U.S. patent application number 14/339908 was filed with the patent office on 2016-01-28 for compaction system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Caterpillar Paving Products Inc.. Invention is credited to Keith R. Schmidt.
Application Number | 20160024724 14/339908 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54520623 |
Filed Date | 2016-01-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160024724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmidt; Keith R. |
January 28, 2016 |
COMPACTION SYSTEM
Abstract
A compaction system for providing one or more compaction passes
for each pass of the compaction system is provided. The compaction
system includes a belt and a sun element having a first axis and
positioned within the belt. The compaction system also includes a
planet element engaged with the sun element and the belt. The
planet element is configured to revolve around the sun element and
the first axis. The belt also revolves around the sun element.
Further, for every revolution of the belt around the sun element,
the planet element completes one or more revolutions around the sun
element.
Inventors: |
Schmidt; Keith R.; (Laura,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. |
Minneapolis |
MN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Caterpillar Paving Products
Inc.
Minneapolis
MN
|
Family ID: |
54520623 |
Appl. No.: |
14/339908 |
Filed: |
July 24, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/132 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 19/27 20130101;
E01C 19/286 20130101; E01C 19/266 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E01C 19/26 20060101
E01C019/26; E01C 19/28 20060101 E01C019/28; E01C 19/27 20060101
E01C019/27 |
Claims
1. A compaction system for providing one or more compaction passes
for each pass of the compaction system, the compaction system
comprising: a belt; and a sun element having a first axis and
positioned within the belt; and a planet element engaged with the
sun element and the belt, the planet element configured to revolve
around the sun element and the first axis, wherein the belt
revolves around the sun element, wherein for every revolution of
the belt around the sun element, the planet element completes one
or more revolutions around the sun element and provides one or more
compaction passes through the belt.
2. The compaction system of claim 1, wherein the planet element is
further configured to rotate about a second axis parallel to the
first axis, wherein the second axis revolves around the first
axis.
3. The compaction system of claim 1 further comprising a planet
carrier coupled to the sun element and the planet element.
4. The compaction system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality
of planet elements defining a plurality of second axes, each of the
plurality of planet elements is angularly offset around a
circumference of the sun element.
5. The compaction system of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality
of planet elements is further transversely offset around the
circumference of the sun element.
6. The compaction system of claim 1, wherein the planet element
completes multiple revolutions around the sun element for one
revolution of the belt.
7. The compaction system of claim 1, wherein the planet element is
any one of a pneumatic tire and a metallic roller.
8. The compaction system of claim 1 further comprises a vibratory
mechanism.
9. A compaction machine comprising: a frame; a power source
provided on the frame; and at least one compaction system rotatably
coupled to the frame, the at least one compaction system configured
for providing one or more compaction passes for each pass of the at
least one compaction system, the at least one compaction system
comprising: a belt; and a sun element having a first axis and
positioned within the belt; and a planet element engaged with the
sun element and the belt, the planet element configured to revolve
around the sun element and the first axis, wherein the belt
revolves around the sun element, wherein for every revolution of
the belt around the sun element, the planet element completes one
or more revolutions around the sun element and provides one or more
compaction passes through the belt.
10. The compaction machine of claim 9, wherein the planet element
is further configured to rotate about a second axis parallel to the
first axis, wherein the second axis revolves around the first
axis.
11. The compaction machine of claim 9 further comprising a planet
carrier coupled to the sun element and the planet element.
12. The compaction machine of claim 9 further comprising a
plurality of planet elements defining a plurality of second axes,
each of the plurality of planet elements is angularly offset around
a circumference of the sun element.
13. The compaction machine of claim 12, wherein each of the
plurality of planet elements is further transversely offset around
the circumference of the sun element.
14. The compaction machine of claim 9, wherein the planet element
completes multiple revolutions around the sun element for one
revolution of the belt.
15. The compaction machine of claim 9, wherein the planet element
is any one of a pneumatic tire and a metallic roller.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a compaction system for a
machine, and more specifically to a rotary assembly of the
compaction system.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, compaction of soil and asphalt surfaces is
performed by a compaction machine making one or more passes over
the surface. In some situations, a metallic roller may be used to
perform the passes of compaction. However, the metallic roller may
generate cracks in the asphalt surface due to over compaction
and/or a weight of the metallic roller which may eventually lead to
failure of the asphalt surface. In some situations, a rubber roller
may be used to perform the passes of compaction. The rubber roller
may eliminate the generation of cracks in the asphalt surface.
