Bridge Paving System

The present disclosure relates to bridge construction equipment including bridge deck paving equipment.

Bridge construction may include the utilization of paving equipment that is configured to pave material (e.g., finish plastic concrete) that has been placed onto a bridge deck where such material may ultimately operate as the road surface on the bridge deck.

An end frame for paving equipment includes first and second end frame sections. The first and second end frame sections are adjustably connectable together to achieve a desired length for the end frame. The end frame is adjustably attachable to the paving equipment to achieve a desired angle of the end frame with respect to the paving equipment.

An assembly for providing an adjustable end for paving equipment includes an end frame and multiple frames having different fixed lengths. One of the side frames is selectable based on the desired length of the end frame to achieve the desired angle of the end frame with respect to the paving equipment. The end frame is attachable to a first side of the paving equipment. The selected side frame is attachable to the end frame and to a second side of the paving equipment opposite the first side.

An assembly for providing an adjustable end for paving equipment includes an end frame and a side frame. The side frame has first and second side frame sections adjustably connectable together to achieve a desired length for the side frame. The side frame is fixedly attachable to one side of the paving equipment. The end frame is attachable to the side frame and to another side of the paving equipment to achieve a desired angle of the end frame with respect to the side frame and the paving equipment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. It is to be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples and other embodiments may take various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features could be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the embodiments. As those of ordinary skill in the art will understand, various features illustrated and described with reference to any one of the figures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more other figures to produce embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. The combinations of features illustrated provide representative embodiments for typical applications. Various combinations and modifications of the features consistent with the teachings of this disclosure, however, could be desired for particular applications or implementations.

Referring, a perspective view of a bridge paving systemis illustrated. The bridge paving systemmay more generally be referred to as paving equipment, a paving machine, a roller paver, a bridge deck paver, a bridge deck roller paver, or a bridge construction system. Roller paver may also or more specifically refer to the rolling paving drums (e.g., paving rollers) on a carriage which finish the concrete. The bridge paving systemincludes a truss or frame structurethat extends between a first endand a second end. The frame structuremay also more generally be referred to as paving equipment. The first endmay be adjusted to a desired anglerelative to the remainder of the frameto compensate for a skewed orientation of the bridge paving systemrelative to a correspond bridge that is being paved in order to avoid interfering with traffic or any other obstacle on the bridge (e.g., light poles, rebar, etc.). Therefore, the first endmay be referred to as an adjustable end or the universal traffic end of the bridge paving system.

Referring to, the bridge paving systemmay be orientated at skewed anglerelative to the bridge deckthat is being paved. This may be advantageous or even necessary when the bridge supportsare also orientated at such a skewed anglerelative to the bridge deck. More specifically, skewing the bridge paving systemat or approximately at the same skew anglethat extends between the bridge supportsand the bridge deckensures the bridge paving systemis placing an evenly distributed force on the bridge as whole relative to the bridge supports.

In bridge design and construction, when a bridge deck (e.g., bridge deck) is not perpendicular to the corresponding supporting structure (e.g., the bridge supports), the bridge is considered to be a skewed bridge. One example of when a skewed bridge deck is utilized is when the bridge spans a body of water. Under such a scenario, the piers or support structures (e.g., the bridge supports) of the bridge may be positioned to remain parallel to a flow of waterbelow the bridge. This operates to avoid undue forces from the water flow when the span of the bridge is at an angle that is not perpendicular to the water flow. Skewed bridges accomplish both minimizing the resistance to the flow of water (e.g., the force of the water acting on the bridge supports) while also taking most efficient path across the water (e.g., a straight line).

In skewed bridge deck applications, paving equipment is often required to traverse the bridge such that the width of the machine is parallel (or close to parallel) to the bridge's supporting structure. This method is often adopted by operators in order to uniformly load the bridge and avoid uneven bridge deflection. Specifically, each end of the paving equipment (e.g., first endand second end) should be equidistant to the nearest supporting structure.

