Patent Publication Number: US-11377802-B2

Title: Compaction machine

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to a compaction machine. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a pneumatic tire for the compaction machine and a pressure control system for the pneumatic tire. 
     BACKGROUND 
     During paving of a work surface, a paving machine is used to form an asphalt layer over the work surface. In many situations, a width of the work surface may be greater than a width of the paving machine. In such a situation, two or more paving passes may be performed, or multiple paving machines may be employed in order to pave a complete width of the work surface, in turn, increasing process time and process cost. Accordingly, two or more asphalt layers may be formed on the work surface, such that the asphalt layers may be disposed adjacent to one another. 
     In such a situation, a compaction machine may perform multiple passes in order to compact an adjacent portion of the asphalt layers in addition to performing compaction of a remaining portion of the asphalt layers. This may increase number of compaction passes required by the compaction machine, in turn, increasing process time and cost. In some situations, a specialized compaction machine may be employed in order to perform compaction of the adjacent portion and the remaining portion of the asphalt layers, simultaneously, in a single compaction pass. Such a specialized machine may have pneumatic wheels in addition to a compaction drum, in turn, increasing equipment and process cost. 
     In some situations, such as during compaction of an edge portion of the asphalt surface, a lower compaction pressure may be required. A higher compaction pressure may result in excessive compaction and/or flow out of the asphalt over the work surface, in turn, reducing compaction quality. In such a situation, a relatively smaller compaction machine may be employed in order to perform compaction of the edge portion of the asphalt surface, in turn, increasing equipment and process cost. Hence, there is a need for an improved compaction machine for such applications. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 9,422,675 describes a compactor having at least one compactor roller, at least one edge shaping device, and a fluid reservoir/delivery system. The at least one compactor roller rotates around a roller axis of rotation. The fluid reservoir/delivery system stores and delivers fluid to the compactor roller and the edge shaping device. The fluid reservoir/delivery system includes at least one first fluid pump for pumping fluid to at least one first fluid delivery unit assigned to the compactor roller. The fluid reservoir/delivery system also includes at least one second fluid pump for pumping fluid to at least one second fluid delivery unit assigned to the edge shaping unit. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In an aspect of the present disclosure, a compaction machine is provided. The compaction machine includes a frame defining a longitudinal axis. The compaction machine also includes at least one compaction member rotatably mounted to the frame. The at least one compaction member defines a first side and a second side disposed opposite to the first side. The compaction machine further includes at least one pneumatic tire movably coupled to the frame. The at least one pneumatic tire is disposed on at least one of the first side and the second side of the at least one compaction member and adjacent to an edge of the at least one compaction member. The at least one pneumatic tire is adapted to selectively move between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the at least one pneumatic tire is raised relative to a work surface. In the deployed position, the at least one pneumatic tire is adapted to provide selective compaction of a portion of the work surface. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a pressure control system for at least one pneumatic tire associated with at least one compaction member of a compaction machine is provided. The pressure control system includes a pressure sensor disposed in association with the at least one pneumatic tire. The pressure sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of an air pressure within the at least one pneumatic tire. The pressure control system includes a compressor unit fluidly coupled to the at least one pneumatic tire. The compressor unit is adapted to provide a flow of pressurized air to the at least one pneumatic tire. The pressure control system also includes a release valve fluidly coupled to the at least one pneumatic tire. The release valve is adapted to release the pressurized air from the at least one pneumatic tire. The pressure control system further includes a controller communicably coupled to each of the pressure sensor, the compressor unit, and the release valve. The controller is configured to receive the signal from the pressure sensor. The controller is also configured to actuate one of the compressor unit and the release valve based on a predefined pressure. The controller is further configured to control the air pressure within the at least one pneumatic tire at the predefined pressure. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an air pressure within at least one pneumatic tire associated with at least one compaction member of a compaction machine is provided. The method includes receiving a signal indicative of the air pressure within the at least one pneumatic tire from a pressure sensor. The method also includes actuating one of a compressor unit and a release valve based on a predefined pressure. The method further includes controlling the air pressure within the at least one pneumatic tire at the predefined pressure. 
     Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an exemplary compaction machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of a portion of the compaction machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view of an exemplary work surface and an exemplary asphalt surface, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic representation of a pressure control system of the compaction machine, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating a method of working of the pressure control system, according to one embodiment 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. Referring to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , different views of an exemplary compaction machine  100  are illustrated. The compaction machine  100  will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “machine  100 ”. In the illustrated embodiment, the machine  100  is a dual drum type compaction machine. In other embodiments, the machine  100  may be single or multi drum type compaction machine. Also, the machine  100  may be a vibratory type or a non-vibratory type compaction machine. The machine  100  may be associated with an industry, such as construction, mining, transportation, agriculture, waste management, and so on, based on application requirements. 
