Asphalt Concrete Auger Delivery System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for delivering asphalt concrete are inefficient, as they often take a long time, cause the asphalt concrete to cool prematurely, and pose safety risks due to high temperatures.

Innovation Solution

The system employs an asphalt mixer with a heated container and a delivery mechanism, such as an auger, to maintain the asphalt concrete at a suitable temperature during transport, using heat sources like burners or inductive heating elements, and a cover to ensure the asphalt concrete remains fluid and is directed efficiently to the desired location.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional delivery methods (dump truck, wheel barrow) are used, then the delivery process is simple, but the delivery time is long and the asphalt concrete cools prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoiddelivery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical delivery methods (dump trucks, wheel barrows) with an integrated auger delivery system that uses rotational mechanical force to rapidly extrude asphalt concrete directly from the mixer, dramatically reducing delivery time and preventing premature cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the mixing and delivery functions into a single integrated system where the auger serves both to mix the asphalt concrete and to deliver it rapidly to the application point, eliminating the need for separate delivery equipment and reducing overall delivery time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If asphalt concrete is heated to high temperatures for proper consistency, then the material becomes more fluid and easier to work with, but safety risks increase due to burns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial fluidityVSAvoidburn risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulated auger delivery system that acts as an intermediary between the heated mixer and the application point, maintaining the necessary temperature for material fluidity while preventing direct contact with hot surfaces and reducing burn risks to operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs insulated coverings and protective barriers around the auger and delivery components to contain heat within the system while protecting operators from thermal hazards, allowing the asphalt concrete to remain at optimal working temperature without increasing external burn risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If the asphalt concrete is kept at high temperature during transport, then the material remains fluid and can be delivered efficiently, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery efficiencyVSAvoidheating energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous heating throughout the auger delivery system rather than intermittent heating, maintaining consistent temperature and material fluidity throughout the entire delivery process while optimizing energy usage through continuous thermal retention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses thermal insulation on the auger and delivery components to minimize heat loss during transport, reducing the energy required to maintain optimal material temperature while ensuring efficient delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows for faster, safer delivery of asphalt concrete while maintaining its temperature, preventing premature cooling and ensuring efficient dispensing, even for high-viscosity mixtures.

Implementation Method 1

a heated container and one or more mixing components... a heat source (e.g., one or more flames, electric heating elements, burners, inductive heating elements, and/or other suitable heating components are used to heat a heat transfer medium... which, in turn, is used to heat the various ingredients of the asphalt concrete)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction (thermal): Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an auger that is configured to force asphalt concrete from an asphalt mixer... a delivery mechanism that is configured to force asphalt concrete out of the heated container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10358296B2Systems and methods for delivering asphalt concrete

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 MAXWELL PROPERTIES LLC

AI summary

The present invention relates to systems and methods for mixing various components of asphalt concrete in a mixer and then dispensing the asphalt concrete from the mixer. While the mixer can include any suitable component, in some instances, it includes a heated container, a mixing mechanism that is configured to mix asphalt and an aggregate to form the asphalt concrete within the heated container, and an auger that is configured to force the asphalt concrete out from the heated container. In some cases, a portion of the auger is disposed in a heated cover. In some cases, the cover further comprises a gate that is configured to open (and close) to allow the asphalt concrete to flow from (and be retained in) the heated container. Other implementations are also described.