When paving a skewed bridge, machine operators may experience the following conditions: (i) a section of the paving equipment protruding beyond the edge of the bridge or (ii) a section of the paving equipment protruding beyond the section of bridge surface which is actively being paved (e.g. into open lanes of traffic). For example, a standard bridge paving system′ inillustrates a bridge paving system that does not have an adjustable end (e.g., first endof bridge paving system), which results in the bridge paving system′ extending into a section of the bridge where trafficis remains active. The bridge paving systemthat includes the adjustable end (e.g., first end), however, does not interfere with the traffic. The end frame (e.g., first end) may be adjusted so that it is relatively parallel to the flow of trafficso as to not interfere with the traffic.

The second scenario (i.e., where a section of the paving equipment protrudes beyond the section of bridge surface which is actively being paved) presents a challenge to operators in instances where the equipment's space claim is limited. For example, open lanes of trafficadjacent to the active work zone or obstructions in the machine's path (such as light posts) may necessitate a need to limit the space claim of the paving equipment. Currently, the only option for operators to limit their machine's space claim when paving on a skew is to use a truss and end frame of a predetermined length, angle, and side. Operators may be required to maintain multiple configurations of supplemental equipment for skew deck paving where space claim is restricted. Due to the variety of skew angles that bridges are designed to, contractors may require several different truss frame ends and side panels. When operators only maintain a fleet of previously required equipment, they may experience delays in receiving the necessary equipment required for upcoming bridge construction projects.

Returning to, the frame structureis comprised of a plurality of interconnectable trusses. The plurality of interconnectable trussesmay be connected to each other via pins or a pinned connectionalong the bottoms of the interconnectable trusses. A crown adjustment, which may include threaded rods, may connect the tops of the plurality of interconnectable trussesto each other. The crown adjustment, or more specifically, the threaded rods, may be utilized to pull the tops of the plurality of interconnectable trussestoward each other or to push the tops of the plurality of interconnectable trussesaway each other, which results in the adjacent interconnectable trussespivoting about the pinned connectionwhich increases or decreases a slope or gradient of the interconnectable trussesin directions extending outward from the corresponding pinned connectionstoward the first endand second end.

Support legsextending downward from the frame structureproximate to the first endand second end. The support legsare configured to elevate and lower the frame structurerelative to a supporting surface (e.g., the ground or a bridge deckthat is being paved). Actuators, such as but not limited to hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic motors, pneumatic cylinders, electrical solenoids, electric motors, hand cranks, etc., may be utilized to raise and lower the support legs. The support legsinclude wheels. The legsmay be pinned or attached to bogies. Bogies are an assembly structure which includes a weldment (framework), hardware, and the wheels. If it is a drive bogie, it will include provisions for chains, sprockets, and hydraulics, including the hydraulic drive motor. A position of the bridge paving systemis adjustable along the wheels. Some of the wheelsmay be drive wheelsthat receive power from a source (e.g., an internal combustion engine, electric motor, hydraulic pump, electric motor, etc.) to propel the bridge paving system. For example, the bridge paving systemmay include a power unitthat includes an internal combustion engine or electric motor that powers a hydraulic pump. Such a hydraulic pump in turn may be connected to hydraulic motors that are connected to the drive wheelsto propel the bridge paving system. Some the wheelsmay not receive power and may be referred to idle wheelsor an idler bogie system. The wheelsmay be adjusted so that the wheelsare oriented to propel the bridge paving systemat angle relative to the framethat is not perpendicular to the frame. This is desirable when the bridge paving systemis oriented at the skewed anglerelative to the bridge deck being paved (e.g., bridge deck) into order to maintain the skewed anglebetween the bridge paving systemand the bridge deck as the position of bridge paving systemis adjusted via the wheels.

The bogies or wheelsmay be at an angle relative to the frame structure. However, in some skewed deck applications, the bogies or wheelsremain relatively perpendicular to the framework. However, such angles may change if there is a taper to the bridge deck (i.e., the bridge starts narrowing or widening as the bridge pour progresses).

