Road Surface Heating Apparatus with Integrated Agitator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal repair methods for road surfaces are time-intensive due to the slow heating process, which prolongs the duration required to repair potholes and results in inefficient use of materials and resources.
Innovation Solution
A heating apparatus mounted on a working machine that combines heating and agitation of the road surface using rotatable members with projections, allowing for simultaneous heat application and material mixing, thereby reducing heating time and improving uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional heating method is used to heat road surface material, then the road surface material can be heated to desired temperature, but the heating process takes 8-10 minutes which is time-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function and agitation function into a single integrated apparatus. The heater heats the road surface material while the agitator simultaneously agitates the material, allowing heat to distribute more uniformly and rapidly throughout the material, reducing heating time from 8-10 minutes to a shorter duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The agitator introduces dynamic motion to the previously static heating process. By rotating the agitator to agitate the road surface material during heating, the system creates movement that enhances heat transfer and reduces the time required to achieve uniform heating throughout the material.
2Temperature
If road surface material is heated without agitation, then heating can be applied to the material, but the heating is not uniform throughout the different layers of material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating operation with the agitation operation into a single simultaneous process. The heater applies thermal energy while the agitator mixes the material layers, ensuring uniform temperature distribution throughout the road surface material and improving heating efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If road surface is planed before repair, then the road surface material is loosened, but this requires additional time and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the planing/loosening function with the heating and agitation functions in a single integrated apparatus. The agitator performs the material loosening function that traditionally required separate planing equipment, eliminating the need for additional preparation steps and reducing overall repair time.
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 apparatus significantly reduces the time required to heat the road surface to a uniform temperature, enhancing the efficiency of the repair process by agitating the material to improve heat distribution and adhesion, thus shortening the overall repair duration and improving the quality of the repair.
Implementation Method 1
heating the existing road surface, before filing the pothole with replacement road surface material
Implementation Method 2
the agitator is configured to agitate road surface material heated by the heater... mixes the different layers of road surface material
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is provided for heating a road surface material to be repaired. The apparatus includes a frame and a heater connected to the frame so as to be positioned over a road surface, in use, for heating for heating a road surface material. An agitator is also connected to the frame for agitating a road surface material. The agitator is configured to agitate road surface material heated by the heater.