Scraper blade for paving machine

Abstract

A squeegee for a squeegee assembly towed by a mobile paver, the squeegee having a lower textured surface comprising a plurality of protruding members arranged in a tapered pattern. The graded pattern is characterized in that the number or density of the protruding members between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the blade is gradually increased. The graded pattern is also characterized in that the size of the protruding member between the leading edge and the trailing edge is gradually reduced. The protruding components can be designed to be in the shape of a long pyramid, and flow guide grooves are defined between the protruding components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent invention generally relates to mobile paving machines for performing paving operations, and more specifically, to a floating scraper assembly for distributing and compacting paving material to produce a paving mat. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile paving machines, also known as road pavers, are used during paving operations to apply, spread, and compact paving material onto a paving mat on the ground or subgrade to create a smooth, hard surface, such as road surfaces, parking lots, or other paved areas for cars, trucks, and other vehicles to travel on. A typical example of the paving material used to create the paved surface is a hot-mix asphalt mixture, consisting of hard aggregates (such as rock), fine aggregates (such as sand), asphalt binder or adhesive, and possibly other additives and modifiers. The paving material is initially in a loose, almost fluid state to facilitate spreading and distribution on the work surface and to cover the desired area.

[0003] To distribute paving material, a mobile paver can be operatively associated with a scraper assembly attached to and pulled along the paver's direction of travel. The scraper assembly includes one or more straight metal blades attached to the underside of a scraper frame. The paver delivers paving material to a working surface in front of the leading edge of the scraper, which moves over the distributed material as the mobile paver moves forward. The scraper assembly can be self-leveling and attached to the mobile paver to float freely over the distributed paving material, and the weight of the scraper assembly and the flatness of the blades cause the paving material to spread and compact to form a paving mat. In possible variations, the scraper assembly can be configured to vibrate to improve the compaction of the paving material, and the blades can be heated to prevent paving material from adhering to them.

[0004] It is generally desirable to distribute paving material as uniformly and homogeneously as possible to produce a paving mat with sufficient density and smoothness for use as a road surface or similar paving surface that can withstand repeated vehicle traffic and varying weather conditions. To improve the homogeneity and uniformity of aggregate and fine aggregate distribution in asphalt mixtures, U.S. Patent 10,156,050 (“050 Patent”) describes a scraper assembly having a scraper with a textured surface thereon. The textured surface may include corrugations arranged parallel or perpendicular to the travel direction of the mobile paver. The 050 Patent describes texturing the underside of the scraper to make the sorting and distribution of aggregate in the paving material more homogeneous, and thus produce a more durable paving surface. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, the invention describes a scraper for a scraper assembly towed by a mobile paver, comprising: a leading edge and a trailing edge parallel to the leading edge. The scraper also includes an upper attachment surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and a lower textured surface opposite the upper attachment surface. The lower textured surface has a plurality of protruding polyhedral members arranged in a gradient pattern with a gradually increasing number of protruding polyhedral members extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

[0006] In another aspect, the present invention describes a scraper for a scraper assembly towed by a mobile paver, comprising: a leading edge and a trailing edge parallel to the leading edge. The scraper also includes an upper attachment surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge, and a lower textured surface opposite the upper attachment surface. The lower textured surface has a gradient pattern comprising a plurality of protruding members and a plurality of flow guide grooves located between the plurality of protruding members. The plurality of flow guide grooves branch laterally in gradually increasing numbers between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

[0007] In another aspect, the invention describes a method for laying a paving mat. In this method, paving material is received in the hopper of a mobile paver traveling in the direction of travel, and the paving material is conveyed from the hopper to a auger conveyor arranged laterally perpendicular to the direction of travel. The auger conveyor on the paver can laterally distribute the paving material before the scraper frame of the scraper assembly. The distributed paving material can be compacted under a scraper attached to the underside of the scraper frame, thereby guiding the paving material into a plurality of progressively increasing flow grooves defined by a gradient pattern on the scraper. Guiding the paving material into the progressively increasing number of flow grooves causes the paving material to form a plurality of progressively increasing strips to create a homogeneous paving mat behind the tail edge of the scraper. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 This is a side elevation view of a mobile paver with a scraper assembly that moves in the travel direction to produce a homogeneous paving pad on the working surface.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a front perspective view of a scraper assembly that includes scraper extensions extending laterally from a scraper frame and multiple textured scrapers attached to the underside of the scraper frame.

