XCMG has introduced a revolutionary "Paver Link" system for its RP903 series pavers, addressing the difficult coordination between the paver and the material transfer vehicle (MTV) in high-grade highway construction. In traditional paving, the operator of the feeder truck must visually judge the material level in the paver's hopper. If the hopper runs empty, the screed settles, creating a dip in the road. If the hopper overflows, the material segregates, weakening the road structure.
The Paver Link system uses a wireless communication protocol (private 5G band) to link the paver's control system with the feeder truck's drive system. A laser rangefinder mounted on the paver's hopper monitors the material height in real-time. The paver's ECU calculates the required material feed rate based on the paving width, thickness, and travel speed.
It then sends a "Speed Command" to the feeder truck. For example, if the paver speeds up to 4 m/min, the feeder truck automatically accelerates to match the material supply. If the paver stops (e.g., at a joint), the feeder truck stops instantly. This synchronization ensures the material level in the hopper remains within a narrow optimal range (±5 cm). This automation reduces the "pusher" operator's fatigue and eliminates the risk of "material starvation" which is a primary cause of road surface defects. Additionally, the system logs the amount of asphalt laid, allowing for precise calculation of material consumption and reducing waste by 3%.
