape of the surface to be contoured.
According to a second aspect, the invention is a device for contouring a surface which includes a contouring assembly having first and second ends. A first sensing apparatus is positioned on one end of the assembly, while a second sensing apparatus that is different from the first sensing apparatus is positioned on the second end of the assembly. A controller adjusts the height of the first end of the assembly based on a stored profile of the desired shape of the surface to be contoured. The controller adjusts the height of the second end of the assembly based on the distance between the second end of the assembly and a reference surface along one side of the area to be contoured.
According to a third aspect, the invention is a device for contouring a surface that includes a boom movable mounted on a base. A contouring assembly is mounted at an end of the boom opposite to the base, and the assembly has a first and second end that are independently adjusted by a control system. As the contouring assembly is moved over the area to be contoured, the independent control of the first and second ends of the assembly allows the device to contour a three dimensional surface.
According to a fourth aspect, the invention is a contouring assembly for contouring a surface to its desired shape. The invention includes a support having first and second ends, an elongated contouring assembly, and a height adjustment mechanism attached to the support and the contouring assembly. The height adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the height of the contouring assembly with respect to the support based on the desired shape of the surface to be contoured. The contouring assembly is pivotally attached to the support and controlled by a pivot adjustment mechanism that pivots the contouring assembly about a pivot axis based also on the desired shape of the surface to be contouring.
In another aspect, the invention is a method for contouring a surface to a desired three dimensional shape and includes the steps of storing the desired three dimensional shape in a computer memory and providing a contouring assembly having first and second ends. As the contouring assembly is moved over the area to be leveled, the position of the first end of the contouring assembly is determined in three dimensions. The height of the first end of the contouring assembly is then adjusted to correspond to the height of the desired three dimensional shape. The distance between the second end of the contouring assembly and a reference surface is also determined as the contouring assembly is moved over the area to be contoured, and the height of the second end of the contouring assembly is adjusted to maintain a constant height above the reference surface.
In yet another aspect, the invention is a kit for modifying a previously existing one or two dimensional or screeding machine in order to allow it to be capable of contouring three dimensionally curved surfaces. The kit is preferably adapted for use with previous one or two dimensional leveling machines which include a leveling assembly with first and second ends that are each uniformly controlled by height adjustment mechanisms. The kit includes a target for attaching to either the first or the second end of the leveling assembly, and a tracking device that tracks the target and measures its position in three dimensions. A control system is included with the kit that operates each height adjustment mechanism independently of the other based on the measured position of the target. The independent control of the height adjustment mechanisms allows a three dimensionally curved shape to be contoured, if desired. In different embodiments, the kit may include different components. For example, the kit may include a segmented screed, in addition to the previously listed components, to allow screeding a surface the approximates a higher degree of curvature. In other embodiments the kit may include a pair of wires for attaching to two separate reference points, a pair of distance encoders that measure the length of the wires as the leveling or smoothing assembly moves, and a pair of angle encoders that measure the angles defined between the wires and the leveling assembly. A control system is included in the kit that determines the position of the leveling assembly based on the length of each of the wires from the two reference points.
In another aspect, the invention is a contouring machine comprising a screed for spreadable materials including poured, uncured concrete, a height adjustment mechanism for adjusting the height of the screed on the contouring machine, a target, a tracking device which tracks the target and measures the position of the target in at least two dimensions, one of the target and tracking device positioned on the machine and the other of the target and tracking device positioned at a location remote from the machine, and a controller for controlling the height adjustment mechanism based on the position of the target with respect to the tracking device. This aspect of the invention also includes a method for moving the screed over the spreadable material and adjusting the height of the screed as the screed is moved over the spreadable material such that the spreadable material is contoured.
Accordingly, the present contouring device and method provide improvements and advantages over prior contouring devices and methods. The invention allows the smoothing of either a one, two, or three dimensional curved surface without the use of contact sensors, and also without the use of preset physical forms on both sides of the contouring device. The present invention thereby eliminating substantial time and labor expenses while providing improved accuracy in the final, contoured surface. The use of a single measuring device for tracking the position of one end of the contouring assembly further reduces the complexity and cost of the invention. The invention does not require passing the device over the surface to be contoured prior to the actual contouring step, thereby reducing the number of steps involved in the contouring process. Moreover, the contouring device does not have to be moved in a predetermined direction during the contouring process, thereby simplifying the contouring procedure. The invention can smooth a surface either independently of the subbase, or dependent on the subbase, if desired. The invention can also be used as a kit to retrofit existing leveling machines that are only capable of smoothing one or two dimensional surfaces.
