Paving Machine Auger Pre-fill Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asphalt pavers face challenges in maintaining a constant material mat height during the initial paving process, leading to uneven surfaces due to inadequate pre-filling of the auger chamber, which can result in asphalt segregation or material being pulled underneath the machine.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a tractor body frame, a hopper, a conveyor, an auger, and a controller that transports material to the auger chamber, stops the conveyor when a fill period expires, and moves material towards the auger end when a material height threshold is reached, ensuring the auger chamber is properly pre-filled before starting the paving process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the conveyor and auger are run prior to movement of the asphalt paver to pre-fill the auger chamber, then the auger chamber is filled with asphalt material, but asphalt segregation or asphalt being pulled underneath the machine occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by operating the conveyor and auger before the paver moves forward to pre-fill the auger chamber with asphalt material. This ensures sufficient material is loaded into the chamber ahead of time, preventing material deficiency during initial paving operations and ensuring consistent mat height from the start.
2Productivity
If the machine moves forward during the initial pre-fill process, then paving can begin, but uneven pavement occurs due to inadequate material fill
Solution Approach 1:
The system executes preliminary action by completing the auger chamber fill process before initiating forward movement of the paver. The controller monitors material height and coordinates conveyor and auger operations to ensure the chamber is adequately filled, preventing uneven pavement from the first foot of paving.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the controller monitors material height in the auger chamber and adjusts conveyor and auger operations accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the chamber reaches the desired fill level before the paver moves forward, maintaining consistent mat height and preventing uneven pavement.
3Quantity of substance
If the conveyor continues running to transport more material, then the auger chamber can be filled, but material is pulled underneath the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses feedback from material height sensors to determine when the auger chamber has reached sufficient fill level. When the material height threshold is met, the controller stops the conveyor, preventing excessive material transport that would cause asphalt to be pulled underneath the machine and wasted.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service control where the conveyor and auger operations are automatically regulated based on real-time material height monitoring. The system fills the chamber to the appropriate level and then self-stops the conveyor, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing material loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine and method for pre-filling an auger chamber is disclosed. The machine may comprise a frame, a screed assembly, a conveyor, an auger disposed in the auger chamber, and a controller. The controller is configured to cause the transporting of material on the conveyor to the auger chamber, stop the conveyor if a fill period has expired, cause the auger to move a portion of the material toward an end of the auger, and stop the auger if either the auger run period has expired or the material disposed at the end of the auger has reached an auger material height threshold.