Adjustable End Frame for Skewed Bridge Paving Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bridge paving systems struggle with efficiently traversing skewed bridge decks, often requiring multiple equipment configurations due to varying skew angles, leading to space claim issues and delays in construction projects.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable end frame system for paving equipment, comprising interconnectable trusses and adjustable side frames, allows for precise matching of the equipment's angle to the bridge skew, minimizing space claim and enabling a single piece of equipment to adapt to various skew angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple equipment configurations are used to handle varying skew angles, then the ability to adapt to different bridge geometries is improved, but the device complexity and equipment fleet size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end frame is divided into multiple adjustable segments or components that can be reconfigured independently. This allows the same physical equipment to be segmented and rearranged into different configurations suitable for various skew angles, eliminating the need for multiple complete equipment sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The end frame incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow real-time or easy modification of the frame's geometry and angle during construction operations. This dynamic capability enables a single equipment unit to adapt to different skew conditions without requiring multiple static configurations.
2Productivity
If fixed configuration equipment is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and construction efficiency decrease due to space claim issues and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment features dynamic end frame configurations that can be adjusted during construction to optimize the paving operation for each specific bridge geometry. This dynamic adaptability eliminates space claim issues and delays associated with fixed configurations, thereby improving productivity without requiring overly complex multiple equipment sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The end frame allows changing of geometric parameters such as angle, length, and orientation to match the specific requirements of each bridge skew angle. This parameter adjustability enables the equipment to maintain optimal performance across different construction scenarios, improving productivity without necessitating a large equipment fleet.
3Force
If the end frame angle is adjusted to match bridge skew, then the force distribution on the bridge is improved, but the equipment setup time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end frame incorporates quick-adjustment mechanisms that allow operators to dynamically change the frame angle to match bridge skew. This dynamic capability enables proper force distribution to be achieved without excessive setup time or operational complexity, as the adjustments can be made efficiently during construction operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment allows straightforward changing of the end frame angular parameter to match the bridge geometry. This parameter adjustment is designed to be simple and quick, maintaining ease of operation while achieving the necessary force distribution optimization for different skew angles.
Data Source
AI summary
An end frame for paving equipment includes first and second end frame sections. The first and second end frame sections are adjustably connectable together to achieve a desired length for the end frame. The end frame is adjustably attachable to the paving equipment to achieve a desired angle of the end frame with respect to the paving equipment.