However, the rubber roller may require multiple passes, and
generally more passes than the metallic roller, in order to yield a
required level of compaction of the asphalt surface. Multiple
machine passes are time consuming and result in lower productivity
of the compaction machine and higher cost to accomplish the
required compaction.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,350,082, hereinafter referred to as the '082
patent, discloses a method of compacting a mat of hot mix asphalt
laid by an advancing asphalt paver. The method includes advancing
an asphalt compactor over the laid asphalt such that a compaction
surface of the compactor, formed by a lower run of at least one
belt, is engaged with any one portion of the mat. The compaction is
achieved using a compactor. The compactor includes two
longitudinally spaced modular compaction units connected relative
to each other. The modular compaction units include a compaction
belt and a plurality of rollers within the compaction belt. The
compaction belt and the plurality of rollers are configured to
provide one or more runs over the surface for providing compaction
thereof.
[0004] The '082 patent discloses a system or a method to provide
compaction of soil and/or asphalt surfaces using only a limited
number of passes in a single pass of the machine. The number of
passes provided by the machine in every pass of the machine may be
limited by the number of rollers provided within the belt.
Additionally, the system disclosed in the '082 patent is overly
complex as compared to compaction machines known in the art. Hence,
there is a need for an improved compaction system for performing
the compaction process.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a compaction system
for providing one or more compaction passes for each pass of the
compaction system is provided. The compaction system includes a
belt and a sun element having a first axis and positioned within
the belt. The compaction system also includes a planet element
engaged with the sun element and the belt. The planet element is
configured to revolve around the sun element and the first axis.
The belt also revolves around the sun element. Further, for every
revolution of the belt around the sun element, the planet element
completes one or more revolutions around the sun element.
[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a compaction
machine is provided. The compaction machine includes a frame and a
power source provided on the frame. The compaction machine includes
at least one compaction system rotatably coupled to the frame. The
at least one compaction system is configured for providing one or
more compaction passes for each pass of the at least one compaction
system. The at least one compaction system includes a belt and a
sun element having a first axis and positioned within the belt. The
at least one compaction system also includes a planet element
engaged with the sun element and the belt. The planet element is
configured to revolve around the sun element and the first axis.
The belt also revolves around the sun element. Further, for every
revolution of the belt around the sun element, the planet element
completes one or more revolutions around the sun element.
[0007] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a
compaction system for providing one or more compaction passes for
each pass of the compaction system is provided. The compaction
system includes a sun element having a first axis. The compaction
system also includes a pneumatic tire engaged with the sun element.
The pneumatic tire is configured to revolve around the sun element
and the first axis. Further, for every revolution of the compaction
system, the pneumatic tire completes one or more revolutions around
the sun element.
[0008] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be
apparent from the following description and the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exemplary machine, according to an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross sectional view of a rotary
assembly of a compaction system, according to an embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the rotary assembly,
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0012] FIGS. 4-6 are schematic representations of different
exemplary drive configurations of the rotary assembly, according to
an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used
throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts.
Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary machine 100 is illustrated. More
specifically, the machine 100 is a soil compactor. In other
embodiments, the machine 100 may be any other machine known in the
art, such as, a pneumatic compactor, an asphalt compactor, a
utility compactor, a landfill compactor, and so on. The machine 100
is configured to compact a surface by providing one or more passes
while compacting the surface.
[0014] The machine 100 includes a frame or a chassis 102. The frame
102 is configured to support and/or mount one or more components of
the machine 100. The machine 100 includes an enclosure 104 provided
on the frame 102. The enclosure 104 is configured to house a power
source (not shown). The power source may be any power source known
in the art including, but not limited to, an internal combustion
engine, an electric motor and so on, or a combination thereof. The
power source is configured to provide power to the machine 100 for
operational and mobility requirements. The machine 100 includes one
or more ground engaging members 106 such as, wheels drivably
coupled to the power source. The ground engaging members 106 are
configured to provide mobility to the machine 100 on a ground
surface.
