Patent Application
20250188689
The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatuses for heating a screed of a paving machine, particularly a screed plate thereof.
To prevent asphalt from sticking to the screed plate on a paver while paving, the screed plate may be heated up to an elevated temperature that is close to the temperature of the asphalt. During the heating process energy may be lost through the surface of the screed plate, which may result in additional heat-up time and/or additional energy use by the paver.
Patent Document DE 10 2012 012 687 (“the DE Patent Document”) describes a screed with a main beam that consists of a sliding element which is arranged in opposite directions with respect to the main beam. A screed slide plate is positioned under a screed base plate. According to the DE Patent Document, the screed slide plate is comprised of a coating consisting of a heat-insulating material and/or material having good sliding and frictional properties. However, the DE Patent Document does not indicate that the screed slide plate is removed during paving operations.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides or implements a system for pre-heating a screed plate of a paving machine. The system can comprise: a screed assembly including the screed plate; and a thermal cover removably coupleable over a bottom working surface of the screed plate, wherein the thermal cover is movable between a first position where the thermal cover does not cover any portion of the bottom working surface of the screed plate and a second position where the thermal cover covers at least a portion of the bottom working surface of the screed plate.
In another aspect, a method is disclosed or implemented, where the method can comprise: providing a paver including: a frame; a traction system supporting the frame and configured to move the paver; providing a screed assembly including: a screed heater, a screed plate, and a temperature sensor associated with the screed plate to sense a temperature of the screed plate; and providing a thermal insulating cover to selectively cover and uncover a bottom working surface of the screed plate under condition that the paver is not performing a paving operation, wherein the thermal insulating cover is movable between a first position where the bottom working surface of the screed plate is uncovered by the thermal cover and a second position where the bottom working surface of the screed plate is covered by the thermal cover, and wherein the paver is in a pre-paving state prior to entering a paving state to pave a road surface under condition where the thermal insulating cover is in the second position where the thermal insulating cover covers the bottom working surface of the screed plate.
In yet another aspect, a paving machine can be provided or implemented. The paving machine can comprise: a frame; a traction system supporting the frame and configured to move the paving machine; an operator interface in an operator station supported by the frame; a screed assembly including: a screed heater, a screed plate, and a temperature sensor associated with the screed plate to sense a temperature of the screed plate, control circuitry configured to receive temperature signals from the temperature sensor and determine the temperature of the screed plate; and a thermal insulating cover removably coupleable over a bottom working surface of the screed plate, wherein the thermal insulating cover is fixedly coupled to the paving machine and movably coupled to the screed assembly so as to be movable between a first position where the thermal insulating cover does not cover any portion of the bottom working surface of the screed plate and a second position where the thermal insulating covers an entire area of the bottom working surface of the screed plate, and wherein in the second position where the thermal insulating cover covers the entire area of the bottom working surface of the screed plate, the paving machine is in a pre-paving state prior to entering a paving state to pave a road surface.
As noted above, embodiments of the present disclosure can involve systems, methods, and apparatuses for heating a screed of a paving machine or portion thereof, such as a screed plate of the screed. Such heating may involve maintaining heat of the screed. Further, such heating (including maintaining heat) can be performed prior to commencement of paving operations of the paving machine.
In general, paving machines can include a screed for laying paving material on a surface (e.g., road surface). The screed can include at least one screed plate that may level and compact the paving material. Weight of the screed can facilitate initial compaction of the paving material. The screed plate may be heated to further facilitate the paving operation. Heating the screed plate may assist in improved flow of the paving material and reduce adhesion of the paving material to the screed plate. Inadequate or uneven heating of the screed plate may result in premature hardening of the paving material, which can result in buildup of the paving material and undesired drag.
The paving machine 100 can include a tractor 102 and a screed 104 disposed to the rear of the tractor 102. The screed 104 may be flexibly coupled to the tractor 102 by tow arms 106 and may follow the tractor 102. The screed 104 may be regarded as a screed assembly 104.
