SCREED WEAR PLATE RETENTION ASSEMBLY

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to road paving machines, and more particularly to screed wear plate retention assemblies for screed assemblies of paver machines.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Paver machines are equipment used in the construction and maintenance of paved surfaces such as roads, highways, and parking lots. These machines are designed to distribute, level, and compact paving materials, ensuring a smooth and uniform surface. A critical component of a paver machine is the screed assembly, which includes one or more screed plates that directly engage with the paving material to achieve the desired surface finish. The performance of the screed assembly significantly impacts the quality of the paved surface, making the secure attachment and retention of the screed plates essential to the operation of the machine.

[0003] Conventional methods for attaching screed plates to the screed assembly often rely on mechanical fasteners or clamping mechanisms that may loosen over time due to vibration and repeated stress during paving operations. Such systems may lead to misalignment or even detachment of the screed plates, resulting in inconsistent surface quality and increased maintenance requirements. Additionally, traditional fastening methods may not accommodate the quick replacement of screed plates, leading to extended downtime during maintenance and reducing overall operational efficiency.

[0004] Prior art solutions, such as U.S. Patent No. 10,156,049, describes a modular screed plate assembly having a plurality of modular screed plates, each of the plurality of modular screed plates having a screed front side and an opposing screed back side. A plurality of retainer quick-connect/release means are provided proximal to the opposing screed back side and a plurality of screed plate retaining locks securely receives the plurality of retainer quick-connect/release means for securing to the paver underside in conjunction with a coupling element proximate the screed front side. However, this reference fails to addresses the problem of easily attaching and retaining a single screed plate to a screed assembly while maintaining its alignment and enabling easy replacement under varying operating conditions.

[0005] Hence there is a need for an improved assembly for attaching, retaining, and replacing screed wear plates during operation and to minimize downtime during maintenance.

SUMMARY

[0006] A screed wear plate retention assembly for a screed assembly of a paver machine is disclosed. The screed wear plate retention assembly comprises a screed frame, a screed plate, a screed wear plate, and a biasing member such as a leaf spring. The screed plate is positioned on a bottom of the screed frame with a screed wear plate attached to the screed plate. The screed wear plate is configured to contact a pavement surface. The biasing member has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is secured to the screed frame and second end is secured to the screed wear plate. The biasing member provides a retention force between the screed frame and the screed wear plate to retain the screed wear plate to the screed plate.

[0007] A paver machine is disclosed comprising a frame, a prime mover mounted in the frame, ground engaging elements supporting the frame, and a screed assembly attached to the paver machine. The screed assembly includes a screed wear plate retention assembly. The screed wear plate retention assembly includes a screed frame, a screed plate, a screed wear plate, and a biasing member such as a leaf spring. The screed plate is positioned on a bottom of the screed frame with a screed wear plate attached to the screed plate. The screed wear plate is configured to contact a pavement surface. The biasing member has a first end and a second end, whereby the first end is secured to the screed frame and second end is secured to the screed wear plate. The biasing member provides a retention force between the screed frame and the screed wear plate to retain the screed wear plate to the screed plate.

[0008] A method of attaching a screed wear plate to a screed assembly associated with a paver machine is disclosed. The method begins by attaching a screed wear plate to a screed plate on the bottom of the screed assembly. The method then secures a biasing member to a screed frame of the screed assembly and the screed swear plate. The biasing member has a first end and a second end, the first end is secured to a screed frame of the screed assembly and the second end is secured to the screed wear plate. The biasing member provides a retention force between the screed frame and the screed wear plate. The method further includes retaining the screed wear plate to the screed plate during pavement operations via a retention force of the biasing member.

[0009] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a paver machine.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a screed assembly of the paver machine in FIG. 1.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the screed assembly of FIG. 2.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the screed assembly of FIG. 2.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram that illustrates movement of a screed wear plate during operation of the screed assembly of FIG.2 of the paver machine of FIG. 1.

[0015]FIG. 6 is another embodiment of a schematic diagram that illustrates movement of a screed wear plate during operation of the screed assembly of FIG.2 of the paver machine of FIG. 1.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a flow-chart of a method of attaching a screed wear plate to the screed assembly of FIG. 2 associated with the paver machine of FIG. 1.

[0017] The figures depict one embodiment of the presented invention for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a paver machine 100 is shown, illustrated as an exemplary asphalt paver. Asphalt pavers are heavy equipment designed to spread, level, and compact paving material, such as asphalt or concrete, onto a surface. While the following detailed description describes an exemplary aspect in connection with the paver machine 100, it should be appreciated that the description applies equally to the use of the paver machines for asphalt, concrete, and other materials for pavement surfacing.

[0019]The paver machine 100 is provided with a frame 102, ground engaging elements 104, an engine 106, a cab 108, and a screed assembly 110. The paver machine 100 is designed for road paving applications and comprises multiple primary components essential for its operation. The frame 102 serves as the primary structural component that provides support and stability to the entire paver machine 100. The frame 102 also houses various other components of the paver machine 100 and connects to ground engaging elements 104. The ground engaging elements 104 may include wheels or continuous tracks that facilitate the movement of the paver machine 100 across the job site. The ground engaging elements 104 are responsible for providing traction, enabling the paver machine 100 to move smoothly over uneven surfaces while maintaining stability and directional control.

