Rotary Pivot Arm Positioning Assembly for Paving Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing configuration of paving machines requires manual disconnection and repositioning of pivot arms and associated components to change from an operational to a transport configuration, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of rotary actuators and adjustable legs in pivot arm assemblies allows for automatic rotation of pivot arms by at least 90 degrees, enabling the steerable crawlers to reconfigure without manual intervention, facilitating seamless transitions between operational and transport modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pivot arms are extended beyond the plane defined by the outer edge of the end structure, then the machine achieves operational configuration with crawlers oriented perpendicular to the framework, but the hydraulic actuators or turnbuckles must be repositioned or disconnected when converting to transport configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot arm assembly incorporates a rotary actuator that enables the pivot arm to rotate dynamically between operational and transport configurations. This dynamic rotation mechanism eliminates the need for manual disconnection and repositioning of hydraulic actuators, as the entire assembly rotates as an integrated unit through at least 90 degrees to convert between configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot arm assembly serves multiple functions: it positions the steerable crawler in operational mode, enables transport configuration through rotation, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality is achieved by integrating the rotary actuator, pivot arm, and crawler mounting into a single versatile assembly that performs both operational and transportation roles without requiring separate adjustment mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual disconnection and repositioning of pivot arms and associated components is required, then configuration changes can be made, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary actuator is pre-positioned and integrated with the pivot arm assembly, ready to automatically perform the rotation operation. The actuator's rotational mechanism is pre-configured to achieve the necessary angle for transport configuration, eliminating the need for manual planning and execution of disconnection and repositioning steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot arm assembly performs its own reconfiguration through the rotary actuator, which automatically rotates the assembly from operational to transport configuration without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself by using its integrated actuator to accomplish the configuration change that would otherwise require operator action.
Data Source
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AI summary
A rotary pivot arm positioning assembly for a paving, texturing, or curing machine allows the machine to automatically transition from an operational orientation to a transport orientation without manual repositioning or disconnection of its components. The assembly includes a pivot arm coupled to both the front and aft ends of an end frame by a helical actuator, slew gear drive or other rotary actuator. The rotary actuator articulates each pivot arm, as well as the adjustable leg and steerable crawler connected to the pivot arm, through at least a 90-degree range. The end frame may be fixed to the left or right end of the machine. The assembly may additionally include a second helical actuator, slew gear drive or rotary actuator connecting each steerable crawler to the adjustable leg and configured to rotate the steerable crawler through a full 360 degrees.