The tractor 102 can include a frame 107 and a propulsion arrangement 108. The propulsion arrangement 108, as illustrated in
The screed 104 can include, among other components, a screed plate 124 and a screed heater 126. In general, the screed plate 124 can have a bottom working surface 125 to process (e.g., flatten and smooth) paving material from the hopper 114 (via one or more augers).
The screed heater 126, which can have one or more heating elements, can heat the screed plate 124 to at or above a predetermined temperature threshold. Such temperature can be at or close to the temperature of paving material to be processed by the screed plate 124. For instance, the screed heater 126 can heat the screed plate 124 to a temperature at or close to the temperature in the case of asphalt as the paving material. During a paving operation, the screed plate 124 heated to at or close to the temperature of the paving material (e.g., asphalt) can cause or allow the paving material to slide underneath the screed plate 124 without sticking (or without substantially sticking) to the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124. The predetermined temperature threshold can be 180° F. to 300° F., as an example range.
According to one or more embodiments, the predetermined threshold temperature can be set based on a temperature value to prevent paving material from sticking to the screed plate 124. Optionally, the predetermined temperature threshold can be set via an operator interface 132, for instance, in an operator station 130 of the paving machine 100. Though
A temperature sensor 128 can be provided or implemented. Optionally, the temperature sensor 128 can be part of the paving machine 100 or portion thereof, such as part of the screed assembly 104. The temperature sensor 128 can measure or sense temperature of the screed plate 124. The temperature sensor 128, which can include one or more temperature sensors, can be implemented on, in, or adjacent to the screed plate 124.
The paving machine 100 can also include a controller 140, which can be implemented in or using circuitry. Thus, the controller 140 may be regarded as control circuitry. The controller 140 can receive temperature signals from the temperature sensor 128. Such temperature signals can be representative or indicative of the current temperature of the screed plate 124. Optionally, the controller 140 can process the temperature signals to determine the current temperature of the screed plate 124. According to one or more embodiments, the controller 140 can cause the current temperature of the screed plate 124 to be displayed on a display of the operator interface 132. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 140, based on the temperature signals from the temperature sensor 128, can output an indication on the display of the operator interface 132 indicating that the current temperature of the screed plate 124 is at or above the predetermined temperature threshold.
The controller 140 may control the output of the screed heater 126. For instance, the controller 140 may control the screed heater 126 to heat up from a preliminary state (e.g., a cold state) to reach or exceed the predetermined temperature threshold, for instance, so the screed plate 124 is at or above the predetermined temperature threshold. The controller 140 may also control the screed heater 126 to maintain the temperature of the screed plate 124 at or above the predetermined temperature threshold. Such control by the controller 140 may be based on or using the temperature signals from the temperature sensor 128.
The controller 140 may control the output of the screed heater 126 during a pre-paving phase of the paving machine 100 and/or during a paving phase of the paving machine 100. Thus, the temperature signals can be sent by the temperature sensor 128 during the pre-paving phase of the paving machine 100 and/or during the paving phase of the paving machine 100. At least some of the pre-paving phase may be regarded as or involve pre-heating the screed plate 124 to at or above the predetermined temperature threshold using the screed heater 126. The pre-paving phase may also involve the controller 140 controlling the screed heater 126 to maintain the temperature of the screed plate 124 to at or above the predetermined temperature threshold.
A thermal cover 200 may be implemented. Depending upon the configuration of the thermal cover 200, the thermal cover 200 may be regarded as part of the paving machine 100 or portion thereof, such as a portion of the screed assembly 104, or separate from the paving machine 100. The thermal cover can be configured to withstand at least the highest temperature of the screed heater 126 and/or the screed plate 124. Thus, the thermal cover may be regarded or characterized as a thermal insulating cover or a thermal or heat reflective cover. Exemplary materials for the thermal cover 200 can include silicon rubber or biaxially-oriented polyethylene terephthalate (BoPET) such as Mylar®. According to one or more embodiments, the thermal cover 200 can be semi-flexible or flexible, for instance, as a flexible sheet, blanket, film, or foil. The thickness of the thermal cover 200 may be based on whether the thermal cover 200 is semi-flexible or flexible. For instance, in the case of the thermal cover 200 being flexible, the thickness of the thermal cover 200 may be 10 mm or less, as an example.