[0020]The engine 106 is mounted onto the frame 102 and functions as the main power source for the paver machine 100 and the screed assembly 110. The engine 106 supplies mechanical energy for various operations, such as propulsion, material conveying, screed vibration, and hydraulic functions. The engine 106 may be any prime mover gas or electric that propels the paver machine 100 forward, as generally known in the arts.

[0021]The cab 108 is positioned above the frame 102 and provides an enclosed, ergonomic environment for the operator to control the operations of the paver machine 100. The cab 108 includes control panels, joysticks, and other interfaces that allow the operator to monitor and adjust various machine parameters.

[0022] The screed assembly 110 is attached to the rear of the paver machine 100, spreading and compacting paving material, such as asphalt, to the desired thickness and consistency, ensuring the quality of the final paved surface achieves a smooth and even finish of the pavement material. The screed assembly 110 is designed to be adjustable in width and height to accommodate different paving requirements and material specifications. Pavement material can include various types such as hot mix asphalt (HMA), concrete, bituminous mixtures, or other aggregate-based compositions commonly used for constructing roads, highways, and other paved surfaces.

[0023]Referring now to FIG. 2, a rear perspective view of the screed assembly 110 is illustrated. The screed assembly 110 includes a screed frame 200, a screed plate 202 attached to the bottom of the screed plate 202 between a first side 204 and a second side 206. The screed frame 200 is a structural frame of the screed assembly 110 that houses and supports all other components in the screed assembly 110 for pavement operations. The screed plate 202 is the primary plate that contacts the asphalt or concrete surface.

[0024]Referring now to FIG. 3, a bottom perspective view of the screed assembly 110 is illustrated. A screed wear plate 300 is attached to the screed plate 202. The screed wear plate 300 is a replaceable steel or alloy plate attached to the bottom of the screed plate 202. The screed wear plate 300 protects the screed plate 202 and is positioned to endure the most wear, prolonging the life of the screed plate 202. The screed wear plate 300 may be constructed from alternative materials such as high-strength aluminum alloys, composite materials, or wear-resistant polymer coatings to reduce weight and enhance durability. Different geometries, such as reinforced edges or curved surfaces, can also be incorporated into the screed wear plate 300 to improve its performance when spreading and compacting the paving material. The screed plate 202 may be provided with a plurality of the screed wear plate 300 along the length of the screed frame 200.

[0025]FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of the screed assembly 110. The screed wear plate 300 may have an attachment interface 302 at a front end 208 so that a biasing member 304 may be attached and utilized to retain the screed wear plate 300 against the screed plate 202. The screed frame 200 may include a plurality of mounting points for receiving fasteners on the screed frame 200 for fastening the biasing member 304 to the screed frame 200. There may be a plurality of the screed wear plate 300 retained to the screed plate 202 utilizing a plurality of the biasing member 304.

[0026]FIG. 5 is a schematic side diagram of a screed wear plate retention assembly 500 of the screed assembly 110 along a pavement surface 501. The screed plate 202 is positioned to directly engage with the pavement surface 501, where it smooths and compacts paving material. The biasing member 304 is secured to the screed frame 200 of the screed assembly 110 by a fastener 502, such as a bolt or screw at a first end 306 of the biasing member 304. The fastener 502 acts as a fastening element, retaining the biasing member 304 in place and allowing it to move or bias. The biasing member 304 may be fastened to the to the attachment interface 302 at a second end 308 to the screed wear plate 300 to retain the screed wear plate 300 against the screed plate 202 during pavement operations. The biasing member 304 may be an arched spring, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0027]FIG. 6 is a schematic side diagram of the screed wear plate retention assembly 500 of the screed assembly 110 with a fulcrum 600, according to another embodiment. The fulcrum 600 may be provided on the screed frame 200 acting as a pivot point for the biasing member 304. The fulcrum 600 enables the biasing member 304 to generate both a vertical force and a horizontal force, which work together to retain the screed plate 202 in its desired position. The vertical force exerted by the biasing member 304 ensures that the screed plate 202 maintains consistent contact with the pavement surface 501, thereby providing effective leveling and compaction of the paving material. The horizontal force prevents lateral movement of the screed wear plate 300 relative to the screed frame of the screed assembly 110, ensuring that the screed wear plate 300 remains securely coupled during paving operations. The fulcrum 600 may be provided on the screed frame 200 or provided at an end of the biasing member 304 configured to be attached to the screed frame 200.

[0028] The biasing member 304 is constructed from a resilient metal, such as biasing member steel, which provides the flexibility needed to generate the retention forces while also allowing it to return to its original position after deflection. The biasing member 304 may include variations in its thickness, curvature, or material properties, allowing for customized force application depending on specific paving conditions or screed plate configurations. This design ensures optimal retention and stability of the screed wear plate 300 under different operating conditions. The biasing member 304 may be a linear spring, flat spring, or the like.