These and other objects, advantages, purposes, and features of the invention will become more apparent from the study of the following description when read in conjunction with the drawings.
The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals correspond to like elements in the several drawings. A contouring device or machine 20 according to the present invention is depicted in FIG. 1. Contouring machine 20 includes a base 22 upon which an operator 24 controls contouring machine 20. Base 22 includes a platform 38 upon which an upper frame 40 is rotatably mounted. Base 22 can be moved to any desired location by wheels 42 which are powered by a motor onboard base 22. Platform 38 is securely planted at a desired location by four stabilized legs 44 that are retractable when contouring machine 20 is driven to different locations. A boom 26 is telescopingly mounted on a front end of upper frame 40. A support beam 27 is affixed to boom 26 at an end opposite upper frame 40. A contouring member preferably includes a contouring assembly 28 mounted on support 27 by way of a right and left hydraulic cylinder 52 and 54, respectively. Hydraulic cylinders 52 and 54 independently raise and lower the respective ends of contouring assembly 28 with respect to support 27. Other than the controls for independently controlling the individual ends of contouring assembly 28 and tilting it about an axis as depicted in
When contouring machine 20 is to be used to contour a surface, it is positioned adjacent an area of raw material 30 which is to be contoured (FIGS. 2 and 3). For purposes of discussion hereafter, it will be assumed that material 30 is freshly poured, uncured concrete, and that the contouring machine includes a screed or contouring unit or member adapted for spreading, distributing, smoothing, leveling and/or grading such uncured concrete. This assumption is for purposes of discussion only, and it will be understood that material 30 can be any of a variety of other loose, gradable materials, such as dirt, sand, or earth. It will also be further understood that contouring machine 20 can be used to smooth material 30 to have a one, two, or three dimensional surface. The contouring member could also be a blade or other earth moving or material moving device. In operation, the boom 26 is extended away from upper frame 40. Preferably, concrete 30 is deposited in the area to be contoured prior to boom 26 being extended. Thereafter, boom 26 is extended over the poured concrete without contacting the concrete. The boom is then retracted toward and into upper frame 40 while contouring assembly 28 contours the uncured concrete 30 as boom 26 is retracted. Alternately, machine 20 can be moved through the concrete, or other material, as set forth in Quenzi U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,935.
Contouring assembly 28 includes a right and left side 46 and 48, respectively, as viewed from operator position 24 (FIGS. 1-3). Support 27 extends between right and left sides of contouring assembly 28. Right hydraulic cylinder 52 is mounted at right end 46 of support 27 and adjustably raises and lowers right side 46 of contouring assembly 28 with respect to support 27. Left hydraulic cylinder 54 is mounted on left side 48 of support 27 and adjustably raises and lowers left side 48 of contouring assembly 28 with respect to support 27. By independently controlling right hydraulic cylinder 52 and left hydraulic cylinder 54, the cross slope of contouring assembly 28 can be adjusted as desired in a plane transverse to the direction of motion of contouring assembly 28 when boom 26 is retracted. By adjusting the cross slope of contouring assembly 28, a three dimensional curved surface can be produced over a given large area by contouring machine 20. Alternatively, by adjusting the height of right and left sides 46 and 48 of contouring assembly 28 uniformly, a one or two dimensional surface can be created.
Contouring assembly 28 preferably includes one or more of a plow 32, a vibrating screed or contouring beam 34, and a rotating auger 36 (
Leveler assembly 28 can also include, if desired, an oscillating engaging member (not shown) of the type described and disclosed in commonly assigned, copending application entitled SCREEDING APPARATUS AND METHOD INCORPORATING OSCILLATING ATTACHMENT, filed Mar. 31, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference. As described therein, an oscillating engaging member is located between auger 36 and screed 34 and oriented generally parallel thereto. The oscillating member oscillates in its longitudinal direction, parallel to contouring assembly 28, and further serves to smooth and distribute the concrete prior to the final leveling of screed 34.