The thermal cover 200 can be removably coupleable to or over the screed plate 124, particularly the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124. According to one or more embodiments, the thermal cover 200, when removably coupled to or over the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124, can cover an entire area of the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124. Optionally, in the case of the screed plate 124 having a main screed plate and extension screed plates, the thermal cover 200 can cover an entire area of the main screed plate and the extension screed plates. According to one or more embodiments, in the case of the screed plate 124 having the main screed plate and the extension screed plates, multiple thermal covers 200 may be provided for each of the main screed plate and the extension screed plates.
The thermal cover 200 can be provided or implemented in a first position and a second position relative to the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124. In the first position the thermal cover 200 may not cover any portion of the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124, and in the second position the thermal cover 200 can cover the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124, such as the entire bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124. According to one or more embodiments, the thermal cover 200 can cover an entire area of the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124 in the second position. Optionally, the thermal cover 200 can cover only the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124 and no other portion of the screed plate 124.
The thermal cover 200 may be fully or entirely removable from the paving machine 100 and hence the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124 when the thermal cover 200 is in the first position. Alternatively, the thermal cover 200 can be removed from covering the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124 but can remain fixedly coupled to the paving machine 100 or portion thereof, such as the screed assembly 104 when the thermal cover 200 is in the first position.
The thermal cover 200 may be movable relative to the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124. As such, the thermal cover 200 can be moved, either manually or non-manually (e.g., automatically via an electric motor-controlled actuator), from the first position to the second position and vice versa. Additionally or alternatively, the screed plate 124 may be movable relative to the thermal cover 200. Thus, the screed plate 124 can move to provide the thermal cover 200 in the first position and in the second position.
In
Such movement can be performed manually, for instance, by an operator of the paving machine 100. In this regard, the manual movement of the thermal cover 200 from the first position to the second position can involve fastening the distal or free end of the thermal cover 200 to the screed plate 124, for instance, using one or more fasteners (e.g., clips). Optionally, the thermal cover 200 can be supported as it extends and retracts by a guide or rail.
Additionally or alternatively, the extension and retraction of the thermal cover 200 relative to the reel 150 can be performed non-manually, for instance, automatically via a motor (e.g., electric motor) and actuator operatively coupled to the reel 150. Optionally, the operator of the paving machine 100 can operate the operator interface 132 to extend and/or retract the thermal cover 200 under control of the controller 140. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 140 can automatically retract the thermal cover 200 upon completion of a pre-heating operation of the screed plate 124, for instance, in response to the temperature of the screed plate 124 reaching or exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold. Here, as an example, the controller 140 can receive temperature signals from the temperature sensor 128, determine that the temperature of the screed plate 124 is at or above the predetermined temperature threshold, and then control the reel 150 to move the thermal cover 200 from the second position to the first position where the thermal cover 200 does not cover the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124.
In
Such movement can be performed manually, for instance, by the operator of the paving machine 100. In this regard, the manual movement of the thermal cover 200 from the first position to the second position can involve fastening the distal or free end of the thermal cover 200 to the screed plate 124, for instance, using one or more fasteners (e.g., clips). Additionally or alternatively, the hinge 160 may be biased, for instance, via one or more springs, to keep the thermal cover 200 over the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124.
Additionally or alternatively, rotation of the thermal cover 200 relative to bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124 can be performed non-manually, for instance, automatically via a motor (e.g., electric motor) and actuator operatively coupled to the hinge 160 and/or a portion of the thermal cover 200. Optionally, the operator of the paving machine 100 can operate the operator interface 132 to rotate the thermal cover 200 under control of the controller 140. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 140 can automatically move the thermal cover 200 from the second position to the first position upon completion of a pre-heating operation of the screed plate 124, for instance, in response to the temperature of the screed plate 124 reaching or exceeding a predetermined temperature threshold. Here, as an example, the controller 140 can receive temperature signals from the temperature sensor 128, determine that the temperature of the screed plate 124 is at or above the predetermined temperature threshold, and then cause the thermal cover 200 and the hinge 160 to move such that the thermal cover 200 moves from the second position to the first position where the thermal cover 200 does not cover the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124. Optionally, in the first position, the thermal cover 200 may be regarded as being in a stowed position.