One or more carriages or trolliesmay be disposed on the frame structure. The one or more trolliesmay be movable between the first endand second endalong the frame structurein direction. The power unitmay be configured to deliver power to the one or more trolliesto propel the one or more trolliesalong direction. For example, the one or more trolliesmay be connected to hydraulic motors to propel the one or more trolliesalong direction, where such hydraulic motors are powered by the internal combustion engine or electric motor and hydraulic pump of the power unit. The power unitmay power a hydraulic motor on one end of the machine (e.g., the second end) which completes a large loop of chain connected to both the carriages or trolliesand an idler sprocket on the first end. Such a system generates movement in the direction of. The carriages or trolliesmay have their own power source (internal combustion engine) which powers all other functions of the carriage (e.g., auger rotation, drum rotation, etc.).

Paving devicesmay be secured to a hanger frame that is disposed on the frame structure. The paving devicesand the hanger frame collectively form the carriage or trolley. The hanger frame includes guide wheels and roller wheels which traverse a carriage rail attached to the frame structure. The hanger frame is pivotably attached via a center pin to the rest of the carriage. In this configuration, the paving devices are configured to pave material (e.g., finish wet cement) that has been placed onto a bridge deck where such material may ultimately operate as the road surface on the bridge deck. The paving devicesmakes one or more passes over each section of such a bridge deck via moving the trolleybetween the first endand second endto pave each section of the bridge deck. Once a section of the bridge deck has been paved, the bridge paving systemis indexed to another section of the bridge deck via the drive wheels. The paving devicesmay include a drag pan, paving rollers, a vibrator(e.g., a rota-vibe), and augers(e.g., left and right augers).

The bridge paving systemmay include a control console or control unitthat is configured to control the various components of the bridge paving system. For example, the control unitmay include a human machine interface that includes various buttons, knobs, levers, dials, touch screens, or any other user interface known in the art. The control unitmay further include a controller. The human machine interface may be connected to the controller. The controller operates the various functions of the bridge paving systemin response to a user input from the human machine interface. For example, in response to receiving inputs from the human machine interface, the controller may open and close electrically operated solenoids to operate hydraulic motors or send signal to electric motors to operate the drive wheelsto propel the bridge paving system, propel the one or more trolliesalong direction, control equipment secured to the one or more trollies, etc.

Such a controller may be part of a larger control system and may be controlled by various other controllers throughout the bridge paving system. It should therefore be understood that the controller and one or more other controllers can collectively be referred to as a “controller” that controls various actuators in response to signals from various sensors or inputs from an interface to control functions the bridge paving system. The controller may include a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU) in communication with various types of computer readable storage devices or media (e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon). Computer readable storage devices or media may include volatile and nonvolatile storage in read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM), for example. KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that may be used to store various operating variables while the CPU is powered down. Computer-readable storage devices or media may be implemented using any of a number of known memory devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electric, magnetic, optical, or combination memory devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions, used by the controller in controlling the bridge paving system.

Control logic or functions performed by the controller may be represented by flow charts or similar diagrams in one or more figures. These figures provide representative control strategies and/or logic that may be implemented using one or more processing strategies such as event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. As such, various steps or functions illustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Although not always explicitly illustrated, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the illustrated steps or functions may be repeatedly performed depending upon the particular processing strategy being used. Similarly, the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve the features and advantages described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description. The control logic may be implemented primarily in software executed by a microprocessor-based controller. Of course, the control logic may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware in one or more controllers depending upon the particular application. When implemented in software, the control logic may be provided in one or more computer-readable storage devices or media having stored data representing code or instructions executed by a computer to control the bridge paving systemor its subsystems. The computer-readable storage devices or media may include one or more of a number of known physical devices which utilize electric, magnetic, and/or optical storage to keep executable instructions and associated calibration information, operating variables, and the like.

Alternatively, engaging the human machine interface may include directly opening and closing hydraulic valves and/or directly opening and closing electrical switches to control the function of the bridge paving system(e.g., moving the trolley, advancing the bridge paving systemvia the wheels on the support legs, operating the equipment secured to the trolley, etc.). Limiting devices or switches may be utilized to limit the travel distance of the trolleyalong the first endand second endof the frame structure, limit movement of the support legs, or limit operating the equipment secured to the trolley. Such limiting devices or switches may reduce hydraulic pressure operating various components (e.g., by opening a relief valve) or alternatively eliminate electrical power being deliver to the various components of the bridge paving system.