[0015] The machine 100 includes an operator cabin 108 provided on
the frame 102. The operator cabin 108 may include one or more
control devices (not shown) such as a joystick, a steering wheel,
pedals, levers, buttons, switches, and so on. The control device is
configured to enable an operator to control the machine 100 on the
ground surface as per operational requirements. The operator cabin
108 may also include an operator interface such as, a display
device, a sound source, a light source, or a combination thereof.
The operator interface may be configured to provide information to
the operator related to various machine parameters.
[0016] The machine 100 includes a compaction system 110 rotatably
coupled to a support structure 112. The support structure 112
extends from the frame 102. In other embodiments, the machine 100
may include more than one compaction systems 110. For example, in
one embodiment, another compaction system 110 may be provided by
replacing the ground engaging members 106. The compaction system
110 is configured to provide one or more passes of compaction on
the ground surface and will be explained later in detail. In some
embodiments, the compaction system 110 may include a vibratory
apparatus (not shown). The vibratory apparatus may be configured to
provide vibration pulses on the ground surface during compaction
thereof. In other embodiments, the compaction system 110 may be
employed as an attachment to a machine such as a skid steer loader,
a wheel loader, a track loader, an integrated tool carrier, an
asphalt paver, and so on.
[0017] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic cross sectional view of the
compaction system 110 is illustrated. The compaction system 110
includes a belt 202. The belt 202 may be made of any polymeric
material, such as, rubber and so on. The belt 202 is configured to
roll on the ground surface in a direction 203 during propulsion of
the machine 100 thereon. The belt 202 is also configured to enclose
a rotary assembly 204 of the compaction system 110. In some
embodiments, the belt 202 may be omitted. Accordingly, the rotary
assembly 204 may directly contact the ground surface.
[0018] The rotary assembly 204 includes a sun element 206 defining
a first axis A-A'. The sun element 206 has an elongated cylindrical
configuration. The sun element 206 may be made of any metal or an
alloy known in the art. Additionally, the sun element 206 may
include a layer of an elastomeric material provided on an outer
surface of the sun element 206. The layer of the elastomeric
material is configured to provide a frictional engagement between
the sun element 206 and other components of the rotary assembly 204
and will be explained later in detail. In some embodiments, the sun
element 206 may be omitted.
[0019] The rotary assembly 204 includes a plurality of planet
elements 208. In other embodiments, the rotary assembly 204 may
include a single planet element 208. In other embodiments, the
plurality of planet elements 208 may include two planet elements
208, three planet elements 208, four planet elements 208, and so on
based on system design and configuration. Each of the plurality of
planet elements 208 is frictionally engaged with the sun element
206 and the belt 202. More specifically, a surface of each of the
plurality of planet elements 208 is provided in contact with a
surface of the sun element 206 and a surface of the belt 202. As a
result, each of the plurality of planet elements 208 may move
around the sun element 206 and/or the belt 202 due to friction
between the surfaces thereof and complete one or more revolutions
around the sun element 206 for every revolution of the belt
202.
[0020] In the embodiment, when the belt 202 may be omitted, each of
the plurality of planet elements 208 may be frictionally engaged
with the sun element 206 only or may be solely supported by the
frame 102 and/or the support structure 112. In such a situation,
each of the planet elements 208 may directly contact the ground
surface during propulsion of the machine 100 thereon. In the
embodiment, when the sun element 206 may be omitted, each of the
plurality of planet elements 208 may be frictionally engaged with
the belt 202 only. Each of the plurality of planet elements 208 is
rotatably coupled to a planet axle 402 (shown in FIG. 4) through a
planet bearing 406 (shown in FIG. 4). The planet axle 402 is
provided along a second axis B-B' such that the second axis B-B' is
parallel to the first axis A-A'.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of planet elements
208 is angularly offset by an angle "A1" along a circumference of
the sun element 206. Each of the plurality of planet elements 208
is configured to revolve around the sun element 206 and the belt
202 about the first axis A-A'. Each of the plurality of planet
elements 208 is also configured to rotate about the second axis
B-B'. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of planet elements
208 may be a pneumatic tire. In such a situation, the plurality of
pneumatic tires may be frictionally engaged with the sun element
206. Each of the plurality of pneumatic tires may be configured to
revolve around the sun element 206 about the first axis A-A' and
complete one or more revolutions around the sun element 206 for
every revolution of the compaction system 110. In other
embodiments, each of the plurality of planet elements 208 may
include, but not limited to, a hydraulic tire, a cylindrical roller
made of any metal, and so on. In yet other embodiments, the
plurality of planet elements 208 may be a combination of the
pneumatic tires, the hydraulic tires, the cylindrical roller, and
so on.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic representation of the
rotary assembly 204 is illustrated. More specifically, FIG. 3
illustrates an arrangement of the plurality of planet elements 208
with respect to the unrolled belt 202. In addition to the angularly
offset arrangement of the planet elements 208 with respect to the
sun element 206, each of the plurality of planet elements 208 is
also axially offset with respect from one another as defined by a
distance "D". Further, each of the plurality of planet elements 208
is also transversely offset by an angle "A2" around the
circumference of the sun element 206. The transverse offset is a
combination of the angular offset and the axial offset arrangement
of each of the planet elements 208.