A target 56 is located atop right hydraulic cylinder 52 (FIGS. 1-5). Target 56 comprises an infrared heat source and comer-cube laser reflecting mirror. The position of target 56 is tracked by an infrared tracking device 58 (
The position of target 56 as measured by tracking device 58 is transmitted through a radio modem 64 (
Main processor 72 transmits the error signal to a pulse width modulated processor 74. Pulse width modulated processor 74 generates a pulse width modulated signal that is proportional to the error signal it received from main processor 72. The pulse width modulated signal is output to one of two solenoid valves 86 and 88 that control right hydraulic cylinder 52 (FIGS. 5-6). Solenoid valves 86 and 88 control oil flow in hydraulic system 80 of contouring machine 20. The height of right side 46 of contouring assembly 28 is thereby adjusted to currently correspond to the stored profile of the surface to be contoured. The control of right hydraulic cylinder 52 is independent of the control of left hydraulic cylinder 54, which is described below.
Right and left hydraulic cylinders 52 and 54 are controlled by a single hydraulic system 80 illustrated in FIG. 6. Hydraulic system 80 includes a hydraulic pump 82 and a manifold 84 that branches out to right and left hydraulic cylinders 52 and 54. A right raise solenoid valve 86 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to right cylinder 52 such that right cylinder 52 is raised. Right lower solenoid valve 88 controls the flow of hydraulic fluid to right cylinder 52 such that right cylinder 52 is lowered. Left lower solenoid valve 90 and left raise solenoid valve 92 similarly control the lowering and raising of left hydraulic cylinder 54, respectively. As described above, right solenoid valves 86 and 88 are controlled by a control system 55 depicted in FIG. 5. Left solenoid valves 90 and 92 are controlled based upon the output of a distance measuring sensor 78, described below. Solenoid valves 86, 88, 90, 92 may be any of conventional solenoid operated, hydraulic valves which are electrically operated to either fully open or fully close. Alternately, valves 86, 88, 90, 92 may be proportional hydraulic valves which variably adjust between fully open and fully closed positions in proportion to the electrical voltage applied.
Left hydraulic cylinder 54 is controlled by a separate control system than that used to control right hydraulic cylinder 52. Left hydraulic cylinder 54 is controlled based upon a distance detected by a proximity sensor or distance measuring sensor 78 attached at left side 48 of contouring assembly 28 (
As best seen in
It will be understood that alternate power sources other than cylinders 95 may be substituted to rotate contouring assembly 28 on axis 118 such as hydraulic motors that rotate threaded rods which engage pivotable members on yokes 85.
Contouring assembly 28 is mounted on a rectilinear leveler assembly support beam 27 secured to the underside of boom 26 such that support beam 27 extends parallel to the axial extent of contouring assembly 28 (FIG. 8). At left and right sides of support 27, right and left hydraulic cylinders 52 and 54 are respectively mounted. Each hydraulic cylinder includes a vertically extending cylinder tube 53 through which is slidably mounted an inner elevation tube 57 on bearings pressed inside tube 53. The lower end of each inner elevation tube 57 includes a tubular pivot foot 61 (
The steps of operation of contouring machine 20 are depicted in
In initialization step 98, the location of tracking device 58 with respect to the site is determined (FIG. 10). Initialization step 98 is required because tracking device 58 can be positioned anywhere within approximately a one mile radius in sight of the surface to be contoured. Without knowing the position of tracking device 58 relative to the site, the position information transmitted from tracking device 58 would be of no value to contouring machine 20. Therefore, the position of tracking device 58 must be determined relative to the work site. While initialization step 98 can be done in a variety of ways, one acceptable way is to carry a portable target 56A (not shown) to several known site locations and read and record the measurements produced by tracking device 58. By taking at least three such measurements, the correlation between the tracking device 58 frame of reference and the work site frame of reference can be established.
After initialization, the retraction of boom 26 begins the movement of contouring assembly 28 over the area to be contoured. As contouring assembly 28 moves over the surface to be contoured, the three dimensional location (i.e. X, Y, and Z) of target 56 is continuously measured by tracking device 58 (step 100) (FIG. 10). The position of target 56 relative to tracking device 58 is transmitted to tracking processor 70 where this position information is translated to the frame of reference of the site (step 102). The translation of step 102 is based upon the information obtained during initialization step 98. At step 104, main processor 72 looks up the height (Z value) of the stored profile corresponding to the X,Y location of target 56 as determined by tracking device 58. From the stored work site map profile, main processor 72 determines what Z value target 56 should be at for that X, Y location. Main processor 72 then compares the desired Z value from the stored profile with the measured Z value transmitted from tracking device 58.
