Slip-Form Paver Bore-Digging Arrangement for Post Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled construction equipment faces inefficiencies in slip-form paving applications, particularly when installing elevated barriers in highway medians, as support posts cannot be planted before the median is formed, requiring post-installation bore formation in the paving material.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled construction apparatus equipped with a bore-digging arrangement that allows for the selective digging of vertical bores along a predetermined path, enabling the simultaneous planting of vertical posts during the formation of a slip-formed median or barrier, utilizing a power take-off system for propulsion and guidance via stringline or GPS systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If support posts are installed after the median is formed, then the slip-form paving process can proceed continuously, but additional time is required for post-installation bore formation in the paving material
Solution Approach 1:
The bore digging arrangement is used to dig vertical bores in the ground surface before the slip-form paving process begins, allowing posts to be planted in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-installation bore formation, resolving the contradiction by performing the bore-digging function before paving without interrupting the continuous slip-forming process
2Loss of time
If support posts are planted in advance along the median path, then post installation time is reduced, but the posts interfere with the slip-form paving equipment operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bore digging arrangement positions the digging operation in a different spatial dimension by digging bores at an offset from the median centerline path. This allows posts to be planted in advance along the intended median path without physically interfering with the slip-form paving equipment, as the equipment operates along a parallel path. The bore digging mechanism effectively operates in a shifted dimension that avoids conflict with the paving mold
3Productivity
If a bore-digging arrangement is added to the slip-form paving apparatus, then simultaneous post planting and paving is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bore digging arrangement is designed as a multi-functional attachment that can be integrated with the existing slip-form paving apparatus. The power take-off system, which already exists on the paving equipment for driving the mold and other components, is utilized to also drive the bore digging mechanism. This universal use of existing power and control systems minimizes the added complexity while enabling the dual function of paving and post-hole digging
Data Source
AI summary
A construction apparatus having an arrangement for controlling guidance of a frame thereof along a predetermined path, e.g., a slip-form paving apparatus, has an arrangement for selectively digging vertical bores in the ground surface at spacings along the predetermined path for planting of vertical posts to be secured by the paving material upon setting thereof. In operation, as the construction apparatus is guided over the ground surface along the predetermined path, the bore-digging arrangement is periodically actuated to form vertical bores at spacings along the predetermined path, after which a settable paving material is formed along the predetermined path including filling the vertical bores with the paving material, and posts are placed vertically in the holes for securement therein.