The thermal cover 200 may be implemented to cover the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124 during a preheating operation or process to heat the screed plate 124 to at or above the predetermined temperature threshold using the screed heater 126. Reaching or exceeding the predetermined temperature threshold may be indicative of the paving machine 100, 300 being ready to perform a paving operation or process. The preheating operation or process may also involve maintaining the temperature of the screed plate 124 at or above the predetermined temperature threshold, for instance, until the paving machine 100, 300 is ready to perform a paving operation or process. Such implementation of the thermal cover 200 may be only during the preheating operation or process, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and not during the paving operation or process. In this regard, implementation of the thermal cover 200 can speed up the preheating operation or process and/or maintain the temperature of the screed plate 124 at or above the predetermined temperature threshold without the use of additional energy output by the screed heater 126 and/or without loss of heat/without significant loss of heat from the screed plate 124.
According to one or more embodiments, the thermal cover 200 can be separated from the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124 after (e.g., upon) the temperature of the screed plate 124 reaching or exceeding the predetermined temperature threshold. Here, according to one or more embodiments, the thermal cover 200 can be separated from the bottom working surface 125 when a temperature reading or another indicator on the operator interface 132 indicates that the temperature of the screed plate 124 is at or above (e.g., has reached or exceeded) the predetermined temperature threshold, based on the temperature signals from the temperature sensor 128. Separation of the thermal cover 200 can be performed manually or non-manually, such as by raising the screed plate 124 or controlling the thermal cover 200 to move from the second position to the first position, for instance, as discussed above. Optionally, separation of the thermal cover 200 and the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124 can be performed under control of the controller 140, for instance, in response to operator input at the operator interface 132 or automatically upon determining that the preheating phase or process is to be ended (e.g., upon the temperature of the screed plate 124 reaching the predetermined temperature threshold).
Embodiments of the present disclosure can involve systems, methods, and apparatuses for heating a screed of a paving machine or portion thereof, such as a screed plate of the screed. Such heating, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, may involve maintaining heat of the screed. Further, such heating (including maintaining heat) can be performed prior to commencement of paving operations of the paving machine.
As noted above, to prevent asphalt from sticking to the screed plate on a paver while paving, the screed plate may be heated up to an elevated temperature that is close to the temperature of the asphalt. During the heating process energy may be lost through the surface of the screed plate, which may result in additional heat-up time and/or additional energy use by the paver.
At least in view of the above, embodiments of the present disclosure can to systems, methods, and assemblies implementing thermal insulation for a screed plate of a paver (e.g., an asphalt paver). Such systems, methods, and assemblies can include or involve thermal insulation disposed onto or place over a working surface of the screed plate. The thermal insulation, which may be regarded herein as a thermal cover, may be attached permanently to the screed plate through a hinge, for instance, or may be attached removably. In an embodiment, the system, method, and assembly may include a thermal insulation pad disposed either on a work site or may be mounted to a trailer on which the paver is transported. The thermal insulation/thermal insulation pad can reduce energy loss during the screed plate heating process.
At operation/step 602, the method can involve or include providing a thermal cover, such as thermal cover 200. Such thermal cover 200 can be provided to selectively cover the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124. Further, such thermal cover 200 can be implemented during a preheating operation or phase to heat the screed plate 124 to at or above a predetermined temperature threshold. The thermal cover 200 can be provided in a first position where the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124 is uncovered by the thermal cover 200 and a second position where the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124 is covered by the thermal cover 200. When the thermal cover 200 is not covering the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124, the paving machine 100, 300 may be operate in a paving phase or state to pave a surface (e.g., a road surface). The preheating phase or processing may be regarded as a pre-paving state or phase. Optionally, the controller 140 can control the screed plate 124 or the thermal cover 200 such that the thermal cover 200 is in the first position or the second position.