At step 106 (
In addition to the vertical adjustability of contouring assembly 28 via hydraulic cylinders 52 and 54, contouring assembly 28 can also be pivoted or tilted about an axis 118, as discussed previously (FIGS. 9a-9c). After step 102, the tilt (i.e. pitch) of contouring assembly 28 is optionally adjusted based on the stored work site map profile of the surface to be contoured (FIG. 10). The control of the tilt of contouring assembly 28 is optionally performed in steps 104B, 110, and 112 by computer 72. Steps 104B, 110, and 112 are optional because contouring machine 20, in one embodiment, may not include the ability to tilt contouring assembly 28. In step 104B, computer 72 determines the actual slope of contouring assembly 28 relative to the work site. The determination of the actual slope of contouring assembly 28 by computer 72 can be accomplished by any of a variety of known sensors for measuring tilt. In step 110 main processor 72 calculates the slope of the stored profile for the current location of target 56. At step 112, main processor 72 outputs a digital tilt control signal to a DAC (Digital to Analog Conversion) board 114, which converts the digital signal to an analog signal in the current embodiment of this invention. DAC board 114 then passes the analog tilt control signal on to a tilt controller 116 (FIG. 5). The tilt control signal alters the tilt of contouring assembly 28 as illustrated in
Tracking profile 70, in addition to performing frame of reference translations, monitors the received transmissions from tracking device 58. If tracking processor 70 does not receive a transmission from tracking device 58 for a time exceeding 2 to 5 seconds, tracking processor 70 concludes that tracking device 58 has lost track of target 56. Tracking device 70 outputs a corrective signal instructing tracking device 58 to switch into a search mode. The corrective signal passes through communications port 68 to radio modem 66 where it is transmitted by radio to tracking device 58. When tracking device receives the corrective signal, it switches to a search mode. In the search mode, tracking device 58 moves an infrared sensor “eye” (not shown) over the area where target 56 was last detected in an effort to relocate target 56 and its infrared heat source. The search mode is part of the commercially available tracking devices that are suitable for use in the present invention. The algorithm used to control the movement of laser beam 60 when tracking device 58 is in the search mode can be altered from that built into the commercially available tracking devices, if desired. If tracking device 58 does not relocate target 56 in the search mode, tracking processor 70 sends a signal to main processor 72. The signal can either cause the retraction of boom 26 to stop automatically, or it can display a message on a display indicating the target has not yet been found allowing the operator to manually take appropriate action. If tracking device 58 does relocate target 56 within the allotted time, tracking device 58 switches out of the search mode and resumes its normal operation of tracking and transmitting the position of target 56 to tracking processor 70.
The creation of the desired profile to be contoured is illustrated in FIG. 11. The profile can be entered into a computer either directly from site measurements 120 or alternatively from user entries 122 based upon engineering drawings or some other previously created compilation of the desired profile. In either case, the information is input into a file 124 that stores the X, Y, and Z values for each of the points, or nodes, that are entered into the computer. Sufficient nodes must be input into file 124 to define the shape of the surface to be contoured. The computer can either be the computer on board contouring machine 20, comprising main processor 72, a keyboard 73, and a display 75, or it may be an ordinary PC or other computer programmed as discussed herein.
From node file 124, a user selects three or four of these nodes to define a surface at step 126. These three or four nodes may define the entire surface to be contoured, or they may only define a portion of the surface to be contoured, leaving the rest of the surface to be defined by selecting additional nodes (see step 126). Based on the selected nodes, the computer creates either a plane or a curved surface that joins the selected nodes (step 128). If only three nodes have been selected, the computer calculates three lines joining these three nodes, thereby creating a triangle and defining a plane. If the number of nodes that have been selected is four, then the computer divides the nodes into two pairs and calculates a line connecting each pair. The computer then calculates two additional lines joining each pair of nodes to each other to thereby define a quadrilateral. At step 128, the computer calculates all the heights, or Z values, for the areas circumscribed by the triangle or quadrilateral. The calculated Z values are displayed in step 130. In step 132 the calculated profile is stored in computer memory for use by contouring machine 20. Control of the profile creation process is returned to step 126, where a user can select additional nodes to create additional surfaces, or to otherwise complete the profile. The more nodes that are selected, the more complex the curvature of the profile can be. While the calculation of the triangles or quadrilaterals joining the selected nodes, along with the Z values defined by these shapes, has been described as utilizing the calculation of lines, it will be understood that other calculation algorithms can be used within the scope of the invention, such as the calculation of arcs, interpolation, splining, or any other suitable technique.