[0010] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the underside of a textured scraper with a gradient pattern, which includes multiple protruding members varying in density, number, and / or size between the leading edge and trailing edge of the scraper.

[0011] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of an example of a gradient pattern on the underside of a scraper, the gradient pattern including first and second rows of protruding members.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a side elevation view of a textured scraper, showing a row of polyhedra with different component heights, with the lateral leveling zone of the polyhedra towards the tail edge progressively leveling. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Now refer to the accompanying drawings, in which, wherever possible, the same reference numerals denote the same components. Figure 1 An example of a mobile paver or paver 100 is shown for laying paving material 102 on the ground, subgrade, or other working surface 104 to produce a paving mat 106, which is laid on and covers the working surface to form a paved surface. The finished paved surface can be used as a pavement, highway, structural foundation, or other surface with characteristics of hardness, smoothness, and durability to withstand repeated vehicle traffic and varying weather conditions, including temperature changes and precipitation. To distribute the paving material 102 onto the working surface 104, the mobile paver 100 is self-propelled and operated to travel in a direction of travel 108 aligned with the longitudinal axis or orientation of the paver. As used herein, the terms “forward” or “guide” may refer to the forward direction of the mobile paver 100 when traveling in the direction of travel 108, and the terms “end,” “rear,” or “tail” may refer to the rearward direction of the mobile paver.

[0014] To contain and carry the paving material 102 before it is dispensed onto the working surface 104, the mobile paver 100 may include a hopper 110 supported on a machine frame or chassis 112 that serves as the load-bearing structural support and frame of the paver. The hopper 110 may be an open box-like structure or container including upwardly extending sidewalls 114 laterally opposed and containing the paving material 102 deposited therein. The hopper 110 may be located at the front end of the mobile paver 100 and may receive the paving material 102 from above via a transport vehicle such as a dump truck. As paving material is dispensed from the mobile paver 100, the hopper 110 may be periodically replenished with fresh paving material delivered from an asphalt plant or facility.

[0015] To guide loose, granular paving material rearward from the hopper 110, the mobile paver 100 includes a conveying system 116 extending through and supported by the chassis 112. The conveying system 116 may include one or more conveyor belts that translate around rotating pulleys or rollers to move the paving material 102 rearward and discharge the material from the mobile paver 100 onto the working surface 104.

[0016] To advance the mobile paver 100 across the working surface 104 during paving operations, the chassis 112 can be supported on multiple ground engagement members 118, which guide and transmit traction and propulsion forces to the working surface 104. One example of the ground engagement member 118 could be a continuous track forming a closed loop around multiple drive sprockets rotatable relative to the chassis 112. The continuous track translates relative to the chassis 112 to move the mobile paver 100 across the working surface 104. Another example of the ground engagement member 118 could be rotatable wheels connected to the chassis 112 via journals.

[0017] To generate power and drive the ground engagement member 118, the mobile paver 100 may include an engine 120 supported on a chassis 112. The engine 120 may be a conventional internal combustion engine that burns hydrocarbon-based fuels to convert the lateral chemical energy therein into power for propulsion and other operations. The engine 120 may also be associated with a generator 122 to generate electricity to power the electrical system of the mobile paver 100. In other possible configurations, the mobile paver 100 may include an electric power system and may be operably driven by multiple energy storage batteries or fuel cells.

[0018] To accommodate the operator for maneuvering and controlling the mobile paver 100, the operator station 124 or operator cab can be located on top of the chassis 112, providing visibility of the working surface 104. The operator station 124 can be equipped with various controls and input control devices 126, such as a steering wheel to change the travel direction 108 of the mobile paver 100, accelerator and brake pedals, gear shifters, and direction shifters. For visual interaction with the operator, the operator station can include an instrument console 128 with various dials, readers, displays, etc. Furthermore, the input control devices 126 and the instrument console 128 can be associated with an electronic controller configured or programmed to receive and process data and information to assist in the operation of the mobile paver 100.

