All-Electric Pothole Patcher Heating Chamber

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing asphalt repair devices rely on propane retort heat sources or dry radiant heat, which can harden, burn, or char asphalt materials, and there is a need for an all-electric heat source for efficient and safe heating of asphalt repair materials without these issues.

Innovation Solution

A portable asphalt repair device with a hopper compartment and a V-shaped heating chamber using all-electric heat sources, specifically 208 to 240 volt AC single-phase electric resistance heaters, powered by a PTO hydraulically driven generator, to maintain asphalt mix materials in a workable state without retort tubes or dry radiant heat.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If propane retort heat sources or dry radiant heat are used to heat asphalt materials, then the materials can be heated to workable temperatures, but the materials may harden, burn, or char

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveasphalt heating temperatureVSAvoidmaterial degradation (harden, burn, char)

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical combustion system (propane retort heat source) with an electrical heating system. Electric heating elements provide controlled thermal energy without the harsh combustion environment that causes asphalt to harden, burn, or char. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects while maintaining the necessary heating function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the heating method from high-temperature combustion to controlled electrical resistance heating. This parameter change allows for more precise temperature control and gentler heating, preventing material degradation while still achieving the required workable temperatures for asphalt repair materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If all-electric heat sources are used to heat asphalt materials, then material degradation is reduced, but the device requires an electric generator which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial degradationVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electric generator with the existing portable base of the pothole patcher. By integrating the power generation system into the mobile platform, the overall device complexity is managed within the existing structural framework, rather than adding separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric generator serves multiple functions: it powers the electric heating elements for asphalt materials, and can potentially power other electrical components of the repair device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If propane retort heat sources are used, then heating capability is provided, but maintenance and safety issues arise from combustion systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the combustion-based heating system with an electrical heating system. This substitution eliminates the need for fuel storage, combustion chambers, exhaust systems, and ignition components, thereby removing the associated maintenance and safety concerns related to propane handling and combustion operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Electric heating elements are generally more durable and require less maintenance than combustion systems. They can be easily replaced if needed, and their simple construction with no moving parts or fuel consumption makes them a lower-maintenance alternative to complex propane retort systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The all-electric heat source efficiently heats asphalt mix materials from 0° to 300° F, maintaining them in a workable state, reducing material degradation and extending generator life, while simplifying design and reducing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

an all-electric heat source associated with the heating chamber for heating the chamber and for transferring heat to the hopper compartment through the hopper bottom wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

transferring heat to the hopper compartment through the hopper bottom wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10260208B1All electric pothole patcher

Publication Date: 2019.04.16 HD IND INC

AI summary

A portable device is shown for transporting asphalt repair materials for use in repairing potholes in asphalt pavements. The device has a body with a hopper compartment for transporting and dispensing asphalt mix materials. A pair of electric heaters are submerged in a heating chamber located below the hopper compartment for heating the asphalt mix. Tack oils are held and dispensed from a separate tack oil tank.