The generated profile of the desired shape of the surface to be contoured can either follow the profile of the subbase or be independent of the subbase. If the contoured surface is to be independent of the subbase, nodes are selected having whatever Z value is desired without regard to the subbase. Variations in the height of the subbase will show up as variations in the thickness of the contoured concrete. If the profile is to follow the shape of the subbase, the profile is created by selecting nodes that are located at a desired, constant height above the subbase. Alternatively, nodes defining the subbase can be selected and a predetermined height (corresponding to the thickness of the concrete) can be automatically added in software to each of the Z values for the nodes. In either case, the contoured surface of the concrete or other material will follow the contours of the subbase.
The independent control of right side 46 and left side 48 of contouring assembly 28 allows contouring machine 20 to contour a three dimensionally curved surface, if desired. If right and left sides 46 and 48 are controlled to remain at the same height throughout the screeding process, a two-dimensional surface can be screeded. If right and left sides 46 and 48 are controlled to have different heights throughout the screeding process, a three dimensionally curved surface can be screeded. Distance measuring unit 78 ensures that left side 48 of contouring assembly 28 will follow a reference surface, such as a previously screeded section of concrete, or another surface as desired, such as the ground, or other physical form. If parallel sections of concrete are screeded, distance measuring unit 78 ensures that new sections are screeded seamlessly with the adjacent, existing screeded sections. It will be understood that target 256 and distance measuring unit 78 can be switched to opposite sides, if desirable. It will also be understood that distance measuring unit 78 on left side 48 can be either replaced or supplemented with another target 256a that is tracked by another tracking device, as illustrated in FIG. 12.
Contouring machine 220 can also be modified to include a plurality of intermediate targets 256b and 256c (FIG. 12). In this alternative embodiment contouring machine 220 includes a contouring assembly 228 that is divided into segments 239a-c, which are pivotally connected to each other. Each end of each segment 239, or the pivot joint between the segments, is independently controlled by a separate target 256 mounted on a hydraulic cylinder. A separate tracking device 258 is used for each target 256. The use of a segmented contouring assembly 228 allows a higher degree of lateral (i.e. side-to-side) curvature to be approximated in the contoured surface. Alternately, the height of each segment can be controlled by reference to the relative height of the neighboring segments. In this variation, only a single target and tracking device are used rather than a separate target and tracking device for each segment.
In still another embodiment, contouring machine 320 utilizes a tracking device 358 in combination with a laser beam 359 that is rotated to define a horizontal plane (FIG. 13). In this embodiment, tracking device 358 determines only the X, Y location of right side 346 of contouring assembly 328. Right side 346 of contouring assembly 328 includes a target 356 that is tracked by device 358. The height, or Z position, of right side 346 of contouring assembly 328 is determined by the impingement of rotating laser beam 359, on a pair of vertically movable laser arrays (not shown). The laser arrays consist of a vertical array of laser receivers or sensors. One of the laser arrays is positioned at right side 346 of the contouring machine 320 while the other array is positioned at left side 348. The vertical position of each of the laser arrays is controlled to ensure that at least one of the sensors in the vertical array remains in the plane defined by the rotating laser beam 359. Laser beam 359 will impinge one or more of the laser sensors that are of the same height as laser beam 359. By determining which laser sensor is impinged, the array of laser sensors allows the height of the sides of the contouring assembly to be determined with respect to the horizontal plane created by laser beam 359. The X,Y position of left side 348 of contouring assembly 328 is determined from the output of a directional gyroscope (not shown) mounted on contouring assembly 328. The directional gyro is mounted in such an orientation to produce a signal indicative of the horizontal direction of contouring assembly 328 (e.g. north, south, etc.). This directional signal allows a vector to be added to the X, Y, and Z locations of right side 346 of contouring assembly 328 to thereby determine the position of left side 348 of contouring assembly 328. In summary, the X,Y position of right side 346 is determined from tracking device 358 and target 356 mounted on right side 346. The Z position of both right and left sides 346 and 348 is determined from the reference laser plane created by rotating laser beam 359 and sensed by the pair of sensor arrays on each side of contouring assembly 328. The Z position of left side 348 is determined from the gyroscope in combination with the known location of right side 346. Contouring machine 320 has the advantage of not requiring a tracking device 358 that can track target 356 in three dimensions. Tracking device 358 can therefore be a simpler and more inexpensive device than tracking device 58. Contouring machine 320 includes a base 322 and a telescoping boom 326, and is similarly used to smooth uncured concrete 330 or other loose, spreadable material to a desired shape or contour. As with contouring machine 20, the concrete or other material 331 is contoured either independently of, or with reference to, the subgrade 333.