[0019] To distribute the paving material 102 more evenly, a scraper assembly 130 can be coupled to the rear end of the chassis 112 and moved along the travel direction 108 by the mobile paver 100. The scraper assembly 130 can move over the deposited paving material 102. The scraper assembly 130 can be associated with a screw conveyor 132 located behind and below the conveying system 116 and arranged to laterally guide and move the loose paving material 102 discharged from the conveying system 116 toward the side of the chassis 112. The screw conveyor 132 is arranged in a lateral direction 134 or axis, which is perpendicular to the forward and backward travel directions 108 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chassis 112. Furthermore, the screw conveyor 132 is vertically adjacent to the working surface 104 and establishes a vertical direction 135 orthogonal to both the travel direction 108 and the lateral direction 134. The screw conveyor 132 can be a slender rotating structure with helical blades or wings in opposite directions, which push the paving material 104 laterally outward when the helical blades or wings rotate.

[0020] To compress and smooth the granular paving material 102 laterally distributed by the screw conveyor 132, the scraper assembly 130 includes one or more scrapers 136 attached to the underside of the scraper frame 138. The scraper 136 is a metal plate adapted to contact and glide over the paving material 102 deposited on the work surface 104, and the weight and load of the scraper frame 138 compresses the loose paving material 102 into a denser, harder paving mat 106.

[0021] To increase the compressive force applied to the paving pad 106, the scraper frame 138 may include an internal eccentric counterweight that generates a vibratory force in the vertical direction 135, causing the scraper 136 in contact with the paving material 102 to vibrate. To prevent the paving material 102 from cooling and adhering to the scraper 136, the scraper assembly 130 may be associated with an induction heater located in the scraper frame 138.

[0022] To adjust the thickness of the paving mat 106, the scraper assembly 130 can be pivotally connected to the chassis 112 via one or more drawbars 140. The scraper frame 138 can be pivotally tilted relative to the chassis 112 to adjust the angle of attack, or the angle at which the scraper 136 encounters and contacts the paving material 102 on the work surface 104 after leaving the conveyor system 116. Adjusting the angle of attack allows the scraper 136 to move and slide on the paving material 102, thereby allowing the scraper assembly 130 to float relative to the work surface 104. To raise and lower the scraper assembly 130 in the vertical direction 135 to contact and disengage from the work surface 104, one or more extendable and retractable hydraulic lifting cylinders 141 can also be connected between the chassis 112 and the scraper frame 138.

[0023] Reference Figure 2 The scraper assembly 130 can extend in the lateral direction 134 to adjust the lateral width of the scraper frame 138. For example, the scraper frame 138 can include a main scraper section 142 and first and second extension scraper sections 144 positioned toward opposite lateral ends of the scraper assembly 130. The extension scraper sections 144 can be located behind the main scraper section 142, and these structures can be slidably connected together, for example, by a sliding dovetail guide. In another configuration, the extension scraper sections 144 can be mounted toward the front of the scraper frame 138 relative to the travel direction 108.

[0024] The scraper assembly 130 may also include a hydraulically actuated extension cylinder 146 operably connecting the main scraper section 142 to the first and second extension scraper sections 144. Actuation of the extension cylinder 146 causes the first and second extension scraper sections 144 to move relative to the main scraper section 142 in a lateral direction 134. To maintain the lateral distribution of the paving material 104, the first and second extension scraper sections 144 may each include a lateral flange 148 or blade parallel to and aligned in the travel direction 108.

[0025] Scraper 136 can be detachably attached to the underside of the main scraper section 142 and the first and second extension scraper sections 144. A plurality of scrapers 136 can extend across the lateral width of the scraper frame 138 to produce a continuous, smooth, straight paving mat 106 that extends across the lateral direction 134 and toward the rear of the scraper assembly 130 in the travel direction 108.

[0026] The front portion of the scraper frame 138 may also include a front panel extending upward from its intersection with the scraper 136, which may be configured as a solid planar panel extending in the lateral direction 134. The front portion of the scraper frame 138 pushes excess paving material 102 discharged from the conveying system forward in the travel direction 108 until the material flows under the scraper 136 and is compressed by the scraper 136. The scraper assembly 130 may also include a vibration damping bar adjacent to the front portion of the scraper frame 138, which is capable of moving rapidly and repeatedly upward and downward in the vertical direction 135 to dampen and compact the paving material flowing under the scraper 136.

