Meltable Polyolefin Container for Uniform Asphalt Fiber Dispersion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reinforcement fibers for concrete and asphalt cement concrete are difficult to handle and distribute uniformly, leading to entanglement and clumping issues during mixing, which affects the material's strength, durability, and integrity.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement composition comprising a core of fibers enclosed within a meltable outer container made of polyolefin, which disperses in the asphalt material, releasing the fibers and reducing friability and entanglement, allowing for improved mixing and uniform distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If reinforcement fibers are added to asphalt cement concrete to improve strength and durability, then the material properties are enhanced, but the fibers are difficult to handle and distribute uniformly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing reinforcement fibers inside a container that is then embedded within a unitizing package. This nested structure allows fibers to be transported and handled in a contained, organized manner, eliminating the handling difficulties associated with loose fibers while maintaining their reinforcement properties in the final concrete mixture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fiber delivery system into distinct functional components: an outer unitizing package for protection and handling, an inner container for fiber containment and controlled release, and the fibers themselves. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall ease of operation.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If reinforcement fibers are added to asphalt cement concrete to improve toughness and reduce cracking, then the material integrity is improved, but the fibers tend to entangle and form clumps during mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The nested container structure within the unitizing package keeps fibers separated and organized during handling and mixing. The container acts as a barrier that prevents fiber-to-fiber contact that would cause entanglement, while still allowing controlled release of individual fibers into the asphalt mixture for uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The container serves as an intermediary between the fibers and the asphalt mixture. It facilitates controlled fiber release while preventing direct interaction between fibers during the mixing process, thereby eliminating clump formation and ensuring uniform dispersion throughout the concrete.
3Quantity of substance
If loose reinforcement fibers are added directly to the concrete mixture, then fiber quantity can be controlled, but handling difficulty increases and uniform mixing becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The nested package structure allows precise control of fiber quantity through the design of the container and unitizing package dimensions, while simultaneously improving ease of mixing by delivering fibers in a pre-measured, contained format that releases uniformly during the mixing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The fibers are pre-contained and pre-positioned within the nested package structure before being introduced to the mixing process. This preliminary organization ensures that the correct quantity is delivered and that the fibers are positioned to release uniformly, eliminating handling and mixing difficulties.
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 the strength, durability, and toughness of asphalt cement concrete by ensuring uniform fiber dispersion, reducing the need for higher fiber quantities and minimizing cracking, while maintaining performance in high-traffic and varying temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a meltable outer container made of polyolefin, which disperses in the asphalt material, releasing the fibers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a reinforcement composition and a method of reinforcing an asphalt cement concrete composition. The reinforcement composition includes a core and an outer container. The core includes a plurality of fibers, and the outer container includes a polyolefin selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixtures thereof.