Flexible Screed Berm Adjustment via Actuated Vertex Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Paving machine screeds with berms face increased costs and complexity due to fixed angles and non-adjustable lengths, requiring multiple screeds with different berm lengths for variations.
Innovation Solution
A flexible screed system with a smoothing plate, vertex block, and actuators that allow adjustable berm length and angle, enabling the berm to flex and pivot, using a stacked plate configuration and linear actuators for incremental adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a berm is provided on a screed with fixed angle and length, then the screed structure is simplified, but the adaptability and versatility are reduced requiring multiple screeds for different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the berm configuration adjustable through actuators that can change the berm angle and length during operation. The smoothing member includes a movable section that can be positioned at different angles relative to the main screed body, transforming a static fixed-configuration structure into a dynamic adjustable one, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and configuration adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by enabling continuous adjustment of the berm angle and length parameters. The actuator system allows these geometric parameters to be varied within specific ranges, permitting a single screed to adapt to different paving requirements without requiring multiple fixed-configuration screeds, thus maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple extension screeds with different berm lengths are used to achieve variation in berm length, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single extension screed that can perform multiple functions through adjustable berm configurations. The actuator-enabled smoothing member allows one screed unit to replace multiple fixed-configuration screeds by varying the berm length and angle, thereby achieving adaptability without increasing the number of required screeds or overall system complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If a berm is designed with fixed angle and seamless connection to the inner portion, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates due to machining costs and complex mechanical design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed-angle berm design with an adjustable berm mechanism. Instead of machining a complex fixed-angle connection, the design uses an actuator-driven movable smoothing member that can be positioned at different angles. This reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining connection precision through controlled mechanical joints rather than complex integrated machining
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
Enables cost-effective and adaptable berm configurations, reducing machining complexity and allowing for precise adjustments in berm length and angle, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the outer longitudinal end of the flexible smoothing plate forms a berm by flexing about the vertex block and extending upward at an angle relative to an inner portion of the flexible smoothing plate
Implementation Method 2
the second actuator is connected to the vertex block and configured to adjust the length of the berm by selectively repositioning the vertex block along the longitudinal length of the flexible smoothing plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a screed for a paving machine that includes a flexible smoothing plate, a vertex block a first actuator, and a second actuator. The flexible smoothing plate is provided with a longitudinal length and an outer longitudinal end. The vertex block is located on top of the flexible smoothing plate. The first actuator is connected to the outer longitudinal end and adapted to selectively adjust an elevation of the outer longitudinal end so that the outer longitudinal end of the flexible smoothing plate forms a berm by flexing about the vertex block and extending upward at an angle relative to an inner portion of the flexible smoothing plate. The second actuator is connected to the vertex block and configured to adjust the length of the berm by selectively repositioning the vertex block along the longitudinal length of the flexible smoothing plate.