Mobile Joint Seal Removal and Fill Machine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing and replacing joint seals in highway joints are labor-intensive and require multiple tools, lacking efficiency and precision, especially for longitudinal joints in concrete and asphalt roads.
Innovation Solution
A mobile joint seal removal and fill machine equipped with a joint seal router and sealant applicator, featuring a circular saw with adjustable saw blades and guide wheels, and a track beam system for precise operation, allowing for simultaneous removal and replacement of joint seals along multiple joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tools are used for cutting, cleaning, and filling joint seals, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall process becomes more complex and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate tools (saw assembly, wire brush, sandblaster, backer rod installer, and tar applicator) into a single integrated mobile joint seal removal and replacement machine. The cutting assembly with adjustable saw blades, cleaning mechanisms, backer rod dispensing system, and sealant applicator are all mounted on a common frame and coordinated through a control system, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations and reducing overall process complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile joint seal machine performs multiple functions through a single device: it cuts existing seals with adjustable saw blades, cleans joint debris using wire brushes and sandblasters, installs backer rods through automated dispensing mechanisms, and applies new sealant material. This multi-functional design allows one machine to replace an entire toolset and multiple manual operations, directly addressing the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual installation methods are used for backer rod and sealant, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The machine's backer rod installation system is self-service oriented, featuring an automated dispensing mechanism that feeds backer rod material directly into the joint without requiring manual handling by workers. The system includes a spool or cartridge that automatically supplies backer rod as the machine moves along the joint, and a pressing mechanism that simultaneously compacts the material in place. This eliminates manual backer rod installation while maintaining adaptability to different joint conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated mechanical systems. The backer rod installer uses an automated dispensing and pressing mechanism instead of manual hand tools. The sealant applicator uses a pumped delivery system with adjustable flow control instead of manual pouring or spraying. These mechanical substitutions maintain operational flexibility through adjustable parameters while dramatically reducing labor intensity and increasing installation efficiency.
3Power
If standalone saw blades are used for cutting seals, then cutting capability is provided, but adjustability to different joint widths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting assembly features adjustable saw blades that can be dynamically repositioned to match different joint widths. The blade assembly includes movable components that allow the operator to adjust the blade position and spacing in real-time during operation. This dynamic adjustability enables the same cutting mechanism to accommodate varying joint dimensions while maintaining full cutting capability, resolving the contradiction between power and adaptability.
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 machine significantly reduces labor and improves efficiency by enabling the precise removal and replacement of joint seals across multiple joints, enhancing the maintenance process for both concrete and asphalt roadways.
Implementation Method 1
a joint seal router, and a sealant applicator. The joint seal router is mounted on the frame and is operable to remove a joint seal from within a roadway joint
Implementation Method 2
a first guide wheel mounted on the frame. The first guide wheel has a guide portion positionable within the joint for guiding the joint seal router and sealant applicator relative to the joint
Implementation Method 3
The sealant applicator has a dispensing nozzle positionable to dispense joint seal material into the joint
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for removing and filling roadway joints a laterally expandable main frame mounted to a vehicle, a horizontal track beam suspended from the main frame, a joint seal removing assembly suspended from a track beam, and a joint filling assembly attached to an end of the track beam. The joint seal removal assembly includes a pair of guide wheels for maintaining alignment with the roadway joint. The joint seal removal assembly includes a rotary broom, a joint seal router, a rotary abrader, a sandblaster, high-pressure air blaster, a high pressure water blaster and a heat lance. The joint filling assembly includes a guide wheel and a sealant applicator for dispensing sealant into the roadway joint.