Heatable Asphalt Container with Electric Heating Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heatable asphalt containers face issues with uneven heating and risk of asphalt burning due to gas-heated systems, which require costly regulation and can lead to insulation damage, and struggle to maintain processing temperature, especially in low outside temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An electrically heatable asphalt container with vertically movable outlet slide equipped with electric heating elements, a double-walled structure for efficient heat transfer, and thermal insulation, ensuring consistent and controlled heating without overheating, with heating elements placed on the inner walls and baffles to prevent asphalt hardening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If gas lances are used to heat the asphalt in the container, then the asphalt can be heated to maintain processing temperature, but the asphalt burns at the heating points due to excessive localized heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the gas heating system with an electric heating system. Electric heating elements (heating plates, heating rods, or heating coils) are embedded in the container walls to heat the asphalt uniformly, eliminating the localized overheating and burning problems associated with gas lances.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are distributed throughout the container walls rather than concentrated at specific points. This distributes the heat input uniformly across the entire asphalt volume, preventing localized overheating while maintaining the required processing temperature.
2Temperature
If high heat supply is provided to maintain asphalt temperature in low outside temperatures, then the processing temperature is maintained, but the asphalt is heated unevenly and may burn
Solution Approach 1:
Heating elements are embedded in multiple locations throughout the container structure (floor, side walls, rear wall) to distribute heat input uniformly. This ensures even heating throughout the asphalt volume while maintaining processing temperature, preventing both cold spots and overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
Electric heating elements provide controlled, uniform heat distribution through the container walls, replacing the uneven localized heating of gas lances. The electric system allows for stable temperature maintenance without creating hot spots that lead to burning.
3Loss of energy
If thermal insulation is added to the container to retain heat, then energy efficiency improves, but the insulation may burn when gas lances are used
Solution Approach 1:
Replacing gas lances with electric heating elements eliminates the risk of insulation burning. Electric heating provides controlled, uniform heat distribution without the intense localized flames that would damage thermal insulation materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are embedded within the container structure, distributing heat input uniformly through the walls. This prevents concentrated heat exposure that would damage insulation, allowing thermal insulation to be applied safely while maintaining energy efficiency.
4Device complexity
If the outlet slide is not heated, then the structure remains simple, but the asphalt hardens at the outlet forming a cold bridge
Solution Approach 1:
A heating element is specifically added to the outlet slide area to address the local cooling problem. This localized heating prevents asphalt hardening at the outlet without requiring a complete redesign of the heating system, maintaining relative simplicity while solving the specific problem.
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 solution provides even and controlled heating, preventing asphalt burning and hardening, maintaining a workable consistency for extended periods with reduced energy consumption and ensuring efficient heat retention.
Implementation Method 1
the asphalt container has electrical heating elements
Implementation Method 2
the asphalt container is double-walled at least in the area of the floor to form at least one heating chamber
Implementation Method 3
the asphalt container is thermally insulated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3
AI summary
The subject of the application is a heated asphalt container (1) wherein the asphalt container (1) has electric heating elements.