[0023] The angular, axial and transversely offset arrangement of
the planet elements 208 forms a staggered pattern of the planet
elements 208 around the sun element 206. It should be noted that a
number of planet elements 208 and/or number of staggered rows shown
in the illustrated figures is merely exemplary and may vary as per
system design and configuration. Also, values of the angle "A1",
the angle "A2' and/or the distance "D" may vary as per required
configuration of the angular, axial and/or transversely offset
arrangement. The plurality of planet elements 208 is configured to
provide multiple passes of compaction on the ground surface and
will be explained in detail later. In the embodiment, when the belt
202 may be omitted, and each of the plurality of planet elements
208 may include the pneumatic tires, each of the plurality of
pneumatic tires may directly contact the ground surface and provide
one pass of compaction thereon per rotation of the rotary assembly
204.
[0024] The rotary assembly 204 includes a planet carrier 408 (shown
in FIG. 4). The planet carrier 408 is coupled to the sun element
206 and at least one of the plurality of planet elements 208. The
planet carrier 408 is configured to align the at least one of the
plurality of planet elements 208 with respect to the sun element
206. The planet carrier 408 is also configured to rotate about the
first axis A-A' and/or the sun element 206 based on the revolution
of the planet element 208 about the sun element 206. The planet
carrier 408 may rotate about the sun element 206 at a speed
determined by diameter ratios between the sun element 206, the
planet elements 208, the belt 202, a linear speed of the machine
100, and so on, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the
speed of the planet carrier 408 may also be directly controlled or
driven (shown in FIG. 6).
[0025] The planet carrier 408 has a circular disc configuration.
The planet carrier 408 may be made of any metal or an alloy known
in the art. Further, in the embodiment when the planet carrier 408
may be provided between the sun element 206 and each of the
plurality of planet elements 208, a tie rod 602 (shown in FIG. 6)
may be provided between adjacent planet carriers 408. The tie rod
602 is configured to align the planet carriers 408 with respect to
one another and the sun element 206.
[0026] The rotary assembly 204 may include at least one of the belt
202, the sun element 206, the at least one planet element 208 and
the planet carrier 408 as a driven member based on different drive
configurations of the rotary assembly 204. Different drive
configurations of the rotary assembly 204 will be explained with
reference to FIGS. 4 to 6.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary first drive configuration
400 of the rotary assembly 204 is illustrated. In the first drive
configuration 400, the sun element 206 is fixedly coupled to the
support structure 112. The planet element 208 is frictionally
coupled to the sun element 206 and the belt 202. Also, the planet
carrier 408 is provided between the sun element 206 and the planet
element 208. More specifically, the planet carrier 408 is rotatably
coupled to the sun element 206 through a carrier bearing 404. Also,
the planet carrier 408 is fixedly coupled to the planet axle 402 of
the planet element 208.
[0028] In such a configuration, the machine 100 is propelled on the
ground surface by the ground engaging members 106 (shown in FIG.
1). The belt 202 rotates relative to the frame 102 due to a
frictional engagement between the belt 202 and the ground surface.
Accordingly, the planet element 208 revolves around the sun element
206 and rotates about the planet axle 402 due to the frictional
engagement between the planet element 208 and the belt 202.
Further, as the planet element 208 revolves about the sun element
206, the planet carrier 408 also rotates about the sun element 206.