[0027] Reference Figure 3Each scraper 136 can be generally rectangular in shape, having a rectangular outline 150 or boundary, and can have a lower textured surface 152 and an upper attachment surface 154 opposite the lower textured surface. When the scraper 136 is attached to the scraper frame, the lower textured surface 152 is oriented to contact the paving material moving below it, and the upper attachment surface 154 abuts against the scraper frame. The upper attachment surface 154 can be flat and planar, although in some configurations, the upper attachment surface 154 may include mounting and attachment features to secure the scraper 136 to the scraper frame.

[0028] The lower textured surface 152 and the upper attachment surface 154 can extend between the leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158 of the rectangular slab profile 150. The terms leading edge 156 and trailing edge 158 refer to the travel direction 108 of the mobile paver and reflect the movement of the scraper 136 relative to the working surface.

[0029] The leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158 may be linear and parallel to each other in the lateral direction 134. The distance between the leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158 corresponds to the longitudinal length of the scraper 136 and may extend in conjunction with the length of the scraper frame in the travel direction 108. To help guide the paving material under the scraper 136, the leading edge 156 may be slightly upturned in the vertical direction 135.

[0030] The rectangular plate profile 150 may also include parallel first and second side edges 160, 162 extending between a leading edge 156 and a trailing edge 158. The distance between the first and second side edges 160, 162 corresponds to the width of the sieve plate 136 in the transverse direction 134. The first and second side edges 160, 162 may be linear and straight to seamlessly abut against the side edges of adjacent scrapers 136 when attached to the scraper frame.

[0031] To improve the mixing of the paving material beneath the scraper 136, the lower textured surface 152 can have a three-dimensional textured pattern of protruding members 166 and corresponding guide grooves 168 located between them that apply non-uniformity to the scraper 136. Therefore, the three-dimensional topology of the lower textured surface 152 has a structural variation relative to the vertical direction 135. The structural non-uniformity and topographical variation of the lower textured surface 152 may cause displacement of larger aggregates in the paving material. The movement and displacement of the paving material caused by the lower textured surface 152 can further embed the aggregates into the fine aggregates and binders, resulting in a denser and smoother paving mat. Furthermore, the additional mixing caused by the lower textured surface 152 may lead to a more homogeneous distribution of aggregates and fine aggregates within the paving material 102, and may also improve the properties of the resulting paving mat 106.

[0032] Reference Figure 3 The three-dimensional topological structure of the lower textured surface 152 can be a gradient pattern 164, wherein the variability and non-uniformity of the texture gradually change between the leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158 of the scraper 136. For example, the gradient pattern 164 does not have a uniform topological structure, characterized in that the elevation variation associated with the lower textured surface 152 varies in degree or magnitude along the travel direction 108 over the entire length of the scraper 136. Furthermore, the density and concentration of the texture associated with the gradient pattern 164 may change and vary between the leading and trailing edges 156, 158 of the lower textured surface 152.

[0033] In one embodiment, the gradient pattern 164 is structurally characterized by a plurality of protruding members 166 each having a three-dimensional structural extension, particularly including an extension along the vertical direction 135. Furthermore, the protruding members 166 can be arranged adjacent to each other or tightly packed to define a plurality of flow-guiding grooves 168 between adjacent members. The arrangement of the protruding members 166 and the flow-guiding grooves 168 results in a variable elevation relative to the vertical direction 135.

[0034] As the lower textured surface 152 moves relative to the working surface, the flow channel 168 guides the paving material between adjacent protrusions 166. The flow channel 168 may extend generally along the travel direction 108 across the length of the lower textured surface 152. Furthermore, as described below, the protrusions 166 may be staggered and scattered, causing the flow channel 168 to bend or laterally shift relative to the lateral direction 134. As the flow channel extends from the leading edge 156 toward the trailing edge 158, the flow channel 168 may present a curved or zigzag pattern across the lower textured surface 152.