Referring to, the adjustable first end, also referred to as the universal traffic end, is illustrated in further detail. It should be understood that both the first endand/or the second endof the frame structuremay be an adjustable universal traffic end as described herein. Therefore, the description of the first endas described herein may also be applicable to the second end.

The adjustable design of the universal traffic end limits the fleet size required in typical bridge construction methods by providing a single piece of equipment which adapts to any required skew angleand for any paving direction. Additionally, contractors are currently limited to using only available end frames having preset skew angles. Contractors are frequently required to use the end frame having the closest preset skew angle to compensate for the corresponding skew angleof the bridge being paved. With the universal traffic end, contractors have the ability to match their skew angle precisely to the skew angle of the bridge being paved. The universal traffic end is utilized in skewed bridge deck paving applications where the operator of the paving equipment wishes to reduce the space claim of the paving equipment. However, the universal traffic end may be utilized in any paving application where the width of the paving equipment is not perpendicular to the direction of travel of the paving equipment.

The purpose of the universal traffic end is to provide an attachment for paving equipment which mounts to either end of the paver and is adjustable to match the desired skew angle; and to ensure that the end frame of the paving equipment is parallel to the path of travel of the paving equipment. Currently, the construction of bridge surfaces includes utilization of rigidly connected end frames at specified and permanent angles in order to square the end of a machine to the bridge. Current end frame designs (sometimes referred to as traffic ends) are only suitable for one angle and specific to the direction of machine travel (which determines which side of the paving equipment they are mounted to). In some cases, operators may be required to have a multitude of supporting end frames to meet construction requirements.

The first endcomprises an assembly that includes an end truss, side panel, or end frameand a side truss, side panel, or side framethat are connected to each other and to the remainder of the frame structureof the bridge paving system. The end frameincludes a first end frame sectionand a second end frame sectionthat are adjustably connectable together to achieve a desired length, L, of the end frame. The end frameis adjustably attachable to the remainder of the paving equipment (e.g., the remainder of the frameor the remainder of the bridge construction systemas a whole) to achieve a desired angle of the end frame(e.g., the desired anglerelative to the remainder of the frame) with respect to the remainder of paving equipment. The end framemay further comprise a third end frame sectionthat is adjustably connectable the second end frame sectionto further facilitate achieving the desired length, L, of the end frame. The first end frame section, second end frame section, and third end frame sectionmay comprise weldments.

The end frameis attachable to a first lateral sideof the reminder of the paving equipment (e.g., the remainder of the frameor the remainder of the bridge construction systemas a whole) and to the side frame, while the side frameis attachable to the end frameand to a second lateral sideof the paving equipment opposite to the first lateral sidesuch that the end frameand the side frameare connected along first endsof the end frameand the side frame, and spaced apart along second endsthe end frameand the side frameat a longitudinal endof the remainder of the frame(e.g., an end of the framethat excludes the first end).

The first end frame sectionand the third end frame sectionmay comprise trusses or weldments that include rotatable ends(which may be referred to as rotaposts). The rotatable endof the first end frame sectionmay be secured to the remainder of the paving equipment (e.g., to the first lateral sidealong the longitudinal endof the remainder of the frame). The rotatable endof the third end frame sectionmay be secured to the side frame. The first end frame sectionand the third end frame sectionmay be slidable with respect to the second end frame sectionalong opposite sides of the respectable rotatable endsto achieve the desired length, L, of the end frame. More specifically, the first end frame sectionand the third end frame sectionmay be slidably received within the second end frame sectionforming a telescoping mechanism. For example, horizontal postson the second end frame sectionmay define openingsthat receive horizontal postson the first end frame sectionand third end frame sectionsuch the horizontal postsare slidable into and out of horizontal postsvia the openingsto adjust the length, L, of the end frame. The first end frame sectionand third end frame sectionin turn rotate about the respective rotatable endsrelative to the remainder of the paving equipment and to the side frame, respectively, to compensate for the change in length, L, of the end frameand to facilitate setting the desired angleof the end frame.

