Induction Heating Conductive Sheet for Asphalt Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for peeling off an asphalt layer from a concrete base layer during road repairs often result in damage to the concrete, generate noise and vibration, and are inefficient, while methods for peeling from steel decks face corrosion issues and difficulty in removing paving blocks over time.

Innovation Solution

A road structure is designed with a corrosion-resistant conductive sheet between the base layer and the asphalt layer, using electromagnetic induction heating to soften the bonding layers and facilitate separation without damaging the base layer or generating significant noise and vibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a cutting machine is used to peel off the asphalt layer from the concrete slab, then the asphalt layer can be removed, but the concrete slab is damaged (cut, thinned, microcracks formed)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveasphalt layer removal capabilityVSAvoidconcrete slab integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cutting system with an electromagnetic induction heating system. A conductive sheet is embedded in the bonding layer, and electromagnetic induction heats the bonding layer to soften it, allowing the asphalt layer to be peeled off without mechanical contact with the concrete slab, thus preserving slab integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a conductive sheet as an intermediary element embedded in the bonding layer between the asphalt layer and concrete slab. This sheet serves as the target for electromagnetic induction heating, enabling selective softening of the bonding layer without affecting the concrete slab or asphalt layer directly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a cutting machine is used to peel off the asphalt layer, then the asphalt can be removed, but large vibration and noise are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveasphalt layer removal capabilityVSAvoidvibration and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cutting system that generates vibration and noise with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The electromagnetic field heats the conductive sheet in the bonding layer, softening it for peeling without mechanical impact, thereby eliminating vibration and noise generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of repair

If the concrete slab is cut repeatedly to remove asphalt layers, then repair work can be performed, but the concrete slab becomes thinner and weaker

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveasphalt layer removabilityVSAvoidconcrete slab thickness and strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces repeated mechanical cutting operations with electromagnetic induction heating. The conductive sheet embedded in the bonding layer allows for selective softening and peeling of the asphalt layer without removing concrete material, preserving slab thickness and strength across multiple repair cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive sheet is preliminarily embedded in the bonding layer during road construction. This preliminary action enables future electromagnetic induction heating and asphalt removal without needing to cut the concrete slab, maintaining slab integrity for subsequent repair operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Use of energy by moving object

If metal material is used in the bed mortal for electromagnetic induction heating, then heating can be achieved, but corrosion occurs over time due to rain water percolation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic induction heating capabilityVSAvoidcorrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials for the conductive sheet - combining metal particles or powder with a resin matrix to create a corrosion-resistant conductive material. The resin provides corrosion protection while the metal particles enable electromagnetic induction heating

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and composition of the conductive material from pure metal to a composite form with resin binding. This parameter change provides both the electrical conductivity needed for electromagnetic induction and the corrosion resistance required for long-term durability in road environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for efficient and noise-free peeling of the asphalt layer from the concrete base layer, while preventing corrosion and ensuring the integrity of the base layer, even after long periods of use.

Implementation Method 1

a corrosion-resistant conductive sheet which generates heat based on electromagnetic induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction heating: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

subjecting the anti-corrosive conductive sheet to electromagnetic induction heating when peeling off the asphalt layer to soften the bonding layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3378990B1Road structure and method for separating its asphalt layer
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 GREEN ARM
  • EP3378990B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3378990B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP3378990B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a technique which enables easy separation of a base layer and an asphalt layer in an asphalt-paved road where the asphalt layer is paved on the base layer of concrete. A road structure configured such that an asphalt layer is peeled off by electromagnetic induction heating is provided. The road structure comprises a non-thermoplastic base layer which is a bad conductor of electricity, and an asphalt layer located above the base layer. Between the base layer and the asphalt layer, the road structure has a corrosion-resistant conductive sheet which generates heat based on electromagnetic induction, a first bonding layer which bonds the corrosion-resistant conductive sheet and the base layer and a second bonding layer which bonds the corrosion-resistant conductive sheet and the asphalt layer. At least the first bonding layer is a thermoplastic bonding layer which softens by heat generated by the corrosion-resistant conductive sheet.