Apparatus and method for an automatic traction system

An automatic traction system adapted for use on a paving machine having a steering cylinder, one or more wheels, and a joystick, said automatic traction system comprising:

• (a) a joystick sensor, said joystick sensor being adapted to determine a joystick position;
• (b) a steering sensor, said steering sensor being adapted to determine a steering cylinder position;
• (c) a speed sensor, said speed sensor being adapted to determine an actual speed of one or more of the one or more wheels;
• (d) a Posi-Lock valve, said Posi-Lock valve being adapted to be moved between an open position and a closed position and being in fluid communication with one or more of the one or more wheels;
• (e) a Front-Wheel-Assist valve, said Front-Wheel-Assist valve being adapted to be moved between an open position and a closed position and being in fluid communication with one or more of the one or more wheels;
• (f) a controller, said controller being adapted to communicate with the joystick sensor, the steering sensor, the speed sensor, the Posi-Lock valve, and the Front-Wheel-Assist valve;
• wherein the automatic traction system automatically controls the rotational speed of the one or more wheels of the paving machine in the event that one or more of the one or more wheels lose traction.

A method for controlling the movement of a paving machine having a steering cylinder, one or more wheels, and a joystick, said method comprising:

• (a) providing an automatic traction system, said automatic traction system comprising:
• (i) a joystick sensor, said joystick sensor being adapted to determine a joystick position;
• (ii) a steering sensor, said steering sensor being adapted to determine a steering cylinder position;
• (iii) a speed sensor, said speed sensor being adapted to determine an actual speed of one or more of the one or more wheels;
• (iv) a valve, said valve being adapted to be moved between an open position and a closed position and being in fluid communication with one or more of the one or more wheels;
• (v) a controller, said controller being adapted to communicate with the joystick sensor, the steering sensor, the speed sensor, and the valve;
• wherein the automatic traction system automatically controls the rotational speed of the one or more wheels of the paving machine in the event that one or more of the one or more wheels lose traction;
• (b) moving the valve between the open position and the closed position.