[0035] Reference Figure 4 In one embodiment, the protruding members can each be structurally constructed as a polyhedron, or a three-dimensional shape with polygonal faces that intersect each other to form sharp edges or vertices. In an embodiment of the protruding polyhedron member 170, the structure can be further characterized as a pyramid having a polygonal member base 172 that extends in elevation and converges to a common vertex 174. The member base 172 can have multiple linear sides that intersect each other. Member faces 176 extend between the various linear sides or edges of the member base 172 and converge to a common member vertex 174. The distance between the member base 172 and the member vertex 174 defines the member height 178 in the vertical direction 135.

[0036] In one embodiment, the protruding polyhedral member 170 can be a quadrilateral or rhomboid pyramid with four member faces 176. In another embodiment, the rhomboid protruding polyhedral member 170 can be an elongated rhombus or rhombus, wherein the member base 172 has sides or edges of equal length but intersecting angles or vertices with different angles. When incorporated into the lower textured surface 152 of the scraper, the rhomboid protruding polyhedral member 170 can be rectangular and aligned in the travel direction 108 such that the member base 172 has a length greater than its width in the transverse direction 134. For example, the elongated rhomboid or rhomboid shape of the protruding polyhedral member 170 can have a first diagonal or main diagonal 180 aligned parallel to the travel direction 108, which is longer than a second diagonal or secondary diagonal 182 aligned parallel to the transverse direction 134 and perpendicular to the travel direction 108.

[0037] Furthermore, when aligned in the direction of travel 108, the rhomboid protruding polyhedron member 170 can have a guide vertex 184 or guide angle formed by the intersection of two member faces 176 oriented forward relative to the direction of travel 108. The guide vertex 184 and the edge extending therefrom extend at a certain angle or slope relative to the direction of travel 108 between the member base 172 and the member vertex 174, thereby increasing the member height 178 of the protruding polyhedron member 170 in the vertical direction 135. The rhomboid protruding polyhedron member 170 can also have a tail vertex 186 opposite to the guide vertex 184, the edge of which also extends at a certain angle relative to the direction of travel 108 and converges with the guide vertex 184 at the member vertex 174.

[0038] Refer again Figure 3 The gradient pattern 164 is characterized by varying the shape and / or size of multiple protruding members 166 along the length of the lower textured surface 152 between the leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158 of the scraper 136. For example, each protruding member 166 has a base area associated with a member base 172, and the base area of ​​the protruding member 166 can gradually decrease between the leading edge and the trailing edges 156, 158. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the rhomboid protruding polyhedral member 170, the base area can be calculated according to the following equation:

[0039] Base area = 1 / 2 (main diagonal × secondary diagonal)

[0040] Reference Figure 4In a more specific embodiment, the protruding polyhedral member 170 can be arranged in a continuous row of transverse members 190 aligned parallel to the leading edge and trailing edge 156, 158 in the transverse direction 134. In each consecutive adjacent row of transverse members 190, the base area of ​​each protruding polyhedral member 170 can gradually decrease. For example, the gradient pattern 134 can include a first row of transverse members 192 extending adjacent to and parallel to the leading edge 156 of the scraper 134, and a second row of transverse members 194 located behind the first row of transverse members 192 relative to the direction of travel 108. The base area of ​​the protruding polyhedral member 170 in the first row of transverse members 192, and the resulting three-dimensional dimensions and volume, is larger than that of the smaller protruding polyhedral member 170 in the second row of transverse members 194.

[0041] In one embodiment, the size of the protruding polyhedral member 170 can be reduced on the gradient pattern 164 by shortening the main diagonal 180 of the protruding polyhedral member 170. For example, the main diagonal 180 of the protruding polyhedral member 170 in the second transverse member row 194 can be smaller or shorter than the main diagonal 180 of the protruding polyhedral member 170 in the first transverse member row 192. As an example, the main diagonal 180 of the protruding polyhedral member 170 in the first transverse member row 192 can be approximately 4 inches or 100 mm, and can have a secondary diagonal 182 of 2 inches or 50 mm. The external dimensions of the protruding polyhedral member 170 in the second transverse member row 194 can be reduced by approximately half. According to the above equation, the base areas of the protruding polyhedral members 170 in the first and second transverse member rows 192 and 194 are also different.