At 604, with the thermal cover 200 covering the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124, the screed heater 126 can be operative to preheat the screed plate 124 to and/or maintain the heat of the screed plate 124 at or above the predetermined temperature threshold.
At 606, the method 600 can involve determining whether the temperature of the screed plate 124 is at or above the predetermined temperature threshold (including initially reaching or exceeding the predetermined temperature threshold). Such determining can be performed by the controller 140 based on or using temperature signals from the temperature sensor 128.
With the temperature of the screed plate 124 at or above the predetermined temperature threshold, the thermal cover 200 and the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124 can be separated, at 608 of the method 600. As noted above, this can involve movement of the screed plate 124 or movement of the thermal cover 200, such as by reeling in the thermal cover 200 or rotation of the thermal cover 200 away from the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124. Thus, the thermal cover 200 may be completely separated from the paving machine 100, 300 or may still remain coupled to the paving machine 100, 300 with the thermal cover 200 no longer covering the bottom working surface 125 of the screed plate 124. Upon completion of operation/step 608, the paving machine 100, 300 may be ready to perform a paving operation.
As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of the present disclosure may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.
The functionality of the elements disclosed herein may be implemented using circuitry or processing circuitry which includes general purpose processors, special purpose processors, integrated circuits, ASICs (“Application Specific Integrated Circuits”), conventional circuitry and/or combinations thereof which are configured or programmed to perform the disclosed functionality. Processors are considered processing circuitry or circuitry as they include transistors and other circuitry therein. The processor may be a programmed processor which executes a program stored in a memory. In the disclosure, the circuitry, units, or means are hardware that carry out or are programmed to perform the recited functionality. The hardware may be any hardware disclosed herein or otherwise known which is programmed or configured to carry out the recited functionality. When the hardware is a processor which may be considered a type of circuitry, the circuitry, means, or units are a combination of hardware and software, the software being used to configure the hardware and/or processor.
Further, as used herein, the term “circuitry” can refer to any or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry); (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or (ii) portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of “circuitry” can apply to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term “circuitry” can also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware.
Use of the terms “data,” “content,” “information” and similar terms may be used interchangeably, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, to refer to data capable of being transmitted, received, operated on, and/or stored. The term “network” may refer to a group of interconnected computers or other computing devices. Within a network, these computers or other computing devices may be interconnected directly or indirectly by various means including via one or more switches, routers, gateways, access points or the like.
Aspects of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, the flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. For instance, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.
It also will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can also be as set forth according to the following parentheticals.
(1) a paving machine comprising: a frame; a traction system supporting the frame and configured to move the paving machine; an operator interface in an operator station supported by the frame; a screed assembly including: a screed heater, a screed plate, and a temperature sensor associated with the screed plate to sense a temperature of the screed plate, control circuitry configured to receive temperature signals from the temperature sensor and determine the temperature of the screed plate; and a thermal insulating cover removably coupleable over a bottom working surface of the screed plate, wherein the thermal insulating cover is fixedly coupled to the paving machine and movably coupled to the screed assembly so as to be movable between a first position where the thermal insulating cover does not cover any portion of the bottom working surface of the screed plate and a second position where the thermal insulating covers an entire area of the bottom working surface of the screed plate, and wherein in the second position where the thermal insulating cover covers the entire area of the bottom working surface of the screed plate, the paving machine is in a pre-paving state prior to entering a paving state to pave a road surface.
(2) The paving machine according to (1), wherein the thermal insulating cover is a flexible sheet or blanket.
(3) The paving machine according to (1) or (2), further comprising a reel to extend the thermal insulating cover in the form of the flexible sheet or blanket to the second position and to retract the thermal insulating cover in the form of the flexible sheet or blanket to the first position.
(4) The paving machine according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control circuitry is configured to control the reel to extend the thermal insulating cover in the form of the flexible sheet or blanket to the second position and to retract the thermal insulating cover in the form of the flexible sheet or blanket to the first position.