[0029] The integration of the fulcrum 600 as a pivot point allows the biasing member 304 to facilitate or promote both vertical force and horizontal force on the screed wear plate 300, ensuring that the screed wear plate 300 remains securely in place while maintaining consistent contact with the pavement surface 501. This configuration reduces the likelihood of the screed plate 202 becoming dislodged or misaligned during paving operations, leading to improved and simplified replacement and maintenance.

[0030]Referring now to FIG. 7, a method 700 of attaching a screed wear plate 300 to a screed assembly 110 associated with a paver machine 100 is illustrated. The method 700 includes several steps to ensure secure attachment and retention of the screed wear plate 300 during paving operations.

[0031] In a step 702, the method 700 begins with attaching the screed wear plate 300 to a screed plate 202 located on the bottom of the screed frame 200 of the screed assembly 110. The screed wear plate 300 is positioned to contact the pavement surface 501 directly, where it will perform spreading, leveling, and compacting of the paving material. This attachment can be achieved by aligning the screed wear plate 300 with the screed plate 202 along the bottom surface of the screed assembly 110. The wear plate 300 is configured to bear the brunt of abrasion during operation, thereby extending the life of the screed plate 202.

[0032]In step 704, the method 700 includes securing a biasing member 304 between the screed frame 200 of the screed assembly 110 and the screed wear plate 300. The biasing member 304 has a first end 306 and a second end 308. The first end 306 is secured to the screed frame 200, and the second end 308 is attached to the screed wear plate 300. This allows the biasing member 304 to apply a retention force that holds the screed wear plate 300 against the screed plate 202 during paving operations. The biasing member 304 may be fastened using a fastener 502, such as a bolt, which ensures a secure connection to the screed frame 200 and prevents detachment or displacement during use, as well as easy removal.

[0033] In a step 706, the method 700 involves retaining the screed wear plate 300 to the screed plate 202 via the retention force provided by the biasing member 304 as the paver machine 100 operates. The retention force exerted by the biasing member 304 maintains consistent contact between the screed wear plate 300 and the pavement surface 501, ensuring effective compaction and leveling of the paving material. The biasing member 304 may be configured with a fulcrum 600 on the screed frame 200, which acts as a pivot point, allowing the biasing member 304 to apply both vertical and horizontal forces to the screed wear plate 300.

[0034] The vertical force component generated by the biasing member 304 ensures that the screed wear plate 300 maintains adequate pressure on the paving material, promoting consistent compaction. Simultaneously, the horizontal force component restricts lateral shifting of the screed wear plate 300 relative to the screed frame 200, thus preventing misalignment. These contribute to achieving a smooth, uniform surface finish as the screed assembly 110 spreads and compacts the paving material while the paver machine 100 moves along the pavement surface 501.

[0035]The method 700 includes an option to replace the screed wear plate 300 by detaching it from the biasing member 304 without requiring full disassembly of the biasing mechanism. The first end 306 of the biasing member 304 remains secured to the screed frame 200, allowing quick removal and replacement of the screed wear plate 300 alone.

Industrial Applicability

[0036] The present disclosure may find applicability in various industries, including, but not limited to, road paving, construction, earth-moving, and agricultural industries. Specifically, the screed wear plate retention assembly 500 and methods described herein can be utilized for securely attaching and retaining screed plates in paving machines such as asphalt pavers, concrete pavers, and other machines equipped with screed assemblies for material compaction and leveling. While the detailed description is made with specific reference to paver machines, it is to be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure may also be applied to other paving and leveling machines, such as surface finishers, compactors, graders, and similar equipment with screed or blade systems for smoothing and distributing material. The screed wear plate retention assembly 500 may be provided as a retrofit onto these other machines, allowing for enhanced retention of wear plates or similar components that require consistent force application and secure coupling for optimal performance during paving operations.

[0037] The screed wear plate retention assembly 500 and associated method address challenges encountered in industrial paving applications, specifically in road construction and maintenance projects. The disclosed retention assembly incorporates a biasing member, such as a leaf spring, which applies a retention force—both vertical and horizontal—between the screed frame 200 and the screed wear plate 300. This configuration enhances stability by ensuring the screed wear plate 300 maintains consistent contact with the pavement surface 501, thus enabling uniform compaction and leveling of the paving material.

[0038] Unlike traditional methods, which require full disassembly of the screed wear plate assembly to replace a worn screed wear plate, the screed wear plate retention assembly 500 allows the screed wear plate 300 to be detached from the biasing member 304 without removing the entire screed wear plate retention assembly 500. This minimizes maintenance downtime, making the assembly and method efficient for industrial settings where equipment availability and operational efficiency are crucial.

[0039] From the foregoing, the technology disclosed herein has industrial applicability in a variety of settings such as, but not limited to, road paving, construction, and earth-moving industries that utilize machines such as asphalt pavers, concrete pavers, surface finishers, compactors, graders, and similar machines equipped with screed assemblies or material leveling systems.