Automated Nulling Screed Assembly for Paving Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screed assemblies for paving machines face challenges in achieving optimal nose up angle of attack for efficient paving, particularly in high wear applications, where manual processes can be cumbersome and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A screed assembly with an actuator device and controller that automatically adjusts the main screed from a neutral to a nulled position by rotating it around a pivot pin, ensuring optimal angle of attack and applying pre-tension to maintain a rigid state, thereby enhancing paving performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual nulling adjustment is used, then the screed can be adjusted to achieve optimal angle of attack, but the process is cumbersome and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreed adjustment processVSAvoidnulling position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to automatically detect the screed position and the controller to automatically calculate and execute the nulling adjustment, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment by the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, a controller, and an actuator to perform the nulling adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automated nulling system is implemented, then operator effort is reduced and accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenulling adjustment automationVSAvoidscreed assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs multiple functions including receiving sensor signals, calculating the nulling adjustment amount, controlling the actuator, and monitoring the screed position, consolidating what could be separate complex systems into a single multi-functional unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a drop arm as an intermediary mechanical component that provides a pivot point and leverages the actuator's linear motion to produce the rotational movement needed for screed angle adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the screed is not properly nulled, then paving performance deteriorates and wear increases, but achieving proper nulling requires precise manual adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaving performance consistencyVSAvoidnulling adjustment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to continuously monitor the screed position and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts the screed angle to achieve and maintain the optimal nulling position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment process with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, a controller, and an actuator to perform the nulling adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12031278B2Automated nulling screed assembly

Publication Date: 2024.07.09 CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC

AI summary

A screed assembly is disclosed. The screed assembly has a screed frame that includes a main screed. Attached to the main screed is a drop arm that is used to attach the screed assembly to a work machine. An actuator device of the screed assembly adjust the main screed from a neutral position to a nulled position by rotating the main screed around an axis of the pivot pin. The screed assembly may further include a controller that determines whether the main screed is in the neutral position and adjust the main screed to the nulled position by sending a null adjustment signal to the actuator device, and the actuator device moving the main screed from the neutral position to the nulled position in response to the null adjustment signal.