     The machine  100  includes a frame  102 . The frame  102  defines a longitudinal axis X-X′ of the machine  100 . The frame  102  supports one or more components of the machine  100 . The machine  100  includes an enclosure  104  provided on the frame  102 . The enclosure  104  encloses a power source (not shown) mounted on the frame  102 . The power source may be any power source, such as an internal combustion engine, batteries, motor, and so on, or a combination thereof. The power source may provide power to the machine  100  for mobility and operational requirements. 
     The machine  100  also includes an operator cabin  106  mounted on the frame  102 . The operator cabin  106  houses one or more controls (not shown) of the machine  100 , such as a display unit, a touchscreen unit, a steering, an operator console, switches, levers, pedals, knobs, buttons, and so on. The controls are adapted to control the machine  100  on a work surface  108 . Additionally, the machine  100  may include components and/or systems (not shown), such as a fuel delivery system, an air delivery system, a lubrication system, a propulsion system, a drivetrain, a drive control system, a machine control system, a ballast system, and so on, based on application requirements. 
     The machine  100  further includes at least one compaction member. In the illustrated embodiment, the machine  100  includes two compaction members, such as a first compaction member  110  and a second compaction member  112 . The first compaction member  110  will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “first member  110 ”. The second compaction member  112  will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “second member  112 ”. Each of the first member  110  and the second member  112  is disposed spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal axis X-X′. 
     Each of the first member  110  and the second member  112  is rotatably mounted to the frame  102 . Also, each of the first member  110  and the second member  112  is operably coupled to the power source. Each of the first member  110  and the second member  112  performs compaction of the work surface  108 , such as an asphalt surface, a soil surface, and so on, based on application requirements. Each of the first member  110  and the second member  112  also supports and provides mobility to the machine  100  on the work surface  108 . Each of the first member  110  and the second member  112  has a substantially hollow and cylindrical configuration. Accordingly, the first member  110  defines a first side  114  and a second side  116 . The second side  116  is disposed opposite to the first side  114 . Also, the second member  112  defines a first side  118  and a second side  120 . The second side  120  is disposed opposite to the first side  118 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first member  110  and the second member  112  is a smooth type compaction member. In other embodiments, one or more of the first member  110  and the second member  112  may be a set of pneumatic rollers, based on application requirements. In a situation when the machine  100  may be a single drum type compaction machine, the second member  112  may be omitted. In such a situation, the machine  100  may include one or more ground engaging members. The ground engaging members may be rotatably mounted to the frame  102  and disposed spaced apart from the first member  110  along the longitudinal axis X-X′. The ground engaging members may be any one of a set of wheels, pneumatic rollers, tracks, and so on, based on application requirements. 
     The machine  100  also includes at least one pneumatic tire movably coupled to the frame  102 . More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the machine  100  includes a number of pneumatic tires, such as a first pneumatic tire  122 , a second pneumatic tire  124 , a third pneumatic tire (not shown), and a fourth pneumatic tire (not shown). The first pneumatic tire  122  will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “first tire  122 ”. The second pneumatic tire  124  will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “second tire  124 ”. The third pneumatic tire will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “third tire”. The fourth pneumatic tire will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “fourth tire”. 
     Also, the at least one pneumatic tire is disposed on at least one of the first side  114 ,  118  and the second side  116 ,  120  of the at least one compaction member. More specifically, the first tire  122  is disposed on the first side  114  of the first member  110 . The second tire  124  is disposed on the first side  118  of the second member  112 . The third tire is disposed on the second side  116  of the first member  110 . The fourth tire is disposed on the second side  120  of the second member  112 . Each of the first tire  122 , the second tire  124 , the third tire, and the fourth tire may be made of any inflatable material, such as rubber. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the machine  100  includes four pneumatic tires. In other embodiments, the machine  100  may include a single pneumatic tire, such as any one of the first tire  122 , the second tire  124 , the third tire, or the fourth tire. In some embodiments, the machine  100  may include a combination of pneumatic tires, such as the first tire  122  and the second tire  124 , the third tire and the fourth tire, the first tire  122  and the third tire, the second tire  124  and the fourth tire, and so on, based on application requirements. 
