Slipform Paving Kit Width Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete slipform paving machines require complex and time-consuming processes to adjust the width of the paving kit, involving heavy equipment and multiple personnel, which increases costs and reduces paving efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The paving kit is equipped with hydraulic actuators and telescoping support tubes, allowing for manual adjustment of the terminal kit length using lightweight spacers, enabling a single person to change the width in under 30 minutes without disassembly or heavy equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the paving kit width is adjusted using conventional methods with heavy equipment and multiple personnel, then the width adjustment can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaving kit width adjustment capabilityVSAvoidtime required for width adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal kit is divided into modular components including end frames, sideforms, and interchangeable spacer assemblies. This segmentation allows individual components to be quickly swapped without moving or disassembling the entire paving kit, enabling rapid width adjustment from 18 feet to 24 feet in under 30 minutes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal kit incorporates telescoping support tubes with hydraulic actuators that enable dynamic adjustment of the distance between end frames. This dynamic mechanism allows the paving kit width to be changed on-demand without heavy equipment, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the paving kit width is adjusted using conventional methods with cranes and heavy equipment, then the width adjustment can be achieved, but the equipment cost and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaving kit width adjustment capabilityVSAvoidequipment and personnel requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the conventional mechanical lifting system (cranes, heavy equipment) with a hydraulic actuation system integrated into the terminal kit. The hydraulic actuators attached to telescoping support tubes provide the necessary force to move and position components, eliminating the need for external heavy equipment and complex assembly operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal kit is designed to be self-adjusting through its integrated hydraulic system. The operator can control the width adjustment directly from the tractor cab using hydraulic lines, allowing the system to service itself without requiring external equipment or multiple personnel to manually position heavy components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the terminal kit uses fixed length support structures, then the structure is simple and robust, but the paving kit cannot be quickly adapted to different pavement widths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaving operation efficiencyVSAvoidterminal kit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal kit incorporates telescoping support tubes where one tube is nested within another, allowing the structure to extend or retract as needed. This nested configuration enables variable length adjustment while maintaining a compact storage position, providing both structural integrity and adaptability without significant complexity increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This solution streamlines the width adjustment process, reducing the time and resources required, allowing for faster changes and increased operational efficiency in laying concrete strips of varying widths.

Implementation Method 1

hydraulic actuators having operative ends connected to the end form and the sideform, respectively, for moving the end frame and the sideform towards and away from each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

a vibrator arrangement between the metering gate and the paving kit for vibrating and temporarily liquefying the supplied concrete prior to finishing it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS7950874B2Slipform paving machine with adjustable length paving kit

Publication Date: 2011.05.31 GUNTERT & ZIMMERMAN CONST DIV INC

AI summary

A concrete paving machine which has a main frame and two hydraulic jacking columns at each end of the frame for raising and lowering the machine frame. Crawlers attached to the jacking columns move the paving machine in the travel direction. A paving kit is secured to the main frame and has a rigid center portion. Each terminal kit has an end frame secured to the center portion, an adjustable length support structure between the end frame and the slipform, and a hydraulic actuator. Spacers are interposed between the end frame and the slipform. A finishing pan is provided to finish the concrete surface. All replaceable components of the terminal are constructed and arranged so that they can be manually exchanged be one or two persons without removing the paving kit from the main frame and without needing the help of lifting equipment.