Adjustable Aggregate Spreader for Multi-Layer Road Widening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road paving devices require frequent retooling and part replacement to accommodate different aggregate materials, as they are designed for specific types of aggregates and need manual adjustments for grade level positioning, limiting their versatility in road widening and shoulder creation projects.
Innovation Solution
An aggregate spreading device with a modular design featuring a hopper, conveyor system, and adjustable spreader system, equipped with lift and position actuators, allowing for vertical and angular adjustments, enabling the same device to handle multiple aggregate layers without retooling, and accommodating various aggregate materials by transitioning between storage and deployed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a road paving device is designed for a specific type of aggregate material, then it can effectively lay that particular material, but it requires retooling and part replacement when switching to different aggregate types
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader system is designed with a universal grade box that can accommodate multiple aggregate types (dirt, gravel, asphalt) through vertical adjustment. The grade box structure and support system are configured to handle different material characteristics without requiring tooling changes or part replacements, enabling a single device to perform multiple functions across different aggregate materials
2Ease of operation
If the grade box is set at a certain below grade position for laying dirt layer, then room is provided for gravel and asphalt layers, but manual adjustment is required for each aggregate level
Solution Approach 1:
The grade box is mounted on a vertical support system with actuator mechanisms that enable dynamic adjustment of the grade box position. This allows the operator to vertically position the grade box at different heights (below grade for dirt, at grade for gravel, above grade for asphalt) without manual retooling, reducing time loss between aggregate level transitions while maintaining proper layer accommodation
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple grade box positions are required for different aggregate layers, then proper layer placement is achieved, but device complexity increases with multiple positioning mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical support system combines multiple positioning functions into a single integrated structure. The grade box, vertical support, and actuator mechanisms work as one unified system that provides both structural support and vertical adjustment capability, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms for each aggregate layer while maintaining precise grade level control
Data Source
AI summary
An aggregate spreading device includes a hopper, a conveyor system disposed below the hopper, and a spreader system extending from at least one side of the aggregate spreading device and configured to receive aggregate from the conveyor system. The spreader system includes a vertical support coupled to a frame of the aggregate spreading device, a first wall extending from a first end attached to the vertical support, and a second wall extending from a second end of the first wall. A lift actuator is configured to adjust the vertical placement of the spreader system and causing the first and second walls to move vertically.