The rotatable endsinclude members or end frame section bodiesforming portions of the weldments that comprise the first end frame sectionand the third end frame section. The rotatable endsfurther include a pivotable connecting members, pivot posts, pivots, or pinsthat are pivotable with respect to the end frame section bodiesand attachable to the remainder of the paving equipment (e.g., the remainder of the frame) or to the side frame. The end frame section bodieseach include an upright frame memberthat defines a channel or opening(e.g., tubular passage). The pinsmay extend through openingsin the upright frame memberssuch that the upright frame members, including end frame section bodies, rotate about the pinsvia the openings. The pinsmay comprise posts that are each received in one of the opening. The pinsare rigidly secured to bracketson opposing ends of the end frame section bodies. The bracketsin turn rigidly secure the pinsto adjacent mating components (e.g., the side frameor the remainder of the frame) so that the first end frame sectionand third end frame sectionmay rotate about the pinsrelative to the adjacent mating components. The brackets may define openings operable to receive fasteners for mounting the brackets to the adjacent mating components.

One or more of the end frame sections (e.g., first end frame sectionand third end frame section) may include multiple openingsthat are each alignable with one or more openingsin another mating end frame section (e.g., second end frame section) to achieve the desired length, L, for the end frame. The end framemay further include fastenersthat are insertable into aligned openings (e.g., a pair including one openingand one opening) of the end frame sections (e.g., first end frame section, second end frame section, and third end frame section) to fix the end frame sections in position with respect to each other. One or more of end frame sections (e.g., first end frame section) may include markingsto indicate desired lengths (length, L, of the end frame) and/or desired anglesof the end frameassociated with the multiple openings. The markingsmay be adjacent or proximate to the multiple openings (e.g., openings). The one or more fastenersor other fasteners (e.g., set screws, clamps, etc.) may be utilized to adjustably connect together the end frame sections (e.g., first end frame section, second end frame section, and third end frame section).

Tethers(e.g., ropes, cords, chains, etc.) may connect one or more of the end frame sections (e.g., first end frame section, second end frame section, and third end frame section) to each other. More specifically, the tethersmay connect the first end frame sectionto the second end frame sectionand the third end frame sectionto the second end frame section. The tethersmay be set to a predetermined length to prevent a complete disconnection between the first end frame sectionand the second end frame section, and to prevent a complete disconnection between the third end frame sectionto the second end frame section, in the event the first end frame sectionor the third end frame sectionare not properly fastened to the second end frame section.

The length, L, of the side framemay also be adjusted to compensate for the change in length, L, of the end frameand to facilitate setting the desired angleof the end frame. The length, L, of the side framemay be adjusted so that the side frameremains parallel with the remainder of the framealong direction. The side framemay include a first side frame sectionand a second side frame sectionthat are adjustably connectable together to achieve the desired length, L, for the side frame. The side frame, or more specifically the first side frame section, may be fixedly attachable to one side of the paving equipment (e.g., the second lateral sideat the longitudinal endof the remainder of the frame). The side frame, or more specifically the second side frame section, may be rotatably connected to the end frame. Even more specifically, the second side frame sectionmay be rotatably connected to the rotatable endof the third end frame section. The first side frame sectionand a second side frame sectionmay be weldments.

The first side frame sectionand the second side frame sectionmay be slidable with respect to each other to achieve the desired length, L, of the side frame. More specifically, the second side frame sectionmay be slidably received within the first side frame sectionforming a telescoping mechanism. For example, horizontal postson the first side frame sectionmay define openings that receive horizontal postson the second side frame sectionsuch that the horizontal postsare slidable into and out of horizontal postsvia the openings to adjust the length, L, of the side frame.