The revolution and rotation of the planet element 208 results in
multiple passes of compaction on the ground surface through the
belt 202 per revolution of the belt 202 on the ground surface. In
other words, the planet element 208 makes multiple revolutions for
every single revolution of the belt 202.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary second drive configuration
500 of the rotary assembly 204 is illustrated. In the second drive
configuration 500, the sun element 206 is rotatably coupled to the
frame 102 of the machine 100 through a sun bearing 502.
Additionally, the sun element 206 is coupled to a drive source 504,
such as, a motor. Accordingly, the sun element 206 is the driven
member. The motor may be any electric or a hydraulic motor known in
the art.
[0030] Further, the planet element 208 is frictionally engaged with
the sun element 206 and the belt 202. Also, the planet carrier 408
is provided between the sun element 206 and the planet element 208.
More specifically, the planet carrier 408 is rotatably coupled to
the sun element 206 through the carrier bearing 404. Further, the
planet carrier 408 is fixedly coupled to the planet axle 402 of the
planet element 208. In such a configuration, the sun element 206 is
driven by the drive source 504. Based on the rotation of the sun
element 206, the planet element 208 revolves about the sun element
206 due to the frictional engagement therebetween. Accordingly, the
planet carrier 408 also rotates about the sun element 206. Also,
the planet element 208 rotates about the planet axle 402.
[0031] The revolution and/or rotation of the planet element 208
results in multiple passes of compaction on the ground surface
through the belt 202 per revolution of the belt 202 on the ground
surface. In this configuration, it may be possible to maintain the
belt 202 stationary and the rotary assembly 204 operational.
Accordingly, multiple passes of compaction may be provided by the
planet elements 208 through the belt 202 on same portion of the
ground surface. The machine 100 is propelled on the ground surface
by the ground engaging members 106. Accordingly, the belt 202
rotates relative to the frame 102 due to the frictional engagement
between the belt 202 and the ground surface.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary third drive configuration
600 of the rotary assembly 204 is illustrated. In the third drive
configuration 600, the sun element 206 is rotatably coupled to the
frame 102 of the machine 100 through the sun bearing 502.
Additionally, the sun element 206 is coupled to the drive source
504. Accordingly, the sun element 206 is the driven member in such
a configuration. Further, the planet element 208 is frictionally
coupled to the sun element 206 and the belt 202.
[0033] Also, the planet carrier 408 is coupled to the sun element
206 and the planet element 208. More specifically, the planet
carrier 408 is rotatably coupled to the sun element 206 through the
carrier bearing 404. Further, the planet carrier 408 is fixedly
coupled to the planet axle 402 of the planet element 208.
Additionally or optionally, the planet carrier 408 is coupled to a
second drive source 604, such as, a motor. The motor may be any
electric or a hydraulic motor known in the art. Accordingly, the
planet carrier 408 is also the driven member in this configuration.
The planet carrier 408 may be coupled to the second drive source
604 through a chain drive, a gear drive and/or a belt drive.
[0034] In such a configuration, based on the rotation of the sun
element 206 and the planet carrier 408 by the drive source 504 and
the second drive source 604 respectively, the planet element 208
revolves about the sun element 206. The planet element 208 revolves
about the sun element 206 due to the frictional engagement
therebetween. Also, the planet element 208 rotates about the planet
axle 402. The rotation and revolution of the planet element 208 is
based on the diameter ratios between the sun element 206, the
planet element 208, the belt 202, the linear speed of the machine
100, and so on, or a combination thereof. In such a drive
configuration, the drive source 504 and the second drive source 604
may provide propulsion to the machine 100 through the belt 202
based on the input speeds of the drive source 504, the second drive
source 604 and/or the diameter ratios between the sun element 206,
the planet element 208 and/or the belt 202.
[0035] Additionally, the belt 202 rotates relative to the frame 102
due to the frictional engagement between the belt 202 and the
planet element 208. The revolution and rotation of the planet
element 208 results in multiple passes of compaction on the ground
surface through the belt 202 per revolution of the belt 202 on the
ground surface. Further, the machine 100 is propelled on the ground
surface by the belt 202 due to the frictional engagement
therebetween. Optionally, the machine 100 may also be propelled on
the ground surface by the ground engaging members 106.