     The at least one pneumatic tire will be now explained with reference to the first tire  122  and the first member  110 . The first tire  122  is disposed adjacent to an edge  126  of the first member  110 . More specifically, the first tire  122  is movably coupled adjacent to the edge  126 . The first tire  122  is adapted to selectively move between a retracted position “RPt” (shown in  FIG. 1A ) and a deployed position “DP” (shown in  FIG. 1B ). Accordingly, the machine  100  includes an actuation system  128 . The actuation system  128  is adapted to selectively move the at least one pneumatic tire between the retracted position “RPt” and the deployed position “DP”. The actuation system  128  includes an actuation arm  130 . The actuation arm  130  is pivotally coupled to the frame  102  via a pivot joint  132 . Further, the first tire  122  is rotatably coupled to the actuation arm  130 . 
     The actuation system  128  also includes an actuation member  134 . The actuation member  134  is movably coupled between the frame  102  and the actuation arm  130 . In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation member  134  is a fluid powered actuator, such as a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, and so on. In other embodiments, the actuation member  134  may be any other actuator, such as an electrically powered actuator, a magnetically powered actuator, and so on, based on application requirements. The actuation member  134  is adapted to move between a retracted position “RPa” and an extended position “EP”. 
     In the retracted position “RPa” of the actuation member  134 , the first tire  122  is selectively moved in the retracted position “RPt”. In the retracted position “RPt” of the first tire  122 , the first tire  122  is raised relative to the work surface  108  (shown in  FIG. 1A ). In the extended position “EP” of the actuation member  134 , the first tire  122  is selectively moved in the deployed position “DP”. In the deployed position “DP” of the first tire  122 , the first tire  122  contacts the work surface  108  (shown in  FIG. 1B ). As such, in the deployed position “DP”, the first tire  122  is adapted to provide selective compaction of a portion of the work surface  108 . In other embodiments, the actuation member  134  may be configured and orientated in a manner such that in the retracted position “RPa” of the actuation member  134 , the first tire  122  is selectively moved in the deployed position “DP”, and in the extended position “EP” of the actuation member  134 , the first tire  122  is selectively moved in the retracted position “RPt”. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the portion of the work surface  108  may be a longitudinal joint  202  of adjacent layers  204 ,  206  of an asphalt surface  208 . For example, in some situations, when a width “W1” of the work surface  108  may be greater than a width “W2” of a paving machine (not shown), multiple layers  204 ,  206  of the asphalt surface  208  may be formed such that each of the multiple layers  204 ,  206  may be formed adjacent to one another. In such a situation, edges  210 ,  212  of the adjacent layers  204 ,  206  of the asphalt surface  208  may be disposed adjacent to one another, thus, forming the longitudinal joint  202  of the adjacent layers  204 ,  206  of the asphalt surface  208 . Accordingly, the first tire  122  may be aligned and rolled over the longitudinal joint  202  in order to provide compaction of the adjacent layers  204 ,  206  of the asphalt surface  208 . Additionally, a compaction force/pressure of the first tire  122  may be controlled by controlling an extension/retraction of the actuation member  134  and/or an air pressure within the first tire  122  and, thus, a rolling force of the first tire  122  on the longitudinal joint  202  of the adjacent layers  204 ,  206  of the asphalt surface  208 . 
     In another embodiment, the portion of the work surface  108  may be an edge portion  214  of the asphalt surface  208 . In many situations, the edge portion  214  of the asphalt surface  208  may be formed on an edge portion  216  of the work surface  108 . During compaction of the edge portion  214 , a weight of the machine  100  may push the edge portion  214  of the asphalt surface  208  over the edge portion  216  of the work surface  108  in a direction “D”. As such, a desired level of compaction and/or surface finish may not be achieved around the edge portion  214  of the asphalt surface  208 . In such a situation, the first tire  122  may be aligned and rolled over the edge portion  214  of the asphalt surface  208  in order to limit the compaction force/pressure on the edge portion  214  of the asphalt surface  208 . Additionally, the compaction force/pressure may be controlled by controlling the extension/retraction of the actuation member  134  and/or the air pressure within the first tire  122  and, thus, the rolling force of the first tire  122  on the edge portion  214  of the asphalt surface  208 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the machine  100  further includes a pressure control system  300 . The pressure control system  300  will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “system  300 ”. The system  300  is disposed in association with the at least one pneumatic tire, such as the first tire  122 . The system  300  includes a pressure sensor  302 . The pressure sensor  302  is disposed in association with the first tire  122 . As such, the pressure sensor  302  is configured to generate a signal indicative of the air pressure within the first tire  122 . 