[0042] Furthermore, the height 178 of the multiple protruding polyhedral components 170 can also vary within the gradient pattern 164. For example, refer to... Figure 5 In the side elevation view, the height 178 of the protruding polyhedral member 170 in the first transverse member row 192 in the vertical direction 135 can be greater than the height 178 of the protruding polyhedral member 170 in the second transverse member row 194. Therefore, due to the continuous change in the height 178 of the protruding polyhedral member 170, as the gradient pattern 134 extends between the leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158, the vertical dimensions of the scraper 136 gradually decrease in the vertical direction 135.

[0043] exist Figure 4In the illustrated embodiment, the geometry of the plurality of protruding polyhedral members 170 in each consecutive transverse member row 190 may be identical, and only their external dimensions may vary in the direction of travel 108 between the leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158. In other possible embodiments, the geometry of the protruding members may vary between consecutive first and second transverse member rows 192, 194.

[0044] The gradient pattern 134 is further characterized by varying the number of protruding polyhedral members 170 along the length of the lower textured surface 152 between the leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158 of the scraper 136. For example, the number of protruding polyhedral members 170 can be increased relative to the direction of travel 108 between the leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158. Specifically, the first transverse member row 192 may have fewer protruding polyhedral members 170 compared to the greater number of protruding polyhedral members 170 in the second transverse member row 194. Increasing the number of protruding polyhedral members 170 can also be referred to as increasing the density or concentration of the protruding members.

[0045] Reference Figure 4 The number of protruding polyhedral members 170 can be doubled between consecutive rows of transverse members 190 or between groups of transverse member rows. For example, the first transverse member row 192 may include four protruding polyhedral members 170, which can be implemented as follows: Figure 4 The elongated rhomboid or rhomboid members described herein. The first transverse member row 192 may be adjacent to the leading edge 156 of the scraper. The second group or set of transverse member rows 194 may be rearward and parallel to the first transverse member row 192, and may have eight protruding polyhedral members 170, which may also have an elongated rhomboid or rhomboid shape. The gradient pattern 134 may also include a third group or set of transverse member rows 196, which is rearward and parallel to the second transverse member row 192, and may have sixteen protruding polyhedral members 170.

[0046] Therefore, the gradient pattern 134 is characterized by numerically doubling the number of protruding polyhedral members 170 in the continuous transverse member rows 190, including the first transverse member row 192, the second transverse member row 194, and the third transverse member row 196. Thus, the gradient pattern 134 has a gradually increasing density or concentration of protruding polyhedral members 170 between the continuous parallel transverse member rows 190 in the gradient pattern 164 of the scraper.

[0047] Conversely, the difference in the number of protruding polyhedral members 170 between the first transverse member row 192 and the second transverse member row 194 can be characterized as a gradual decrease in the size of the protruding polyhedral members 170. In embodiments where the number of protruding polyhedral members 170 is doubled between consecutive transverse member rows 190, the size of the main diagonal 180 of the protruding polyhedral member 170 can be correspondingly reduced by half, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the size of the base area and volume of the protruding member.

[0048] Reducing the size of the protruding polyhedral member 170 while increasing the number of protruding polyhedral members 170 between continuous transverse member rows 190 can result in or cause the protruding polyhedral members 170 to intersect and be scattered among each other. For example, refer to Figure 4 The protruding polyhedral members 170 of the second transverse member row 194 can be laterally staggered and offset relative to the protruding polyhedral members 170 of the first transverse member row 192 in the transverse direction 138. More specifically, the main diagonal 180 of the protruding polyhedral members 170 of the second transverse member row 194, which is aligned with and parallel to the direction of travel 108, can be laterally staggered and offset relative to the main diagonal 180 of the protruding polyhedral members 170 in the first transverse member row 192 in the transverse direction 134.

[0049] Furthermore, the main diagonal 180 of the protruding polyhedral member 170 in the third transverse member row 196 can be laterally staggered and offset relative to the main diagonal 180 of the protruding polyhedral member 170 in the second transverse member row 194. Additionally, the main diagonal 180 of the third transverse member row 196 can be longitudinally aligned with the main diagonal 180 of the first transverse member row 192 relative to the direction of travel 108.

