Paving Machine Edge Former with Inclined Shaping Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing paving machines face inefficiencies and high maintenance costs in forming pavement edges due to the use of wedge-shaped attachments or tapered endgate shoes, which either restrict screed extension/retraction or result in suboptimal edge formation.

Innovation Solution

A paving machine equipped with a screed, endgate, mount, platform, and adjustable pavement edge forming member featuring a longitudinal member and shaping plate inclined to form a ramped surface between the mat and non-paved surface, allowing for efficient edge formation without hindering screed movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a wedge-shaped attachment is used between the screed extender and frame to form a pavement edge, then the ramped surface is formed, but the screed extension and retraction is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveramped pavement edgeVSAvoidscreed extension and retraction

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A separate pavement edge forming member is introduced as an intermediary component between the screed assembly and the ground. This member includes a vertical support portion that attaches to the screed frame and a shaping portion that forms the ramped edge, allowing the screed to extend and retract independently while the edge former remains stationary or moves separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The pavement edge forming function is segmented from the screed assembly into a separate, detachable component. The edge former consists of distinct parts (vertical support portion and shaping portion) that can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the screed to operate independently for extension and retraction while the edge former maintains the ramped surface profile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Shape

If a tapered endgate shoe is used to form the pavement edge, then the edge shaping is achieved, but the operation efficiency is reduced and maintenance cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveramped pavement edgeVSAvoidpavement edge forming efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pavement edge forming member is designed with adjustable characteristics, allowing the shaping portion to be repositioned or reconfigured during operation. The vertical support portion can be adjusted in position along the screed frame, and the shaping portion can be oriented at different angles, enabling dynamic adaptation to various paving conditions without requiring frequent maintenance or replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If a tapered endgate shoe is used to form the pavement edge, then the edge shaping is achieved, but maintenance cost and frequency increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveramped pavement edgeVSAvoidmaintenance cost and frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The pavement edge forming member is designed as a simple, inexpensive structure that can be easily replaced if needed. The shaping portion consists of basic geometric forms (inclined plane) that are less prone to damage and wear compared to complex tapered shoes. The modular design allows for easy replacement of individual components without requiring expensive maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS9127414B2Pavement edge forming apparatus for paving machine

Publication Date: 2015.09.08 CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC

AI summary

A paving machine includes a screed. The screed further includes an endgate, a mount, a platform, and a pavement edge forming member. The pavement edge forming member has a longitudinal member and a shaping plate coupled to the longitudinal member and is inclined at an angle to a non-paved surface. The shaping plate is configured to form a ramped surface between a mat and the non-paved surface.