(5) The paving machine according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising a hinge assembly to move the thermal insulating cover between the first position and the second position under control of the control circuitry.
(6) The paving machine according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control circuitry is configured to control movement of the thermal insulating cover from the second position to the first position responsive to determining that the temperature of the screed plate has reached a predetermined temperature threshold.
(7) The paving machine according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the predetermined temperature threshold is set based on a temperature value to prevent paving material from sticking to the screed plate.
(8) The paving machine according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the thermal insulating cover is manually movable between the first position and the second position.
(9) The paving machine according to any one of (1) to (8), wherein the thermal insulating cover is made of silicon rubber.
(10) A method comprising: providing a paver including: a frame; a traction system supporting the frame and configured to move the paver; providing a screed assembly including: a screed heater, a screed plate, and a temperature sensor associated with the screed plate to sense a temperature of the screed plate; and providing a thermal insulating cover to selectively cover and uncover a bottom working surface of the screed plate under condition that the paver is not performing a paving operation, wherein the thermal insulating cover is movable between a first position where the bottom working surface of the screed plate is uncovered by the thermal cover and a second position where the bottom working surface of the screed plate is covered by the thermal cover, and wherein the paver is in a pre-paving state prior to entering a paving state to pave a road surface under condition where the thermal insulating cover is in the second position where the thermal insulating cover covers the bottom working surface of the screed plate.
(11) The method according to (11), further comprising controlling, with the paver in the pre-paving state, the screed assembly to move the screed plate relative to the thermal insulating cover such that the thermal insulating cover is in one of the first position or the second position.
(12) The method according to (10) or (11), wherein in the first position the thermal insulating cover is entirely separated from the paver.
(13) The method according to any one of (10) to (12), further comprising controlling, with the paver in the pre-paving state, the thermal insulating cover to move from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position.
(14) The method according to any one of (10) to (13), wherein said controlling the thermal insulating cover to move from the first position to the second position or from the second position to the first position is performed using an electronically controller actuator to move the thermal insulating cover.
(15) The method according to any one of (10) to (14), further comprising: determining, using the temperature sensor of the screed assembly, that a temperature of the screed plate is at or above a predetermined temperature threshold; and separating the thermal insulating cover and the bottom working surface of the screed plate so the thermal insulating cover is in the first position.
(16) A system for pre-heating a screed plate of a paving machine comprising: a screed assembly including the screed plate; and a thermal cover removably coupleable over a bottom working surface of the screed plate, wherein the thermal cover is movable between a first position where the thermal cover does not cover any portion of the bottom working surface of the screed plate and a second position where the thermal cover covers at least a portion of the bottom working surface of the screed plate.
(17) The system according to (16), further comprising: a heater to heat the screed plate; a temperature sensor to sense temperature of the screed plate; and a controller to receive temperature signals from the temperature sensor and output control signals to separate the thermal g cover and the bottom working surface of the screed plate so the thermal cover is in the first position.
(18) The system according to (16) or (17), wherein the thermal cover is a flexible sheet or blanket.
(19) The system according to any one of (16) to (18), wherein in the first position the thermal cover is entirely separated from the paving machine.
(20) The system according to any one of (16) to (19), wherein in the first position the thermal cover is movably coupled to the paving machine.
It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. That is, unless clearly specified otherwise, as used herein the words “a” and “an” and the like carry the meaning of “one or more.” The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (for example, “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B″) is to be construed to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Similarly, as used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B, or C” refers to at least one of A, B, C, or any combination thereof, such as any of: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B, and C; or multiple of any item such as A and A; B, B, and C; A, A, B, C, and C; etc.
Additionally, it is to be understood that terms such as “left,” “right,” “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “rear,” “side,” “height,” “length,” “width,” “upper,” “lower,” “interior,” “exterior,” “inner,” “outer,” and the like that may be used herein, merely describe points of reference and do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular orientation or configuration. Furthermore, terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., merely identify one of a number of portions, components, points of reference, operations and/or functions as described herein, and likewise do not necessarily limit embodiments of the disclosed subject matter to any particular configuration or orientation.
While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, assemblies, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.
