Portable Paving Mix Container for Asphalt Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current paving methods face limitations in productivity due to the compaction process, thermal loss, mechanical segregation, and the need for multiple operators, which affect the quality and efficiency of pavement formation.

Innovation Solution

A self-transportable paving machine equipped with a dual drive system, collapsible portable mix containers, and advanced monitoring systems that adjust screed force based on density readings, enabling efficient mix delivery and compaction with reduced labor and equipment costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple Material Transfer Vehicles are used to deliver mix to the jobsite, then mix delivery capacity is improved, but thermal loss and mechanical segregation occur adversely affecting pavement quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemix delivery capacityVSAvoidthermal loss and mechanical segregation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the mix delivery function into multiple independent modular units (MTVs) that can operate simultaneously. Each unit is equipped with its own insulation and containment systems, allowing parallel delivery operations that increase capacity while maintaining mix quality through individual unit control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An integrated control system acts as an intermediary between the multiple MTVs and the paver, coordinating their operations to ensure synchronized delivery and placement. This mediator manages the complexity of multiple vehicles and their interaction with the paving equipment, preventing segregation and thermal loss through coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a large number of persons are employed to operate each machine individually, then operational control is improved, but safety and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational controlVSAvoidsafety and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple independently operated machines are merged into a single coordinated system controlled by one operator. The integrated control system combines the functions of multiple MTVs and pavers into one unified operation, reducing the number of operators from multiple persons to a single operator while maintaining precise control through electronic coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-coordinated operation where the integrated control system automatically manages the synchronization of multiple vehicles and equipment without requiring constant manual intervention from multiple operators. The system monitors and adjusts operations autonomously to maintain optimal performance and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If additional high cost auxiliary machinery is used to re-blend the mix, then thermal loss and mechanical segregation are corrected, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal loss and mechanical segregation correctionVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary containment and insulation of the mix in each MTV during transport, preventing thermal loss and mechanical segregation before the mix reaches the paver. This preventive approach eliminates the need for costly post-delivery re-blending operations by maintaining mix quality throughout the delivery process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated control system serves as a mediator that coordinates the delivery timing and positioning of multiple MTVs with the paver's receiving hopper, ensuring that mix is delivered in a controlled manner that prevents segregation. This coordination eliminates the need for auxiliary re-blending machinery by preventing the problem in the first place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enhances productivity, reduces thermal loss and mechanical segregation, and allows for single-operator control, improving pavement quality and safety while minimizing equipment and labor requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The container effectively functions as an enclosed removably vehicle bed that is transported from an asphalt plant to the paving jobsite via a first transport vehicle. At the jobsite, the container is unloaded from the first transport vehicle and then reloaded onto a jobsite transport vehicle, which delivers the container to the paver and dumps the contents of the container into the hopper of a paver in a similar manner to a conventional asphalt transporting MTV, such as a dump truck.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

DE 200 10 498 U discloses a method for forming a pavement using sensors to monitor its density as it is compacted by a screed.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDensity measurement:

Implementation Method 3

the paving machine further comprises one or more electronics that receive the output signals and automatically adjust the force exerted by the screed.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFeedback control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2520717B1Integrated paving system and method
Publication Date: 2015.07.15 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP2520717B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2520717B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP2520717B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present invention relates to various aspects of system a method for forming a pavement. In one of many aspects, a portable paving mix container (100) containing a paving mix for forming pavement is provided. The portable paving mix container is loaded onto a paving machine (10). The paving mix from the portable paving mix container is unloaded into a mix unloading section of the paving machine, which distributes and compacts the paving mix on a paving surface. After the unloading of the paving mix, the portable paving mix container is off loaded from the paving machine.