     The pressure sensor  302  may be any pressure sensor, such as a piezoelectric type pressure sensor, a piezoresistive type pressure sensor, a capacitive type pressure sensor, an electromagnetic type pressure sensor, an optical type pressure sensor, and so on, based on application requirements. In some embodiments, the pressure sensor  302  may be associated with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPSM) of the machine  100 . The pressure sensor  302  may be disposed in any location, such as within the first tire  122 , in fluid communication with a fluid line (not shown) coupled to the first tire  122 , and so on, based on application requirements. 
     The system  300  also includes a compressor unit  304 . The compressor unit  304  will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “compressor  304 ”. The compressor  304  is fluidly coupled to the first tire  122 . Accordingly, the compressor  304  is adapted to provide a flow of pressurized air to the first tire  122 . The compressor  304  may be any air compression unit, such as a rotary screw type compressor, a reciprocating type compressor, an axial type compressor, a centrifugal type compressor, and so on, based on application requirements. 
     The system  300  also includes a release valve  306 . The release valve  306  will be hereinafter interchangeably referred to as the “valve  306 ”. The valve  306  is fluidly coupled to the first tire  122 . The valve  306  is adapted to release the pressurized air from the first tire  122 . The valve  306  may be any pneumatic flow control valve, such as a needle type pneumatic valve, a ball type pneumatic valve, a butterfly type pneumatic valve, and so on, based on application requirements. 
     The system  300  further includes a controller  308 . The controller  308  may be any control unit configured to perform various functions of the system  300 . In one embodiment, the controller  308  may be a dedicated control unit configured to perform functions related to the system  300 . In another embodiment, the controller  308  may be a Machine Control Unit (MCU) associated with the machine  100 , an Engine Control Unit (ECU) associated with the engine, and so on configured to perform functions related to the system  300 . 
     The controller  308  is communicably coupled to each of the pressure sensor  302 , the compressor  304 , and the valve  306 . Accordingly, the controller  308  is configured to receive the signal indicative of the air pressure within the first tire  122  from the pressure sensor  302 . Based on the received signal and a predefined pressure, the controller  308  is configured to actuate one of the compressor  304  and the valve  306 . In the illustrated embodiment, the system  300  includes an operator interface  310  communicably coupled to the controller  308 . The operator interface  310  is adapted to generate a signal indicative of the predefined pressure based on an operator input. 
     More specifically, the operator interface  310  may be any input device, such as a touchscreen unit, a button, a knob, a speech recognition unit, and so on. As such, the operator may input any value of the predefined pressure using the operator interface  310 . Accordingly, the operator interface  310  generates the signal indicative of the predefined pressure and is communicated to the controller  308 . In another embodiment, one or more values of the predefined pressure may be preset or stored in a database (not shown) communicably coupled to controller  308  or an internal memory (not shown) of the controller  308 . The one or more values of the predefined pressure may correspond to different compaction modes of the machine  100 . Accordingly, the controller  308  may retrieve the value of the predefined pressure from the database or the internal memory of the controller  308  corresponding to a selected compaction mode of the machine  100 . 
     Based on the predefined pressure, the controller  308  is further configured to control the air pressure within the first tire  122 . In one embodiment, the controller  308  is configured to actuate the compressor  304  based on the air pressure within the first tire  122  dropping below the predefined pressure. For example, in one situation, when the air pressure within the first tire  122  may be approximately 80 pound per square inch (psi) and the operator may select a relatively higher value of the predefined pressure, such as approximately 100 psi, the controller  308  may actuate the compressor  304  in order to provide the flow of pressurized air to the first tire  122 . Further, the controller  308  may deactivate the compressor  304  when the air pressure within the first tire  122  may reach approximately 100 psi, i.e. approximately equal to the selected value of the predefined pressure. 
     In another situation when the value of the predefined pressure may be approximately 100 psi and the air pressure within the first tire  122  may drop below the predefined pressure, such as due to loss of the air pressure during an idle state of the machine  100 , drop in ambient temperature, and so on, the controller  308  may actuate the compressor  304  in order to provide the flow of pressurized air to the first tire  122 . Further, the controller  308  may deactivate the compressor  304  when the air pressure within the first tire  122  may reach approximately 100 psi, i.e. approximately equal to the selected value of the predefined pressure. In some embodiments, the compressor  304  may be directly controlled using the controller  308 . In some embodiments, the compressor  304  may be controlled using an electronic switch (not shown), such as a solenoid switch, communicably coupled to each of the compressor  304  and the controller  308 . 