[0050] Continue to refer to Figure 4Additional groups or multiple groups of protruding members 166 can be distributed among consecutive transverse member rows 190. For example, a first distributed row 198 of protruding polyhedral members 170 can be longitudinally located between the first and second transverse member rows 192, 194. The protruding polyhedral members 170 of the first distributed row 198 can have the same geometric dimensions as the protruding polyhedral members 170 of the second transverse member row 194, and are partially adjacent to the protruding polyhedral members 170 in both the first and second transverse member rows 192, 194 along the travel direction 108. The number of protruding polyhedral members 170 in the first distributed row 198 can be different from the number of protruding polyhedral members 170 in the first and second transverse member rows 192, 194. Including the first distributed row 198 can help transition between the size, number, and / or shape of the protruding polyhedral members 170 between consecutive transverse member rows 190 in the gradient pattern 134. The example of the elongated rhomboid shape of the protruding polyhedral member further facilitates the staggering and spreading of the protruding members 166, wherein the rhomboid shape allows the protruding members to be easily aligned with each other and abutted adjacent to each other.

[0051] The gradient pattern 134 may also be characterized by an increased branching or frequency of the plurality of guide grooves 168 formed between the protruding members 166 on the lower textured surface 152. For example, refer to Figure 3 As the number of protruding members 166 increases between consecutive transverse member rows, the corresponding number of flow-guiding grooves 168 can also increase, resulting in branching of the flow-guiding grooves. In embodiments where the number of protruding members 166 is doubled between consecutive transverse member rows 190, the number of flow-guiding grooves 168 branches incrementally and can be correspondingly doubled numerically. Therefore, the density or concentration of flow-guiding grooves 168 in the gradient pattern 164 also increases between the leading edge and trailing edge 156, 158 of the lower textured surface 164.

[0052] Industrial applicability

[0053] The use of a scraper 136 with a textured surface 152 featuring a gradient pattern 164 during paving operations can be further described with reference to the preceding figures. During operation, loose granular paving material, including aggregates of different sizes (i.e., coarse and fine) in the binder or asphalt mixture, is conveyed to a hopper 110, guided by a conveying system 116 through a chassis 112, and discharged to a auger conveyor 132 for lateral spreading on the working surface 104 in the lateral direction 134. A scraper assembly 130, which can be attached to a mobile paver 100, can be drawn onto the deposited paving material 104, causing the scraper 136, attached to the underside of the scraper frame 138, to move along the travel direction 108 on the paving material.

[0054] The paving material 104 moves beneath the leading edge 156 of the scraper 136 and encounters a three-dimensional gradient pattern 164 thereon. Multiple protruding members 166 meet the paving material and guide it into corresponding multiple guide grooves 168 formed between the protruding members 166. Furthermore, the protruding members 166 are capable of impacting and displacing larger or coarser aggregates in the paving material 104 to better mix the aggregates and embed them into the binder mixture. The larger size of the protruding members 166 near the leading edge 156 of the scraper 136 improves and increases contact with the paving material 104.

[0055] The gradually increasing density and number of protruding members 166 in the continuous transverse member rows along the length of the lower textured surface 152, and the correspondingly increasing number of branched guide grooves 168, cause the paving material 104 passing under the scraper 136 to be progressively displaced and mixed. For example, refer to Figure 4 The staggered arrangement of the protruding polyhedral members 170 in the first and second transverse member rows 192, 194, and the corresponding transverse displacement of the guide groove 168 extending longitudinally in the travel direction 108 between the leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158, further promote the displacement and mixing of the paving material to produce a more homogeneous and consistent paving mat 106.

[0056] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The process of guiding the paving material into a plurality of longitudinally extending guide grooves 168 on the lower textured surface 152 of the scraper 136 arranges the paving material into a plurality of paving strips 200, which are formed along the trailing edge 158 of the scraper 136 in the travel direction 108. The paving strips 200 are laterally adjacent rows of paving material 102 formed in the paving mat 106 produced by the scraper assembly 130 in the travel direction 108. By progressively increasing the density and number of protruding members 166 and corresponding guide grooves 168 in the gradient pattern 164, while simultaneously reducing the size of the protruding members 166, the final paving strips 200 produced by the scraper 136 may be small and imperceptible. For example, by increasing the number of protruding members 166 in the continuous transverse member rows 190 in the gradient pattern 164, the number of laterally spaced paving strips 200 increases accordingly, making the paving mat 106 appear more homogeneous and uniform. In summary, increasing the number of protruding members 166 between the leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158 while simultaneously reducing the height and size of the protruding members 166 correspondingly increases the number of strips 200 and reduces their depth and size, and thus reduces the observability of the strip pattern in the paving mat 106.

