Cushioning Spring-Absorber Unit for Road Paver Pushing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pushing devices for road pavers and feeders are prone to installation errors due to the reliance on driver skill for precise braking and docking, leading to energy inefficiency and potential damage to the pavement, as they lack effective cushioning mechanisms to absorb dynamic forces during material transfer.
Innovation Solution
A pushing device with a cushioning spring-absorber unit mounted on a cross-arm, which absorbs energy during docking and releases it to maintain a constant distance between the HGV and the paver or feeder, featuring a higher spring rate during compression and a softer rate during release to prevent jerky movements and overload, utilizing friction springs for enhanced stability and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the HGV driver applies brakes with too much force or for too long, then the HGV stops quickly, but this causes delayed drive of the pushing vehicle and installation errors in the pavement
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing device is equipped with a cushioning mechanism that absorbs impact energy when the HGV docks with the pushing unit. This beforehand cushioning prevents abrupt stops and jerky movements, ensuring smooth material transfer and preventing pavement installation errors while maintaining appropriate braking speed.
2Ease of operation
If the HGV driver releases the brake completely, then the HGV can move freely, but the HGV is pushed away towards the front due to material momentum and material falls in front of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning mechanism acts as an intermediary between the HGV and the pushing unit, absorbing the momentum of sliding material and preventing the HGV from being pushed away. This allows the driver to maintain brake control without completely releasing the brake, ensuring material lands precisely in the hopper.
3Productivity
If the HGV drives backwards quickly, then material transfer is faster, but the HGV collides against the pushing device too quickly causing jerky displacement of the paver and line-shaped imprints in the roadway surface
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning mechanism is designed to absorb impact energy when the HGV docks with the pushing unit during backward movement. This beforehand cushioning prevents abrupt collisions and jerky displacement of the paver, maintaining roadway surface quality while allowing faster material transfer speeds.
4Device complexity
If rigid pushing devices are used, then the structure is simpler, but the dynamic forces between the HGV and the paver rise strongly causing energy waste and driver skill dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The cushioning mechanism absorbs impact energy during docking, reducing the dynamic forces that would otherwise be wasted. This beforehand cushioning minimizes energy consumption and reduces dependency on driver skill while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
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 ensures smooth and precise material transfer with reduced risk of installation errors and damage, maintaining a consistent distance and energy efficiency by absorbing and releasing forces effectively, thereby improving the accuracy and durability of the pavement installation process.
Implementation Method 1
the push rollers dock against the HGV tires, the HGV tires deform elastically and thereby store deformation energy
Implementation Method 2
the pushing unit is movably mounted relative to a chassis component by means of at least a cushioning spring-absorber unit
Implementation Method 3
utilizing friction springs for enhanced stability and energy management
Data Source
AI summary
A pushing device that can be attached to a road paver or feeder vehicle. The pushing device is attachable to a chassis component of the road paver or the feeder vehicle and comprises a pushing unit that is attached in a movable manner to the chassis component by means of at least a spring-absorber unit. The pushing unit can be displaced relative to the chassis component in a first direction and a second direction, whereby the spring-absorber unit has a greater spring rate during a movement of the pushing unit in the first direction than in the second direction.