     In another embodiment, the controller  308  is configured to actuate the valve  306  based on the air pressure within the first tire  122  exceeding the predefined pressure. For example, in one situation, when the air pressure within the first tire  122  may be approximately 110 psi and the operator may select a relatively lower value of the predefined pressure, such as approximately 100 psi, the controller  308  may actuate the valve  306  in an open position in order to release the pressurized air from the first tire  122 . Further, the controller  308  may deactivate the valve  306  in a closed position when the air pressure within the first tire  122  may reach approximately 100 psi, i.e. approximately equal to the selected value of the predefined pressure. 
     In another situation when the value of the predefined pressure may be approximately 100 psi and the air pressure within the first tire  122  may exceed the predefined pressure, such as during rotation of the first tire  122  on the asphalt surface  208  having a relatively higher temperature, increase in ambient temperature, and so on, the controller  308  may actuate the valve  306  in the open position in order to release the pressurized air from the first tire  122 . Further, the controller  308  may deactivate the valve  306  in the closed position when the air pressure within the first tire  122  may reach approximately 100 psi, i.e. approximately equal to the selected value of the predefined pressure. Accordingly, the controller  308  controls the air pressure within the first tire  122  at the predefined pressure. 
     It should be noted that values of the predefined pressure described herein are merely exemplary and may vary based on application requirements. It should also be noted that although the system  300  is described herein with reference to the first tire  122 , the system  300  may be employed independently and/or in parallel configuration with one or more of the second tire  124 , the third tire, and/or the fourth tire. It should further be noted that although the at least one compaction member is described herein with reference to the first tire  122 , other compaction members such as the second tire  124 , the third tire, and/or the fourth tire may have a configuration, shape, construction, orientation, operability, and so on similar to a configuration, shape, construction, orientation, operability, and so on of the first tire  122 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The present disclosure relates to a method  400  for controlling the air pressure within the at least one pneumatic tire, such as the first tire  122 . The at least one pneumatic tire is associated with the at least one compaction member, such as the first member  110 , of the machine  100 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , a flowchart of the method  400  is illustrated. The method  400  will be now explained with reference to the first tire  122 . It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the method  400  may be employed independently and/or in parallel configuration for one or more of the second tire  124 , the third tire, and/or the fourth tire. 
     At step  402 , the controller  308  receives the signal indicative of the air pressure within the first tire  122  from the pressure sensor  302 . At step  404 , the controller  308  actuates one of the compressor  304  and the valve  306  based on the predefined pressure. In one situation, the value of the predefined pressure may be preset or stored in the database or the internal memory of the controller  308 . In another situation, the operator may provide the value of the predefined pressure using the operator interface  310 . Accordingly, the controller  308  may receive the signal indicative of the predefined pressure from the operator interface  310  based on the operator input. 
     In one embodiment, the controller  308  may actuate the compressor  304  based on the air pressure within the first tire  122  dropping below the predefined pressure. The air pressure within the first tire  122  may drop below the predefined pressure in situations, such as selecting the relatively higher value of the predefined pressure by the operator, loss of the air pressure during the idle state of the machine  100 , drop in ambient temperature, and so on. 
     In another embodiment, the controller  308  may actuate the valve  306  based on the air pressure within the first tire  122  exceeding the predefined pressure. The air pressure within the first tire  122  may exceed the predefined pressure in situations, such as selecting the relatively lower value of the predefined pressure by the operator, increase in ambient temperature, and so on. Further the controller  308  is configured to deactivate the compressor  304  or the valve  306 , as the case may be, when the air pressure in the first tire  122  may be approximately equal to the predefined pressure. Accordingly, at step  406 , the controller  308  controls the air pressure within the first tire  122  at the predefined pressure. 
     The first tire  122  provides a simple, effective, and cost-efficient method of selectively compacting the portion of the work surface  108 , such as the longitudinal joint  202  of the adjacent layers  204 ,  206  of the asphalt surface  208 , the edge portion  214  of the asphalt surface  208 , and so on. As such, the first tire  122  may reduce additional compaction passes of the machine  100  required for the compaction of the portion of the work surface  108 , in turn, reducing process time and costs. The first tire  122  may be mounted on any compaction machine using the actuation system  128 . As such, the first tire  122  may eliminate use of additional/specialized machines required for the compaction of the portion of the work surface  108 , in turn, reducing costs. 
     Further, the system  300  provides a simple, effective, and cost-efficient method of controlling the air pressure within the first tire  122 . As such, the air pressure within the first tire  122  may be controlled on-the-run during a compaction process, in turn, improving usability and reducing machine downtime. Also, varying the air pressure within the first tire  122  may provide varying levels of compaction of the work surface  108 , in turn, improving usability, improving process quality, and so on. The first tire  122  and the system  300  may be retrofitted on any compaction machine, in turn, improving flexibility, usability, and compatibility. 
     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 machines, 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.