[0057] Reference Figure 3To further improve the appearance of the paving mat 106 produced by the scraper 136, the gradient pattern 164 may include a lateral leveling band 202 positioned adjacent to the trailing edge 158 of the lower textured surface 152. The lateral leveling band 202 may be a continuation of the gradient pattern 164, wherein the dimensions and vertical height 178 of the protruding polyhedral members 170 decrease between the leading edge 156 and the trailing edge 158 of the scraper 136. The lateral leveling band 202 may be characterized by the absence of any protruding members 166 and guide grooves 168, and thus have a flat planar construction. The lateral leveling band 202 may occupy the remaining 15% to 33% of the length of the lower textured surface 152 in the direction of travel 108 of the scraper 136, specifically the remaining 20%. The vertical flatness of the lateral leveling band 202 can further compact and level the paving material moving beneath the scraper 136.

[0058] It should be understood that the foregoing description provides embodiments of the disclosed systems and techniques. However, it is conceivable that other implementations of the invention may differ in detail from the foregoing embodiments. All references to the invention or embodiments thereof are intended to refer to the specific embodiments discussed at that point and are not intended to imply any limitation on the broader scope of the invention. All language used to distinguish and derogatoryly describe certain features is intended to indicate a lack of preference for those features, but unless otherwise specified, does not completely exclude those features from the scope of the invention.

[0059] Unless otherwise specified herein, the listing of numerical ranges herein is intended only as a shorthand method for individually referring to each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into this specification as if it were listed separately herein. Unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order.

[0060] In the context of describing the invention (particularly in the context of the appended claims), the use of the terms “a” and “an”, “the” and “at least one”, or the terms “one or more” and similar indicators should be interpreted to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., “at least one of A and B” or “one or more of A and B”) should be interpreted to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B), unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context.

[0061] Therefore, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter set forth in the appended claims as permitted by applicable law. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, any combination of the foregoing elements in all their possible variations is included in this invention.

Claims

1. A scraper for a scraper assembly towed by a mobile paver, comprising: Leading edge; The rear tail edge is parallel to the leading edge; An upper attachment surface that extends between the leading edge and the trailing edge; The lower textured surface opposite the upper attachment surface has a plurality of protruding polyhedral members arranged in a gradient pattern with a gradually increasing number of the plurality of protruding polyhedral members between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

2. The scraper as described in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of protruding polyhedral components of the gradient pattern are arranged in a continuous row of transverse components parallel to the leading edge and the trailing edge.

3. The scraper as described in claim 2, wherein, The continuous transverse component row includes a first transverse component row and a second transverse component row following the first transverse component row, the second transverse component row having a greater number of the protruding polyhedral components than the first transverse component row.

4. The scraper as described in claim 3, wherein, The second transverse member row has twice the number of the convex polyhedral members of the first transverse member row.

5. The scraper as described in claim 4, wherein, The gradient pattern includes a third horizontal row of protruding polyhedral members, the third horizontal row having twice the number of the protruding polyhedral members of the second horizontal row.

6. The scraper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The plurality of protruding polyhedral components of the gradient pattern decrease in size between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

7. The scraper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The shapes of the plurality of protruding polyhedral components are each designed as rhombic pyramids including a component base and a component vertex.

8. The scraper as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The plurality of protruding polyhedral components of the gradient pattern are arranged in a continuous transverse row of components parallel to the leading edge and the trailing edge. The continuous transverse row of components includes a first row of components and a second row of components following the first row of components, and the protruding polyhedral components of the second row of components each have a smaller base area than the protruding polyhedral components of the first row of components.

9. The scraper as claimed in claim 8, wherein, Each of the plurality of protruding polyhedral components has a main diagonal perpendicular to the leading edge and the trailing edge, and the main diagonals of the protruding polyhedral components of the first transverse component row are transversely staggered relative to the main diagonals of the protruding polyhedral components of the second transverse component row.

10. The scraper as claimed in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of protruding polyhedral components has a component base, a component vertex, and a component height between the component base and the component vertex, and the component height of the protruding polyhedral component decreases between the leading edge and the trailing edge.

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