Screed Extension Sliding Support for Vertical Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Attaching mechanical screed extensions to a base screed in paving machines is difficult, time-consuming, and requires additional equipment due to numerous and hard-to-access bolted connections, especially when vertical adjustments are needed.
Innovation Solution
A sliding support system that allows the screed and screed extension to move vertically together, utilizing a sliding joint assembly with a mounting bracket, plate, pin, fasteners, wear pad, and wear block, enabling vertical movement of the lower frame to maintain alignment and support of the screed plates without disassembling and reassembling tie rods and mounting brackets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolted connections are used to attach screed extension to base screed, then secure connection is achieved, but attachment becomes difficult and time-consuming requiring additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a mounting bracket attached to the base screed, and a mounting plate on the screed extension. These segments can be independently positioned and connected, allowing for easier alignment and attachment without requiring complex bolted connections across the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
A sliding support assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the base screed and screed extension. This intermediary component facilitates the connection by providing a sliding interface that accommodates vertical movement while maintaining the structural connection, eliminating the need for difficult-to-access bolted connections.
2Strength
If bolted connections are used to attach screed extension, then secure connection is achieved, but vertical adjustments require disassembly and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding support assembly introduces dynamic capability to the mounting system, allowing vertical movement while maintaining the connection. The sliding interface enables the mounting plate to move vertically relative to the mounting bracket, providing adaptability for vertical adjustments without requiring disassembly of the entire connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding support assembly serves as a mediator that decouples the structural connection function from the vertical adjustment function. This allows the connection to remain secure while enabling independent vertical movement, resolving the contradiction between connection strength and vertical adjustability.
3Reliability
If numerous bolted connections are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but operator time and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening points are merged into a single sliding support assembly. Instead of using numerous separate bolted connections, the invention combines the mounting bracket, mounting plate, and sliding support into an integrated system that achieves the same attachment reliability with fewer components and less assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding support assembly acts as a intermediary mechanism that consolidates multiple connection functions into a single unit, reducing the number of discrete fastening operations required while maintaining secure and reliable attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
A screed assembly includes a screed and a screed extension, with the screed coupled to the screed extension. The screed further includes an upper frame and a lower frame. The lower frame is adapted to move in a substantially vertical direction and movement in a substantially vertical direction of the lower frame results in corresponding substantially vertical movement of the screed extension.