Adjustable Aggregate Spreader for Multi-Layer Grade Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road paving devices require manual adjustment or replacement of parts to accommodate different aggregate layers, limiting their versatility and efficiency in road widening and shoulder creation projects.
Innovation Solution
An aggregate spreading device with a hopper, conveyor system, and adjustable spreader system, featuring a lift actuator for vertical adjustment, a position actuator for storage and deployment, and a slope actuator for angle adjustment, allowing for seamless transition between different aggregate layers without retooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single aggregate spreading device is used for multiple aggregate layers, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple actuators and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader system is designed with multiple actuators (lift actuator for vertical positioning, slope actuator for angle adjustment, position actuator for deployment) that enable a single device to perform multiple functions across different aggregate layers. The system can be configured for dirt layer placement, gravel layer placement, and asphalt layer placement without requiring separate machines, achieving multi-functionality through adjustable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through hydraulic or electric actuators that allow real-time modification of the spreader's vertical position, slope angle, and deployment state. This dynamic adaptability enables the same device to handle different aggregate types and layer requirements by continuously adjusting its configuration during operation.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of grade boxes is required for each aggregate layer, then device simplicity is maintained, but loss of time increases due to retooling and replacement operations
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader system incorporates self-adjusting capabilities through automated actuators that can reposition the spreader components without requiring manual intervention for each aggregate layer change. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting vertical placement, slope angles, and deployment positions based on the required aggregate type, eliminating the need for manual retooling and reducing downtime between different paving operations.
3Device complexity
If grade boxes are fixed at specific positions, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases when different aggregate layers require different grade levels
Solution Approach 1:
The spreader system replaces fixed grade box positions with dynamically adjustable components controlled by lift actuators and slope actuators. These actuators enable the spreader to achieve different vertical placements and angle configurations for different aggregate layers (dirt, gravel, asphalt), providing the necessary adaptability while maintaining a unified device structure rather than requiring multiple fixed configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a method of spreading aggregate. In the method, an aggregate spreading device is attached to a host machine. The device includes a support frame, a hopper disposed on the support frame, a conveyor system disposed below the hopper, and a spreader system. The spreader system is actuated from a storage position to a deployed position, and a vertical position and a slope of the spreader system are adjusted relative to a grade line. The aggregate spreading device is pushed using the host machine. Aggregate is loaded into the hopper of the aggregate spreading device, and the aggregate is directed onto the conveyor system. The aggregate is conveyed through an exit opening in a sidewall of the hopper to the spreader system. The aggregate is distributed using the spreader system.