[0036] In another embodiment (not shown) of the third drive
configuration 600, the planet element 208 may be provided in the
frictional engagement with only the belt 202. As such, a clearance
may be provided between the planet element 208 and the sun element
206 in order to prevent contact and the frictional engagement
therebetween. In one embodiment, the sun element 206 may be fixedly
coupled to the frame 102. In another embodiment, the sun element
206 may be rotatably coupled to the frame 102 through the sun
bearing 502. The drive source 504 for the sun element 206 may also
be omitted. Further, the planet carrier 408 may be driven by the
second drive source 604.
[0037] In such a configuration, based on the rotation of the planet
carrier 408 by the second drive source 604, the planet element 208
revolves about the sun element 206. Also, the planet element 208
rotates about the planet axle 402. Additionally, the belt 202
rotates relative to the frame 102 due to the frictional engagement
between the belt 202 and the planet element 208. The revolution and
rotation of the planet element 208 results in multiple passes of
compaction on the ground surface through the belt 202 per
revolution of the belt 202 on the ground surface. In this
configuration, it may be possible to maintain the belt 202
stationary and the rotary assembly 204 operational. Accordingly,
multiple passes of compaction may be provided by the planet element
208 through the belt 202 on the same portion of the ground surface.
The machine 100 may be propelled on the ground surface by the
ground engaging members 106.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0038] The present disclosure provides the compaction system having
the rotary assembly. The compaction system may provide multiple
passes of compaction on the ground surface per revolution of the
belt thereon. In some situations, the compaction system may provide
multiple passes of compaction on the same portion of the ground
surface while maintaining the belt stationary. In some situations,
the belt may be omitted such that the rotary assembly may directly
contact the ground surface and provide multiple passes of
compaction thereon. Further, the compaction system may prevent or
reduce transverse scuffing and/or tearing of the ground surface
during steering or maneuvering of the machine.
[0039] In the first drive configuration 400, during rotation of the
belt 202 with respect to the frame 102 of the machine 100, the
plurality of planet elements 208 may revolve about the sun element
206 and the belt 202. Also, the plurality of planet elements 208
may rotate about the planet axle 402. Accordingly, the plurality of
planet elements 208 may provide multiple passes of compaction on
the ground surface per revolution of the belt 202 on the ground
surface.
[0040] In the second drive configuration 500, the sun element 206
may be driven by the drive source 504. Further, the plurality of
planet elements 208 may revolve about the sun element 206 and the
belt 202. Also, the plurality of planet elements 208 may rotate
about the planet axle 402. Accordingly, the plurality of planet
elements 208 may provide multiple passes of compaction on the
ground surface per revolution of the belt 202 on the ground
surface. In this configuration, it may be possible to maintain the
belt 202 stationary and provide multiple passes of compaction on
the same portion of the ground surface.
[0041] In the third drive configuration 600, the sun element 206
and the planet carrier 408 may be driven by the drive source 504
and the second drive source 604 respectively. Further, the
plurality of planet elements 208 may revolve about the sun element
206 and the belt 202. Also, the plurality of planet elements 208
may rotate about the planet axle 402. Accordingly, the plurality of
planet elements 208 may provide multiple passes of compaction on
the ground surface per revolution of the belt 202 on the ground
surface. In this configuration, it may be possible to propel the
machine 100 on the ground surface by the compaction system 110.
[0042] In another embodiment of the third drive configuration 600,
the plurality of planet elements 208 may be provided in frictional
engagement with the belt 202 only. Also, only the planet carrier
408 may be driven by the second drive source 604. The plurality of
planet elements 208 may revolve about the sun element 206 and the
belt 202. Also, the plurality of planet elements 208 may rotate
about the planet axle 402. Accordingly, the plurality of planet
elements 208 may provide multiple passes of compaction on the
ground surface per revolution of the belt 202 on the ground
surface. In this configuration, it may be possible to maintain the
belt 202 stationary and provide multiple passes of compaction on
the same portion of the ground surface.
[0043] Multiple passes of compaction provided by the rotary
assembly 204 may reduced formation of cracks in the ground surface
or an asphalt surface, thus, preventing failure and erosion
thereof. Further, providing multiple passes of compaction per
revolution of the belt 202 or providing multiple passes on the same
portion of the ground surface by maintaining the belt 202
stationary may lead to improved productivity of the machine 100 and
cost efficiency of the compaction process.
[0044] 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 what is disclosed. Such
embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the
present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any
equivalents thereof.
* * * * *