Non-contacting Optical Sensor

Sensors for NIVELTRONIC Plus®, the VÖGELE System for Automated Grade and Slope Control

In the two last Articles, we presented the acoustic and mechanical sensors for NIVELTRONIC Plus®, the VÖGELE System for Automated Grade and Slope Control. These two categories already include the right sensors for a wide range of different applications. However, there may be tasks for which another solution delivers the best results in terms of grade and slope control. This third solution is a non-contacting optical sensor. In Part 3 of our series, we would like to present details of the VÖGELE Laser Receiver.

PART 3: Non-contacting Optical Sensor

Unlike the acoustic sensors presented in Part 1, optical sensors do not use sonic sound, but laser beams. The great advantage of optical sensors is that the accuracy of the measurements cannot be impaired by external influences such as wind or air density fluctuations. Another benefit is the large range of laser beams, permitting distances up to 200m between the transmitter and the receiver.

Laser Receiver

When using a Laser Receiver for grade and slope control, the grade is determined through the reception of laser beams. A rotating beam emitted by the laser transmitter generates an accurate plane of laser light. This plane is picked up by the Laser Receiver and serves as an artificial reference. The advantage: the laser plane is independent of ground conditions.

Large measuring range of 22cm

If the receiver moves above or below the laser plane, the deviation in grade is detected and signals for correction are emitted to NIVELTRONIC Plus®, the VÖGELE System for Automated Grade and Slope Control. The system then moves the hydraulic rams for the screed tow points up or down, bringing the screed back to its correct position. Thanks to its wide measuring range of ± 11cm, the Laser Receiver can also be used on bases with large irregularities. No adjustment in height is required for the rotary laser or the Laser Receiver.

Installation at 4.5m allows uninterrupted measurement

Depending on the type of rotary laser used, the paver can work within a radius of up to 200m from the laser transmitter. The possibility of positioning the Laser Receiver at a great height is a particular advantage of the system. Installing it at a height of up to 4.5m guarantees uninterrupted operation even with job site vehicles passing.

The ideal sensor for large areas

The VÖGELE Laser Receiver is ideal, above all, for use on large areas featuring a constant longitudinal grade and transverse slope – such as stadiums, car parks or storage areas, etc.

Use of various sensor systems

The Laser Receiver can be combined with any other sensor from the VÖGELE range of products to control the other side of the screed, thus opening up a variety of different applications. Of course, it is also possible to combine two Laser Receivers.

The VÖGELE Laser Receiver at a Glance

The VÖGELE Laser Receiver is ideal, above all, when paving large areas (such as sports stadiums, car parks, storage yards, etc.).
The rotating beam emitted by the laser transmitter produces a laser plane, which is picked up by the Laser Receiver on the paver.
Should the Laser Receiver on the paver move above or below the laser plane, signals for correction are emitted to NIVELTRONIC Plus®, the VÖGELE System for Automated Grade and Slope Control.
The VÖGELE Laser Receiver can be used with standard-type rotary lasers featuring wavelengths between 670 and 1,000nm. Various makes are possible.
Positioning the Laser Receiver at a height up to 4.5m guarantees uninterrupted operation even with job site vehicles passing.