Insulating Means for Screed Heat Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Screeds for road finishing machines require lengthy and energetically inefficient heating due to significant heat loss to the environment, delaying the reaching of working temperature and increasing energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

An insulating means with a releasable connection to the screed, featuring insulating elements with high friction coefficients and low thermal conductivity materials, reduces heat emission during heating, optionally incorporating active heating elements for quicker temperature attainment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the screed is heated to working temperature using conventional heating means, then the screed can reliably spread material at adequate temperature, but significant heat loss to the environment occurs leading to delayed and energetically inefficient heating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworking temperature of screedVSAvoidheat loss to environment

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating means is introduced as an intermediary element between the screed and the environment. This insulating means comprises insulating elements that can be positioned against the screed surface, creating a thermal barrier that reduces heat loss to the environment while allowing the screed to reach and maintain working temperature more efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating means utilizes flexible insulating elements or sheets that can conform to the screed surface. These flexible insulating components create an effective thermal barrier without requiring rigid structures, allowing for easy application and removal while minimizing heat loss during the heating process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If the screed has a large surface area for material distribution, then the road pavement can be produced efficiently, but heat conduction through the large surface leads to increased heat loss to the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroad pavement production efficiencyVSAvoidheat loss through screed surface

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating means is divided into multiple insulating elements or segments that can be individually positioned along the screed surface. This segmentation allows the insulating coverage to match the large surface area of the screed required for efficient road pavement production, while each insulating element independently contributes to reducing heat loss from its respective section

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of energy

If insulating elements are fastened to the screed, then heat emission is reduced, but the connection method must not destroy materials and should allow for releasable connection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat emission reductionVSAvoidconnection method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between insulating elements and the screed is achieved through friction-based mechanical contact rather than permanent fastening methods. The insulating elements are designed with connection features that create sufficient frictional force to hold them in position during heating and operation, while allowing for easy removal without damaging the screed or the insulating elements themselves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 insulating means significantly reduces heat loss, allowing for faster and more energy-efficient heating of the screed, enhancing both ecological and economic efficiency by minimizing energy consumption and ensuring secure positioning during operation.

Implementation Method 1

the insulating element is designed to cause, in a state of the insulating means connected with a screed, a reduced emission of heat from a screed through the insulating element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The connection element is preferably designed as a connection element which can create a releasable connection with a corresponding connection element of a screed by creating a frictional connection or a friction contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20230383482A1Insulating means and combination of a screed and an insulating means

Publication Date: 2023.11.30 JOSEPH VOEGELE AG

AI summary

Insulating means to be used with a screed for a road finishing machine comprises at least one insulating element and one connection element for a releasable connection with the screed. The insulating element is designed to cause, in a state of the insulating means connected with the screed, a reduced emission of heat from the screed through the insulating element.