One or more of the side frame sections (e.g., the second side frame section) may include multiple openingsthat are each alignable with one or more openingsin the other mating side frame section (e.g., the first side frame section) to achieve the desired length, L, for the side frame. The side framemay further include fastenersthat are insertable into aligned openings (e.g., a pair including one openingand one opening) of the side frame sections (e.g., first side frame sectionand the second side frame section) to fix the side frame sections in position with respect to each other. The one or more fastenersor other fasteners (e.g., set screws, clamps, etc.) may be utilized to adjustably connect together the side frame sections (e.g., first side frame sectionand the second side frame section). The configuration of the openings,and fastenersmay be the same as the configuration of the openings,and fastenersillustrated inwith respect to the end frame. For example, there may be openings,and connecting fastenersextending through a pair of openings,on two or more horizontal posts extending from the first side frame sectionand the second side frame section.

Tethers(e.g., ropes, cords, chains, etc.) may connect one or more of the side frame sections (e.g., first side frame sectionand the second side frame section) to each other. More specifically, the tethersmay connect the first side frame sectionto the second side frame section, and may be set to a predetermined length to prevent a complete disconnection between the first side frame sectionand the second side frame sectionin the event the first side frame sectionand the second side frame sectionare not properly fastened to each other.

In an alternative configuration, the side framemay comprises multiple side frames (e.g., side panels, side portions, truss sections) having different fixed lengths, where one of the side framesis selectable based on the desired length of the end frameto achieve the desired angleof the end framewith respect to the remainder of paving equipment (e.g., the remainder of the frame). For example, a first selectable fixed side framefor a shorter configuration may be illustrated inwhile a second selectable fixed side framefor a longer configuration may be illustrated inas opposed to an adjustable side frameas previously described. It is further noted that the length, L, of the end frameand the desired length, L, of the side framemay each be adjusted at any incremental value into obtain the desired angleof the end frame. The desired anglemay range from any desired skewed angle (e.g., an angle that is less than perpendicular to a corresponding connecting trussand greater than 0° relative to the corresponding connecting truss) to a non-skewed angle (e.g., an angle that is perpendicular to the corresponding connecting trussor an angle that is 0° relative to the corresponding connecting truss). Several angles of adjustment are illustrated into demonstrate the ability to set the angleof the end frameto any desired value.

The position of the one or more trolliesmay be adjusted along directionvia one or more motorsthat are secured to the end frame. The motorsmay be connected to gears or sprockets to driving chains to move the one or more trollies. Alternatively, idle gears or sprockets that engage the chains to move the one or more trolliesmay be secured to the end framewhile the one or more motorsare disposed elsewhere. The motors(or the gears or sprockets) need to maintain a parallel alignment between the chains to move the one or more trolliesand the frame. Therefore, in order to compensate for positions of the end framewhere the desired angleis skewed, the motors(or the gears or sprockets) are position on horizontal postsvia bearings, where the horizontal postsare capable of pivoting along fasteners or pinsrelative to the end frame. The motors(or the gears or sprockets) and corresponding elements (e.g., a bracket, a shield, etc.) are rigidly fixed to a first of the horizontal postsvia fasteners(e.g., nut and bolt combinations) but are in a sliding engagement with a second of the horizontal postsvia fastenersengaging T-nuts, where the T-nutsare slidable in a slotdefined by the second of the horizontal posts. Such engagement facilitates pivoting of the horizontal postsand sliding of the motors(or the gears or sprockets) and corresponding elements (e.g., bracket, shield, etc.) such that the motors(or the gears or sprockets) maintain a parallel alignment between the chains to move the one or more trolliesalong the frame.

It should be understood that the designations of first, second, third, fourth, etc. for any component, state, or condition described herein may be rearranged in the claims so that they are in chronological order with respect to the claims. Furthermore, it should be understood that any component, state, or condition described herein that does not have a numerical designation may be given a designation of first, second, third, fourth, etc. in the claims if one or more of the specific component, state, or condition are claimed.

The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. As previously described, the features of various embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. While various embodiments could have been described as providing advantages or being preferred over other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, those of ordinary skill in the art recognize that one or more features or characteristics may be compromised to achieve desired overall system attributes, which depend on the specific application and implementation. As such, embodiments described as less desirable than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics are not outside the scope of the disclosure and may be desirable for particular applications.