In yet another embodiment, shown in
It will also be understood that in any of the embodiments described above, the location of tracking device 58 and target 56 can be switched. In other words, target 56 can be a stationary target positioned off of machine 20 at a known location while tracking device 58 is positioned on board contouring machine 20. In this alternate configuration, the necessity of transmitting by radio the position information measured by tracking device 58 is eliminated because tracking device 58 is already on board the contouring machined. Tracking device 58 would be positioned on board contouring machine 20 at any location where it would be able to detect the movement of one end of contouring assembly 28 with respect to target 56. In another variation, microprocessors 70, 72, and 74 can also be located off board the vehicle in a separate computer, if desired. In such a situation, only the pulse width modulated signal of processor 74 is transmitted to machine 20, along with the tilt control signal of processor 72.
In another embodiment (not shown), tracking device 58 and target 56 are replaced by a Global Positioning System (GPS) or Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS). The GPS or DGPS receiver is positioned either at the same location as target 56, or at any other suitable location on right side 46 of contouring assembly 28. The GPS or DGPS receiver detects its movement in three dimensions as contouring assembly 28 is moved over the material to be contoured. The three dimensional position information of the GPS or DGPS receiver is communicated to tracking processor 70 and utilized in the same manner the target 56 position information is utilized.
In still another embodiment, the present invention is a kit for retrofitting existing leveling or smoothing machines in order to give them the capability of contouring three dimensionally curved surfaces. The kit is preferably used with existing leveling machines, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,935. Such existing leveling machines include a leveler assembly that is controlled uniformly at both of its ends, thereby leveling only one or two dimensionally curved surfaces. The existing machines typically include a pair of laser sensors disposed at the ends of the leveler assembly. A rotating laser beam is positioned at a location remote from the leveling machine and at a designated height. As the laser beam rotates, the laser defines a plane located at a designated height above the surface to be smoothed. The pair of sensors extend in a vertical direction and detect the rotating laser beam. Based on where the laser beam impinges the sensors, the height of the leveler with respect to the rotating laser beam is determined. The height of the leveler is then adjusted to correspond to the desired height of the surface to be smoothed. The kit includes target 56 that can either be positioned on the leveler assembly or remotely from the leveling machine. The kit also includes tracking device 58 which is positioned at the opposite location from target 56, i.e. either on the leveler assembly or remote from it. A control system 67 (
The kit can also include other components when used to modify an existing leveling machine to one of the alternative embodiments described previously. For example, the kit may include a segmented contouring assembly in which the height of each of the segments of the assembly is individually adjustable, thereby allowing a greater degree of three dimensional curvature to be contoured. Such a kit for a segmented contouring assembly may also include additional targets and tracking devices to be used to measure the position of each of the segments. The position of each segment if fed into a control system that controls each individual segment. In other embodiments, the kit may include a pair of extendable wires that are mounted at one end on the leveler assembly and attached at their other ends to two separate reference points. Such a kit further includes a pair of distance encoders that measure the length of the wires and a pair of angle encoders that measure the angles defined by the wires and the leveling assembly. A control system is included that calculates the position of the leveler assembly based on the length of the wires and adjusts the height of the ends of the leveler independently, thereby allowing the previously existing leveling machine to contour three dimensional surfaces.
While the present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiments depicted in the drawings and discussed in the above specification, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to these particular preferred embodiments, but includes any and all such modifications that are within the spirit scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Kieranen, Carl B., Hallstrom, Charles A., Simula, Glen R., Ruonavaara, Nils P., Waineo, James D.
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